Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
After the 8 IPL franchises revealed the list of players they wish to release/retain ahead of the mega auctions, the window then opened for the two new franchises - Lucknow and Ahmedabad - to sign 3 players each. It was always going to be a tricky decision with so many big names available in the pool. However, it seems like the two new franchises have finally come to a consensus on the players they wish to rope in, around whom the remainder of the team will be selected in the mega auctions.
According to sources close to SportsTiger, Lucknow will be led by KL Rahul, with Rashid Khan and Ishan Kishan their two other picks. On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer is all set to lead Ahmedabad with Hardik Pandya and David Warner as their other signings.
Lucknow Picks:
KL Rahul
Rashid Khan
Ishan Kishan
Ahmedabad Picks:
Shreyas Iyer
Hardik Pandya
David Warner
Notably, Lucknow have also got Andy Flower on board as their head coach while Ahmedabad are yet to decide on their coaching staff.
What are the other alternatives for franchises?
Although the above mentioned players are reportedly very close to joining their respective franchises, it must be noted that nothing has been made official as of now. This is why one cannot rule out the possibility of any other player grabbing the deal in the final minute if negotiations with any of the mentioned players collapse.
Notably, a deduction of INR 33 crores will be made from the purse of both the franchises with the three signings getting INR 15 crores, INR 11 crores and INR 7 crores respectively. Hence, there is a possibility that the amount being offered to the players could result in the deal not getting through.
In such a case, the franchises will need to look at other alternatives where the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Ben Stokes, Quinton de Kock, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur etc. could come into the picture.