The last mega-auction happened in 2018. Over these years, IPL has seen a transition period in which a new generation of players has emerged. Hence, before the upcoming mega-auction for IPL 2022, we are likely to witness a few occurrences happening for the first time. A few players who were lesser established IPL cricketers around 2018 might be retained by their respective franchises before the forthcoming campaign. In this article, we take a look at five popular players who could get retained for the first time before a mega-auction for IPL 2022.
1) KL Rahul
KL Rahul started his IPL career back in 2013 with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad before coming back to his home franchise in 2016. He had an injury in 2017, but RCB fans expected him to be retained before the 2018 mega-auction. However, they did not do that.
Since then, KL Rahul has been one of the best batsmen in the competition. He was appointed as the skipper of Punjab Kings in 2020. Unless he wants a move, KL Rahul could get retained for the first time before a mega-auction before IPL 2022.
2) Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan is one of the popular players who could get retained for the first time before a mega-auction for IPL 2022. The Afghan was purchased for INR 4 crores in 2017, and SRH then paid him INR 9 crores in the 2018 mega-auctions.
At the moment, Rashid looks to be the first name on the retention list for the Hyderabad-based franchise. Rashid is already the second-highest wicket-taker for the franchise. He is young and is only improving. Hence, SRH is sure to retain the player.
3) Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav has been part of IPL since 2011. He first played for Mumbai Indians before making the move to Kolkata. In 2018, Mumbai hired him back and since then, SKY has been in great form.
For Mumbai, in SKY, they would get a home-grown cricketer who is experienced in the format. He knows the Wankhede pitch very well and the fans also like him. Hence, the five-time champions could consider retaining the player.
4) Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan played his first two seasons of IPL for Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017. At the end of this stint, Ishan had shown that he had the potential to achieve great things. However, GL had to exit the competition and hence, the wicket-keeper batsman did not have the opportunity to get retained before a mega-auction.
That said, he could be firm on the plans of Mumbai Indians for the upcoming campaigns. A left-hander, flexible across the batting line-up, a fearless batsman, a wicket-keeper and moreover a player who can lead the team in the future. With so many checkboxes ticked in his CV, MI might as well retain him.
5) Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson is one of the popular players who could get retained for the first time before a mega-auction for IPL 2022. It is surprising to note that Williamson has never been retained before a mega-auction so far. This is despite him playing in the competition since 2015.
SRH was lucky to re-hire him for just INR 3 crores at the 2018 mega-auctions. He has been consistent with the bat and even led the team very well in a season when David Warner was absent. Midway in IPL 2021, he replaced the Aussie as the captain of the franchise. The Kiwi is a quality player and SRH might look to build their future squad around him by retaining the player.
