KEY STORY
-
Ending weeks of speculations, all eight franchises revealed the list of players retained by them as the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to witness a mega auction, where several big names will be up for grabs. The addition of two new teams means that six more players will be bought by the two new teams from the auction pool ahead of the mega auction. Rashid Khan, David Warner, KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer are some of the biggest names that the two new franchises would have their eyes upon and would not hesitate in going deep into their pockets to buy these world-class superstars.
-
Keeping the future in mind, the existing eight franchises were keen on investing in youngsters. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, two skippers who led Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals brilliantly, were not keen on being retained by their respective franchises.
-
Here are some of the developments which became talking points among cricket fans and experts.
Rashid Khan to create history?
Nobody would have imagined Rashid Khan going into the auction pool, ever! One of the most in-form bowlers in the tournament, the Afghanistan spinner reportedly wanted to be Sunrisers Hyderabad’s No.1 retention but the Orange Army instead went for Kane Williamson – who will lead the franchise after the management decided against retaining David Warner. Going into the pool makes Khan one of the most sought-after players and the cricket fans can rest be assured of history being created by the leg-spinner.
Anil Kumble’s statement on KL Rahul
KL Rahul leaving Punjab Kings (PBKS) would be a huge blow for the franchise. Rahul is expected to be bought by one of the two new franchises for a record sum as he, in all likelihood, will also go on to lead a new franchise next season. “We wanted to retain [KL] Rahul, but he decided to go into the auction. We respect that, we honour that decision. It’s the player’s prerogative,” Kumble told Star Sports. Mayank Agarwal was retained as the No.1 player by PBKS and he is also expected to fill the shoes of his close friend as the skipper of Punjab.
David Warner parts ways with SRH