IPL 2021 Auction: 3 Teams Which Can Target Kedar Jadhav

Middle-order batsman, Kedar Jadhav was offloaded by Chennai Super Kings after a poor IPL 2020 in which he made only 62 runs in five innings, at a strike rate of 93.94. He had scored 248 runs for the MS Dhoni-led side at a gloomy strike rate of 96.50 – on top of it his price of Rs 7.8 crore was hurting the franchise given his disappointing returns; the 35-year-old is not getting younger either.

Jadhav, however, has made significant efforts to gain back his form – in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the right-hander scored 193 runs in 5 innings at a strike rate of 132 including a 45-ball 84*.

IPL 2021 Auction: 3 Teams Which Can Target Kedar Jadhav

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Royal Challengers Bangalore have let go of Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, and Moeen Ali; 4 middle-order batting options. While last season they qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2016, the Virat Kohli-led franchise couldn’t fulfil its potential – often they have to be carried by AB de Villiers.

The lack of faith in the lower-middle order batsmen was conspicuous when Kohli had to bat more cautiously in order to stick around till the final overs, or that sometimes De Villiers was held back in the batting order.

Kedar Jadhav, who has played for RCB in 2016 and 2017, could be the experienced finisher they need – he too would love to bat at the batting paradise known as the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. For RCB, he scored 309 runs at a strike rate of 141.74.

Kings XI Punjab

After releasing Glenn Maxwell and James Neesham as well as Krishnappa Gowtham and Karun Nair, Kings XI Punjab would be looking for some batsmen for the finisher’s role. Kedar Jadhav fits the bill after an impressive Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Maharashtra-born batsman has plenty of experience, both for India and in the IPL,  and the skills to do the lower order hitting.

For KXIP, neither of Deepak Hooda, Mandeep Singh, or Sarfaraz Khan, all three are retained, could produce any major innings which could have fixed their spot in the eleven for the new season. Hence, the Anil Kumble-coached squad could go after Jadhav – also since KXIP has the biggest purse going in the auction, they won’t refrain from spending or overspending.

Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals have jettisoned their captain from last season, Steve Smith, and have also traded out Robin Uthappa to Chennai Super Kings. Their major problem last year was an unsettled batting order – which finally culminated in Ben Stokes and Robin Uthappa opening the batting and Jos Buttler moving down the order to provide solidity to the middle-order where Steve Smith and Sanju Samson were having an inconsistent season.

Hence, Kedar Jadhav could find a new home at the camp of the inaugural champions. While the Royals have retained David Miller, however, the South African has been inconsistent with the bat for several seasons now. Also, Sanju Samson, the new skipper, would prefer to play an overseas fast bowler to provide support to Jofra Archer – maybe Andrew Tye or someone they buy at the auction. Therefore, Kedar Jadhav could be a balanced addition to the Royals’ side.

Also Read: IPL 2021 Auction: 3 Teams Which Can Target Glenn Maxwell