Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Persistent Injuries Has Been An Issue: Aakash Chopra Lists Possible SunRisers Hyderabad Retentions Ahead Of The Mega Auction

Indian seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has one of the bedrocks of the SunRisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League over the years but his recent issues with injures may leave the owners in a conundrum as far as retaining the cricketer ahead of the 2022 mega auction, feels former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the only player to win back-to-back purple caps in the IPL. He was one of the spearheads when SRH won its maiden title in 2016 but the Uttar Pradesh seamer has been grappling with consistent injuries in the past 2-3 years.

Bhuvi hasn’t been able to last the distance in the past two IPL seasons and, so, with the first and second retention being worth Rs 17 and 15 Crore, SunRisers Hyderabad may be tempted to release the pacer and then grab him back by using the RTM card.

“Hyderabad has Bhuvneshwar Kumar amongst the Indians to be retained, whom they might think about. But Bhuvi’s fitness has been an issue. If it persists like this, it will be a problem because the first retention might be for 17 crores and the second might be for 12-15 crores. Would he be available at the auction for a cheaper price, maybe yes, maybe not,” said Aakash Chopra.

“So in my opinion, Rashid Khan will be SRH’s first retention. He is going to be an expensive player although you want to keep more Indians in the retention list,” reckoned Chopra.

Chopra stated that the second retention could be Bhuvneshwar Kumar but he would be tempted to retain former skipper David Warner given the southpaw’s consistent performances over the years.

“Second could be Bhuvi but I might just want to go with David Warner. You can leave the current performance but he is a terrific player,” said Aakash Chopra.

The former KKR player added that SRH can use an RTM card for the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and current skipper Kane Williamson.

“You can use the RTM card for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. You can also use it for Kane Williamson. Other than them, I don’t feel you might have to think too much. You can let Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy go, you will be able to get them back,” signed off Chopra.

While we still don’t know about the number of retention that IPL franchises will be allowed, the team owners might not have an option to retain more than two overseas players. So, if SunRisers Hyderabad retains Rashid Khan, then they will have to make a call between Kane Williamson, David Warner, and Jonny Bairstow.

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