Hardik Pandya Likely To Be Released By Mumbai Indians Ahead Of IPL 2022 Mega Auction - Reports

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is unlikely to be retained by Mumbai Indians for the upcoming mega auction and may be released back in the auction pool, according to a recent report in PTI.

The IPL retention rules ahead of the mega auction are rumoured to be that each of the eight current teams will be allowed a maximum of four players – 3 Indians and 1 overseas, or 2 Indians and 2 overseas – while the two new franchises – based in Lucknow and Ahmedabad – will be able to pick three players of their choice from the rest of the players before the auction.

It has been learned that the 5-time champions may not retain the Baroda all-rounder – while Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are the obvious choices, Kieron Pollard could get the nod over Hardik Pandya, so could Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan.

“Rohit Sharma and India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah are automatic picks. Kieron Pollard will be third retention. MI’s strength is their continuity as these three are pillars of MI,” a senior IPL official in the know of developments told PTI.

There is less than 10 percent chance that Hardik Pandya will be retained: Source

The source added that Hardik Pandya is not even in the top five choices for the Mumbai Indians with Suryakumar and Kishan pipping the all-rounder, and that the franchise may look to buy him back only if fits in their budget.

“At this point in time, there is less than 10 percent chance that Hardik will be retained by MI. Yes, he might just outperform everybody in the next few T20 World Cup games but even then, chances are dim. If there are four retention or 1 RTM, then Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan are the contenders for that slot.

“Yes, obviously there is a market dynamics and if required MI will pick him from the auction, provided he fits within a specific budget. In order of preference, the first five MI players are Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan,” the IPL insider added.

Hardik Pandya has been dealing with back injury issues which has rendered him to limited bowling; he didn’t bowl a single ball in the last two IPL seasons.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2021: Watch – Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer In Awe Watching Virat Kohli’s Batting In The Nets