Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
With BCCI setting a deadline of January 22 for the two new franchises to finalize their draft picks, another big twist is seemingly take place in the camp of Team Lucknow. The RP Sanjiv Goenka group owned franchise, who have reportedly been in talks with players like Ishan Kishan, Rashid Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal and David Warner, have now set their eyes on two new players.
While they are most likely to sign KL Rahul who will their captain as expected, the other two signings of the franchise could be quite unexpected. According to senior journalist Shriniwas Rao, Lucknow are in talks with Ravi Bishnoi and Marcus Stoinis and the duo might join them for IPL 2022.
What could be the reason behind this move?
One of the main reasons could be the fact that the franchise might not have been able to successfully negotiate with the players considering the budget restrictions. Rashid Khan left SRH as he wanted to be their first retention, and the situation doesn't actually change at Lucknow with KL Rahul likely to be their first choice signing.
If the whole situation transpires as reported, it could actually prove to a good move for Lucknow as they will have more money to spend in the mega auctions. As per the rules, INR 14 crores and INR 10 crores will be deducted from their purse for the signing of capped players, which could be KL Rahul and Marcus Stoinis, respectively.
Meanwhile, an uncapped player like Ravi Bishnoi might cost the franchise only INR 4 crores which will ensure that they have a large sum of money left with them in the upcoming auctions set to take place in Bengaluru on February 12-13. It will be intriguing to see how things develop from here.