The Indian Premier League, the world’s largest cricket league, is about to expand even larger with the addition of two new teams.
Lucknow, owned by RPSG Groups, and Ahmedabad, owned by CVC Capitals, will compete in the 15th season of the IPL for the first time.
The IPL governing council has invited the clubs to announce the kept players ahead of the big auction, which is scheduled to take place in December or January, according to the retention regulations. The new teams have the option of naming three players before the auction begins, which they will try to take use of to the maximum.
The two teams would look to sign a player who could lead their team first, and then fill in the slots one by one. The two teams have been given a salary budget of 33 crores, from which they can choose two Indians and one foreign player. The Ahmedabad team may put these players on their draft board.
David Warner
David Warner, one of India’s most popular cricketers, will don new colours for the 15th season of the IPL. The sparkling opener and adaptable leader who helped the Sunrisers Hyderabad club to glory was dropped from the captaincy and the playing eleven in the recently completed IPL.
The conflict between the athlete and the franchise became widely publicised. He has vast experience captaining franchise teams, and his batting statistics are outstanding. His dominance in the IPL is unmatched, as proven by his three Orange Caps (highest ever).
The southpaw is an excellent groomer of young players and is capable of bringing out the best in them. He brings his expertise to the team, as well as his large Indian fanbase. His track record as a batter and a manager will not allow him to enter the auction pool because he will be drafted by the teams ahead of time.
Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan, India’s left-handed batter, has been replaced by his franchise, the Delhi Capitals, for the 15th edition. As a result, will be available for auction. For the past three years, he has served as a barrier for the Delhi Capitals.
He made his IPL debut for the Delhi Daredevils in the inaugural season and has previously played for the Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He has a lot of experience because he has been in this league since its inception. In 192 at-bats, he has 5784 runs batted in, an average of 34.84, and a strike rate of 126.64.
If at all Warner becomes the captain, there might be an added chance for Dhawan as they have already been the opening batters of Hyderabad before. His subcontinent experience and the stint as an opener would be valuable for the Ahmedabad franchise.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravi Ashwin has been making news recently after his successful comeback in the T20 World Cup. His variety and skillful bowling make him one of the sport’s most sought-after players.
After demonstrating his worth in international cricket’s shortest format, he has caught the curiosity of the owners. He was not retained by the Delhi Capitals and will be auctioned off.
He has 145 wickets with an economy of 6.91 in 167 matches. The 35-year-old athlete has also led an IPL team, and his think-tank skills might be beneficial. Given his bowling form and intelligence, he could be signed by the Ahmedabad team ahead of the auctions.