The 15th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is expected to begin on April 2nd, with numerous new changes to the event. The arrival of the two new clubs will cause a shift in the championship’s format. Lucknow and Ahmedabad are two new additions to this year’s IPL.
The two new teams can purchase a total of three players before the mega auction, although they cannot select more than two Indian players (capped/uncapped), one overseas player, and one Indian uncapped player. Each of the original eight teams could keep a maximum of four players.
1. Ajinkya Rahane
India’s Test captain for the first Test against New Zealand played for the Delhi Capitals the previous season and was out of favor for the entire season, as the former Rajasthan Royals batsman only got two games. The RPSG team would undoubtedly add another experienced Indian batsman to the lineup.
2. KL Rahul
According to official sources, the superb Indian opener KL Rahul has parted company with the Punjab Kings squad and would most likely be signed by an unknown Lucknow team ahead of the blockbuster auction. He is a versatile cricketer who can play the roles of an opener, a wicketkeeper, and, most significantly, captain. KL and the Punjab Kings squad will hope for a new beginning in the 15th edition, and because it hasn’t worked for them under him, he will be open to bidding. The Lucknow club would like to sign a great player who can lead the team for many years to come, and Rahul is the finest candidate on the list.
3. David Warner
Without a question, David Warner is one of the best IPL players of all time. His batting statistics are incredible. Furthermore, his track record as a captain is outstanding. He has been the Sunrises Hyderabad’s face for quite some time. He had a falling out with the SRH management, and as a result, he was fired as a captain during the recently finished IPL 2021. As a result, Lucknow can bid for him at the auction, and he can also serve as a leadership option for them.
4. Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada, the Proteas’ right-arm fast bowler, would almost surely be on the owners’ radar ahead of the blockbuster auction. Rabada made his IPL debut for the Delhi Capitals in 2017 and has been a constant member of their squad ever then. He would be preferred by the squad, which is searching for a bowler who can take early wickets as well as contain and pick wickets in the end. Lucknow, which has only one place free for an overseas player, may choose him as the leader of their bowling attack.
5. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya may not be retained by the Mumbai Indians franchise, but he will be available for other teams to use in the future. He is a star-studded player whose ability to bat, bowl, and field is well-known across the world. He hasn’t been in top form since returning from injury, but his talents have earned him a spot on the list.
