IPL 2018: Six Players in Race to Captain Teams in IPL - Reports

While the 578 players on the IPL auction list are keeping their fingers crossed to get a buyer in the auction, there is another race among the six top players for the captaincy post as well.

A report in TOI suggests the IPL franchises are looking at Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, Gautam Gambhir, R Ashwin and Manish Pandey as a possible captain for the upcoming season.

Talking one by one, Yuvraj Singh had experience of leading IPL team viz Kings XI Punjab in the past, which came come handy if he is appointed as the captain of an IPL team this year. However, his current form suggests he might find it difficult to get a buyer in the auction, which can surely dent the chances of him getting considered for the leadership post.

The second on the list is Harbhajan Singh, the current captain of Punjab and the former captain of Mumbai Indians. He had a healthy experience of playing the role as a captain, at various levels and can be a captaincy prospect in IPL. Also, he has been part of an IPL winning team thrice, which will always keep him ahead in the race ahead of others.

Ajinkya Rahane, the vice-captain of the India Test team, is also one of the prospects for captaincy, the report adds. However, he is not a part of the T20I side and hasn’t played much of T20 cricket in the past one year, which can even have an impact on his price on the auction day. There are chances of Rajasthan Royals bringing back Rahane via the use of RTM card, which will mean that he will play under Steven Smith, RR’s only retention ahead of the auction.

Gautam Gambhir, the next player on the list, will lead a side this season, surely. Though, if he is purchased by either of Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals or Sunrisers Hyderabad, then he might not lead a team, as they have already inked on their captain.

As the reports had suggested, he is expected to be bought by Delhi Daredevils, which will also mean that he will again be leading the franchise based out of his home.

The franchises are also looking at R Aswhin as captaincy prospect. He has experience of leading his state team, Tamil Nadu. Again, if he goes to either of CSK, RR, SRH or RCB, he will not lead a side, but if he goes to any other team, he can surely be a strong contender for the captaincy post.

The most surprising name and also the last one on the list is Manish Pandey. He hasn’t led any IPL team but has led India A side. He is the youngest of all players mentioned on the list and if a franchise is looking at him as a long-term prospect, then surely he might be appointed as captain from this year only.

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