The IPL, which had to take an abrupt pause came back in our lives with much fanfare. The second leg had commenced in fantastic fashion. It gave us some of the best nail-biting matches and did justice to its billing as one of the most entertaining competitions. However, with only the finals left now, this 14th season has all but come to an end. Franchises have already begun strategizing for the mega auction next year.
The BCCI had, in its AGM formally announced the introduction of two new teams in the current eight-team league. Post that, the bids for the franchises were invited and it is to be seen who the two new owners would be. There have been talks of basing these teams in the northern and central belt of India where there is huge traction but minimum representation. Big businesses have already shown a great amount of interest in these franchises/ A city like Lucknow could potentially get a team. With the opening of the grand Narendra Modi stadium, Ahmedabad could also become a center.
Murmurs about which player could potentially be picked in the auctions have already begun. The franchises will have to begin with a clean slate when going into the auctions and this could spice things up.
A news report in the last two days suggests that KL Rahul having indicated to Punjab Kings that he does not want to be retained by the franchise. We look at 4 IPL franchises that could seek his services.
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore
The fans of RCB were in for a rude shock when Virat Kohli announced before the commencement of the second season that this would be his last season as the captain of the team. He confirmed that he would be loyal to the tea and would be in the leadership group but would not captain. Rahul could be a favorite pick for a variety of reasons. He is a local boy with a connection and a huge following. He is in sublime form. He could be the catalyzing change that could have RCB lift the trophy.
2. Rajasthan Royals
A team that was known for steady leadership group finds itself in muddy waters in the past few years. Rajasthan had a few years of services of Warne, Dravid, and Watson. However, ever since them coming back into the IPL, they have chopped and changed a lot. Ajinkya Rahane was given the baton, followed by Steve Smith, and this year they tried Sanju Samson. However, the past few seasons have seen Rajasthan in the bottom half of the table. Bringing in Rahul would serve multiple purposes. It would solidify their inexperienced opening (without Butler). It would give them a marquee Indian player and would rally their fans behind the franchise.
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad
The Sunrisers ended this season in complete self-destruction mode. Not only did they end the season with a wooden spoon but they also had an acrimonious end to the Warner legacy. In 2021, Warner was dropped mid-season twice. He was stripped of the captaincy and gone from the team. Things became so sour that he did not travel with the team. Williamson could do little to salvage any pride. Hyderabad could go in for a complete overhaul and could seek the services of Rahul.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders
It would surprise many how KKR made it to the finals. The majority would agree that it was majorly on the back of their splendid bowling attack. A few batsmen played a good inning here and there. However, the batting has misfired woefully and would require systematic changes. Rahul’s addition could be a step in the right direction. He has scored more than 600 runs in the last two seasons and has been the recipient of the Orange cap. He would be a solid middle-order batsman and could also shoulder the captaincy role.
