With the IPL 2022 mega auction coming up soon, reports are emerging that franchises can retain a maximum of four players each, with a maximum of two overseas players. Thus, many teams stand to lose their star players. The 2022 IPL mega auction is surely set to provide a major reset to the tournament. So it will be interesting to see the roster changes once the auctions are over. Today, we will take a look at 6 key players who might lose their spots from their respective franchises.
#1. Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock currently opens for Mumbai Indians and is one of the more important players in the team. A part of the team since 2019, de Kock established himself as a dependable batsman. He can bat well at almost any position and is a vital part of the team.
However, it’s more than likely that Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard are the ones who get retained by the Mumbai Indians. Rohit Sharma is the captain of the team, while Hardik Pandya and Pollard possess match-winning abilities which become invaluable in the IPL. Jasprit Bumrah is arguably the best bowler in the world today, so it’s a no-brainer to retain him. Thus, there’s a good chance that de Kock is released.
#2. Faf du Plessis
This entry might surprise some, as Faf du Plessis is one of the biggest players to be identified with the Chennai outfit. Apart from the short-lived Rising Pune Supergiants team, Faf has only played for CSK in the IPL. However, that might change soon, as it seems likely that CSK might not choose to retain him for the 2022 mega auction.
Chennai Super Kings is spoiled for choices to retain, and it seems like Du Plessis might not feature in their plans. Players like MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Suresh Raina, and Sam Curran seem more likely to be retained in the 2022 season of the IPL. While the former South African skipper has been a part of CSK for a long time, the Chennai outfit might look beyond him for the future.
#3. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav faces the same situation as Quinton de Kock. Yadav is a phenomenal player and was performing extremely well this season. However, his chances of getting retained are slim to none.
Mumbai Indians boast of world-class players like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Pollard and Bumrah. These four players form the core of the team, and the new rules will allow the team to retain them. Thus, as a result, Yadav might be released. MI could make a play for him once again in the auctions, but retention doesn’t seem on the cards for the talented batsman.
#4. David Warner
David Warner is an interesting case. The talented Australian’s fall from grace is one to behold. An explosive batsman, Warner captained Sunrisers Hyderabad as recent as this season. However, under him, SRH managed to win only 1 out 6 matches in the 2020 season of the IPL. Kane Williamson was handed the reins of the team soon after.
Sunrisers Hyderabad seems to have moved on from Warner, which is a sad sight to see. Players like Jonny Bairstow, T Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Kane Williamson are more likely to be retained than the former Aussie captain.
#5. Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler is a great batsman from England. The explosive cricketer is a part of the Rajasthan Royals and is a great batsman for the T20 format. However, Rajasthan Royals will be hard-pressed for options, as Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer make very strong cases for their retention.
Ben Stokes is arguably one of the best all-rounders in the world today. The value he can bring to the team is immeasurable. On the other hand, Jofra Archer is England’s premier fast bowler and is a regular part of the RR setup. So according to the new rules, where only two overseas players are allowed, Buttler will be hard to fit into the Rajasthan setup.
#6. Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins is one of Australia’s premier fast bowlers and is also their vice-captain in limited-overs. He has been a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders for the past one year. Cummins is a clutch bowler who can single-handedly win the match for his team.
But in terms of overseas players, KKR is spoiled for choice. They have players like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Lockie Ferguson, etc. Andre Russell is a sure-fire match-winner for the KKR, and the other spot could be filled by Eoin Morgan. So there’s a high chance that Cummins gets released by KKR.
