Many cricket fans would know that two new teams will join the world’s biggest T20 league in IPL 2022. BCCI is expanding the league to give the talents more opportunities. BCCI tried this move earlier as well. The board introduced two new franchises in 2011. Pune and Kochi were the bases of those two teams.
Unfortunately, Pune and Kochi could not survive for a longer time. Kochi exited after the 2011 season itself. Meanwhile, Pune left soon as well. As per reports, Ahmedabad is one of the favorites to get one of the new teams in IPL 2022. It will be exciting to see how the new teams in IPL 2022 perform, and here’s a look at the possible captaincy candidates for the teams.
1. David Warner could become captain of one of the new teams in IPL 2022
David Warner has been one of the most consistent batsmen in IPL. Warner has been a part of SRH for quite some time. But it looks like he may be a part of the IPL Auction 2022. The reason behind it is SRH sacked him as their captain in 2021. The Orange Army struggled in the first half of the season.
As a result, the team management made this big call. It seems SRH sees Williamson as their future. So, they might let go of Warner. This could be a great chance for the new teams. They could possibly sign David and name him as their leader. After all, David is a 3-time Orange Cap winner and a former IPL-winning captain.
2. Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina is famously called Mr IPL. The southpaw has never won the Orange Cap in IPL. However, he is one of the leading run-getters. Raina has scored 5,491 runs in 200 IPL games. Most importantly, he has been vice-captain of CSK in most games.
Also, Raina has captained CSK as well as Gujarat Lions in IPL. Raina has led the team 34 times in IPL. In those 34 matches, his team emerged victorious 14 times. He has also captained Team India. Since he has so much experience, Raina could be a captaincy option for the new team if CSK releases him.
3. Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik is one of the most underrated T20 players of all time. The wicket-keeper batsman has played for many franchises. In all, he has featured in 203 IPL matches. His total aggregate has been 3,946 runs in the league. Meanwhile, his highest score is 97*.
Dinesh has led the Kolkata Knight Riders before. He has also captained the Delhi Daredevils side. In all, he has captained 43 times in the IPL. He has a decent win percentage of 50 in the league. So, Karthik could be a contender for the new team’s leader if KKR let him go.
4. Ajinkya Rahane could become captain of one of the new teams in IPL 2022
Ajinkya Rahane is the vice-captain of the Indian Test team. He famously guided India to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2020-21. He believes in leading from the front. Also, Rahane has fantastic numbers in IPL. He has scored 3,941 runs in 151 matches.
Since DC benched Rahane in IPL 2021, they may not retain him for 2022. In that case, the new teams could potentially target him. Rahane has captained RR and RPS in IPL, winning nine matches. The right-handed batsman can play consistently for the new team. Thus, he could be a great option for leadership.
5. Mayank Agarwal
Mayank Agarwal recently made his captaincy debut in IPL. If there is a rule of three retained players for IPL 2022, Mayank may be in the auction pool. He is one of the top batsmen in India right now. Also, he scored 99 runs on his captaincy debut. Thus, Agarwal is a candidate worth considering.
His numbers have constantly improved in the IPL. In 2011, his batting average was 20.14 in the IPL. The same has increased to 43.33 in 2021. This shows that he could be a reliable choice. It will be interesting to see if the new teams consider him as an option for leadership.
6. Steve Smith
Steve Smith is a former Australian cricket team captain. He even led the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2020. Prior to that, he guided Rising Pune Supergiant to the final in 2017. Smith has a winning record of 59.52 per cent in IPL. The Aussie is another player who leads from the front.
With over 2,400 runs to his name in IPL, Smith has proven his consistency. He made a few errors in 2020. However, one must not forget he is a good captain. Smith has an opportunity to revive his IPL career in the coming days. The new teams in IPL 2022 could potentially allow Smith to write a new chapter in IPL.
