The IPL 2022 Mega Auction is the most-awaited event in the cricket world. Two new franchises, one from Ahmedabad and one from Lucknow, have joined the Indian Premier League ahead of the landmark 15th edition of the world’s grandest T20 League.
So now there are ten teams, namely Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings in IPL 2022. Ahead of the mega auction, every existing franchise has been allowed to retain a maximum of four players, as per reports. While most fans have an idea of the players that their franchise can retain, there could be some surprises in store as well. Here’s a list of the one surprising retention each team can make.
1. Chennai Super Kings surprise retention before IPL 2022 Mega Auction – Dwayne Bravo
According to reports, Chennai Super Kings are likely to retain Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja as their three Indian players in the squad before the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. The final spot is likely to be given to be one out of Faf du Plessis and DJ Bravo.
Both are proven match-winners in the shortest format of the game. However, looking at form and fitness, Du Plessis should get that spot. If CSK go with Bravo, it will be a surprise.
2. Mumbai Indians – Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya has been out of form in 2021. He has rarely bowled and struggled with the bat. Mumbai Indians have plenty of options available in the squad.
Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are likely to be retained by the Mumbai-based franchise. If Mumbai picks Hardik Pandya as their third player, many fans might be surprised.
3. Delhi Capitals – Axar Patel
Most fans expect Delhi Capitals to retain the trio of Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant in the Indian department. Shreyas Iyer is reportedly leaving for a leadership role.
Delhi Capitals could spring a surprise by retaining Axar Patel instead of one of the two Indian openers. Patel is a match-winner and can be a long-term asset.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders surprise retention before IPL 2022 Mega Auction – Eoin Morgan
Not many fans feel that the Kolkata Knight Riders will retain their captain Eoin Morgan. The reason behind it is that Morgan did not perform well with the bat.
However, he took the Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2021 Final. If he takes England to the top in T20 WC, KKR might surprisingly retain their captain.
5. Punjab Kings – Arshdeep Singh
As per reports, KL Rahul is going to leave the Punjab Kings franchise ahead of the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. So, the question is whom will the Punjab Kings retain.
Mayank Agarwal is one of the best options. The other could be Mohammed Shami or Arshdeep Singh. Since Arshdeep is an uncapped player, his retention might raise a few eyebrows.
6. Rajasthan Royals – Kartik Tyagi
Kartik Tyagi was one of the best bowlers for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2021. Tyagi was at his best in the match against the Punjab Kings during the previous season.
Like the Punjab Kings, the Rajasthan Royals did not have many good performers in IPL 2021. So, Royals could surprise fans by retaining Kartik Tyagi over reputed players.
7. Royal Challengers Bangalore surprise retention before IPL 2022 Mega Auction – Mohammed Siraj
Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell are the likely retentions for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Yuzvendra Chahal and Harshal Patel also have a chance.
However, looking at how Mohammed Siraj has improved, RCB can retain him. It might surprise fans, but Siraj has improved a lot at RCB.
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad – Jason Roy
Rashid Khan is likely to be one of the overseas players retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad. As per reports, there is a maximum number of two overseas retentions allowed.
Kane Williamson could be the second name. However, SRH can also retain Jason Roy. He was in great touch for the team in the five matches he played.
