There will be a complete reset of the IPL next year, as there will be a mega auction in the 2022 season of the IPL. Only 5 players can be retained by each franchise, of which only 3 can be capped, Indian players. That being said, there is a lot of talks about which franchise can bid for which player. Today we will take a look at 6 players Mumbai Indians can target in the IPL 2022 mega auction.
#1. Jonny Bairstow (SRH)
While Bairstow had a good 2021 for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, the team may not choose to retain him. Players like Kane Williamson, David Warner, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, etc seems to be locked to be retained. In that case, if Jonny Bairstow finds himself in the auction pool, there’s a good chance that Mumbai Indians goes after him.
Mumbai Indians is filled with match-winners, and there’s a match-winner in Bairstow. If Mumbai releases de Kock, he could be a great opening batsman and wicket-keeper to play de Kock’s role in the team. Jonny Bairstow in the blue jersey alongside Rohit Sharma would be a scary opening combination for the bowlers.
#2. Eoin Morgan (KKR)
Eoin Morgan has had a disappointing IPL season this year. The English skipper was handed the team’s captaincy and has failed as a captain. There is a good chance that he might get released by the KKR management.
Eoin Morgan is an underrated T20 batsman and can absolutely demolish the bowlers when needed. Mumbai Indians will need someone experienced in the middle order if they lose out on Suryakumar Yadav in the IPL 2022 mega auctions. Thus, Morgan could be a perfect fit for the Mumbai franchise.
#3. Krishnappa Gowtham (CSK)
Krishnappa Gowtham is a very talented all-rounder and currently plays for the Chennai Super Kings. With players like Jadeja, Raina and Dhoni in the team, it seems very unlikely that Gowtham gets retained. Rahul Chahar is someone who has been great for the Mumbai Indians in lowering the run rate and taking wickets in crucial moments.
Gowtham could very well fill that role. Gowtham was selected as one of the five net bowlers in India’s Test squad for the tour of England. He is yet uncapped, and this could play into Mumbai’s hands.
#4. Anrich Nortje (DC)
Anrich Nortje currently plays for the Delhi Capitals, but his chances of retention seem bleak. Delhi is already struggling to find a balance in the retentions as most of their star players are capped players. Shikhar Dhawan, R Ashwin, Prithwi Shaw, and Rishabh Pant are players who have been extremely vital for the success of the Delhi Capitals. In the overseas player’s department, Steve Smith, Kagiso Rabada, M Stoinis, and Hetmyer make strong cases for their retention. Thus his release seems imminent.
Mumbai Indians is in need of quality pacers, as the burden is currently shared by Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah. Nortje is a quality pacer who could boost the pace attack of the Mumbai Indians.
#5. Mayank Markande (RR)
Mayank Markande is an upcoming leg-break bowler who currently plays for the Rajasthan Royals. Although he hasn’t gotten much of a chance on the international scene, he has impressed whenever he has bowled. Markande was a part of PBKS and MI in the past. His bowling skills can be a great asset for the Mumbai Indians in the middle overs.
#6. Washington Sundar (RCB)
Washington Sundar currently plays for the RCB currently. But unfortunately, he hasn’t made much of an impact on the team. Thus he might get released next year. Sundar impressed everyone after his great performances in Tests for India. He hasn’t been able to transcend his success to the IPL though. So it might not be long before he finds himself in the auction pool.
Sundar is a perfect fit for the role of Krunal Pandya if Mumbai fails to get Pandya back into the fold. Washington is a great batsman and an equally great spinner. Rohit Sharma can get a great option in Sundar if he wants to eke out some overs in a match.
