Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The 15th edition of the Indian Premier League is going to see a mega auction ahead of the commencement of the season with a massive change in the teams. Additionally, IPL 2022 is going to be a 10-team event, with 2 new teams being added in the cash-rich league which will result in the transfer of many players. As per the guidelines set by BCCI, each franchise can retain up to 3 players in the combination – 1 Indian player and 2 overseas players, or 1 overseas player and 2 Indian players.
SunRisers Hyderabad had a forgetful season in IPL 2021 as the side only won 3 out of 14 games (their worst-ever record) and finished at the bottom of the table. They were also the most inconsistent side throughout the season and had many changes in every game which reflected the lack of a strong playing XI for the side. Notably, SRH only bought 3 players in the mini auction that took place before IPL 2021, which costed them to a great extent. The franchise would definitely be looking forward to the inclusion of some new players to their side as well as retaining their best 3.
3 players that SRH can retain in IPL 2022 mega auction
- Rashid Khan
It’s no brainer that the Afghani spinner would be one of the top choices for SRH when it comes to players’ retention ahead of the 2022 auction. One of the top spinners in the world, Rashid has always stepped up for the side and delivered with phenomenal performances. The spinner’s overs are not just economical for SRH but also give much needed breakthroughs and turn tables for SunRisers Hyderabad.
In IPL 2021, the 23-year-old has picked 18 wickets in 14 matches, being the highest wicket-taker for the franchise and also fifth in the tournament. His brilliant googly deliveries and variations with the ball add to his bowling excellence making him one of the most sought after players of the format. Additionally, the Afghani spinner can also contribute with the bat in the lower order that adds up to his bowling brilliance. This makes Rashid Khan a clear retention pick for the franchise.
- Kane Williamson
Current SRH skipper Kane Williamson is yet another top retaining option for the franchise. The Kiwi skipper is one of the top players in international cricket and has been a consistent player for SRH. Williamson was handed over the captaincy of SRH in the first leg of IPL 2021, after the team lost 5 out of 6 games under David Warner’s captaincy. Notably, Kane successfully led the team in 2018 in the absence of David Warner and was also the highest run scorer in that season. Given that SRH have a formidable set of overseas players, the New Zealand skipper often had to wait for chances to feature in the playing XI, but whenever he got an opportunity, he made the most of it.
Given the current players available in the side, SunRisers would definitely look at Williamson as a captain option and will look forward to retain the 31-year-old in the 2022 mega auction.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
The Indian pacer is yet another player that SRH will aim to retain. Bhuvneshwar Kumar brings in experience to the bowling line-up of the franchise and is undoubtedly their top pacer. The two-time purple cap holder is also the seventh highest wicket-taker of all times in IPL, which speaks highly about his wicket taking abilities. Although this season might not have been the best for the 31-year-old as he only managed to pick 6 wickets in 11 matches, he’s a top performing bowler and one bad season does not speak of the wonders that he can do with the ball.
Additionally Bhuvi is one of the most economical bowlers for the side along with his exceptional swing bowling. Given his stellar abilities, Sunrisers will aim to retain their star pacer ahead of the 2022 mega auction.