IPL Mega Auction 2022 will be one of the grandest events in the Indian Premier League history. For the first time in over a decade, there will be ten franchises at the auction. The rules for the mega auction are different than the mini-auction rules. In the mini-auction, teams have permission to retain a majority of their players. Some of the teams almost retain their full squad and just fill up the backup spots in the mini-auctions.
However, in the mega auction, teams only have the permission to retain a maximum of four-five players. Ahead of IPL Mega Auction 2022, the BCCI has reportedly allowed the existing eight teams to retain a maximum of four players each. It could either be a combination of 2 Indian players + 2 overseas players, or it could be 3 Indian players + 1 overseas player. So, in this article today, we will look at the four teams that might retain 2 Indian + 2 Overseas cricketers ahead of IPL Mega Auction 2022.
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore may keep 2 Indian + 2 Overseas players before IPL Mega Auction 2022
The Royal Challengers Bangalore have achieved a lot of success in the last two seasons. Although they have not won their maiden IPL trophy, the Royal Challengers Bangalore have qualified for the playoffs and finished fourth. In IPL 2021, their batting lineup’s success majorly depended on Glenn Maxwell.
The Australian all-rounder played his first season for the Bangalore-based franchise in 2021 and played a huge role in the team’s journey to the playoffs. Another overseas player who has played an integral role in RCB’s success has been AB de Villiers. So, RCB may look to retain both Maxwell and de Villiers and go with a 2 Indian + 2 Overseas cricketers template.
2. Sunrisers Hyderabad
Another team that might go with the 2 Indian + 2 Overseas cricketers option if they retain four players is Sunrisers Hyderabad. Australian opener David Warner has confirmed that he will be part of the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. But SRH still have two foreigners whom they would prefer to retain.
The first one is obviously Afghanistan’s leg-spinner Rashid Khan. He has been brilliant in the shortest format of the game. Also, Rashid has achieved a lot of success in the IPL. The second player could be either Kane Williamson or Jonny Bairstow. It will be interesting to see whom SRH retains.
3. Rajasthan Royals
Inaugural IPL champions Rajasthan Royals had a solid group of overseas players in IPL 2021. However, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and Andrew Tye could not play. Buttler played in the first half but pulled out of the second phase, while Stokes played only one game. Archer was ruled out of the season due to injury.
Although Stokes, Buttler and Archer did not play in 2021, they are three players whom Rajasthan Royals might not want to lose. So, it should not be a surprise if RR retain two of them and go with 2 Indian + 2 overseas template if they retain four players.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders may keep 2 Indian + 2 Overseas players before IPL Mega Auction 2022
Kolkata Knight Riders are another franchise that will face a dilemma while retaining their players. Captain Eoin Morgan did not fire with the bat but took the team to the final. Andre Russell and Sunil Narine have been very important parts of the team. Pat Cummins is also a decent option.
It will be exciting to see which players the Kolkata Knight Riders retain for the next season. KKR reached the IPL Final in 2021 for the first time since 2014, so the management may look to retain four players.