IPL franchises announced the list of retentions before IPL 2022 mega auction on Tuesday. Although there were a few surprises, overall, the retention event happened on the expected lines. Meanwhile, the focus now shifts to the new franchises, who will have to make their move now. On that note, in this article, we take a look at the best playing XI of retained cricketers before IPL 2022 mega auction.
Openers: Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler
Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler will open the batting for this best playing XI of retained cricketers before IPL 2022 mega auction. While Rohit was retained at INR 16 cr by Mumbai Indians, Jos Buttler will continue playing for the Rajasthan Royals at INR 10 cr. Although there are options such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, based on the sample size so far, Rohit and Jos look the best possible options to be the openers of this XI. If KL Rahul was retained, he would have been an automatic choice here.
Middle-Order: Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni (C&WK)
Although Virat Kohli opened the batting for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2021, his batting position for the next season is likely to depend on the team’s performance at the auctions. That aside, Virat is the highest run-getter in the league and is an obvious choice in the XI.
Rishabh Pant is one of the highest-earning players of IPL 2022 after the Delhi Capitals retained him at INR 16 cr. The wicket-keeper is also likely to continue as the captain of the franchise.
The much-awaited update about MS Dhoni‘s future was given clarity at the retention event. He has been retained by the Chennai Super Kings and at least, for one more campaign, MSD will lead and keep wickets for the 2021 champions.
All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja and Andre Russell
Ahead of MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja was retained as the first player of Chennai Super Kings. While this is the result of the good work that Jaddu has put in over the past few seasons, the decision is also a sign of the things to come. Jadeja might be the captain of CSK once MS Dhoni is done with his playing career.
Although Andre Russell has looked off-colour in recent seasons, Kolkata Knight Riders have still backed him by retaining him. The West Indian has been an MVP in IPL before, and KKR will be expecting a similar show in future editions.
Bowlers: Sunil Narine, Jasprit Bumrah, Anrich Nortje and Mohammed Siraj
Sunil Narine’s form dipped in recent years, but he came back well in the UAE leg of IPL 2021. His all-round performance against RCB in the eliminator served well for the franchise. Hence, KKR has kept hold of his services for future campaigns.
Jasprit Bumrah’s retention was a no-brainer for Mumbai Indians. He has been the best bowler in the league for a while now and hence, there were no surprises whatsoever. Jasprit will earn a sum of INR 12 cr from IPL 2022.
Anrich Nortje was a revelation in IPL 2020 and IPL 2021. His pace and variations troubled the best batsmen in the league. Hence, Delhi Capitals retained him ahead of Kagiso Rabada.
RCB fans wanted Mohammed Siraj to be retained, and the franchise has done just that. Siraj seems to have cracked bowling in T20’s. Hence, RCB will look to him as the leader of the pace attack from the next campaign. Of course, he will need help but at the moment, Siraj has done well for himself to earn retention.
