IPL 2022 Auction: 3 Teams Which Can Target KL Rahul 

Over the last few years in IPL, KL Rahul has performed to the best of his abilities for Punjab Kings. However, his superlative performances with the bat weren’t enough in helping the team reach the playoffs. Punjab Kings consistently finished at the bottom half of the table for the last three years despite KL Rahul leading the run-charts.

KL Rahul was the second-highest run-scorer in the 2019 edition, having managed just 7 short of 600 runs. The following year, he was the highest run-scorer in the tournament,  scoring 670 runs at 55.83. The 2021 edition of IPL saw KL Rahul finish at number three with 626 runs in only 13 matches at an average of 62.60. However, despite his efforts, Punjab Kings finished at number six on the table at the end of the league stage.

According to the latest reports, KL Rahul isn’t interested in captaining Punjab Kings and is set to part ways with the franchise. The Indian opener is likely to play for a new franchise next year as one could find him back in the auction pool. On that note, here’s a look at three teams that might be interested in buying his services in IPL 2022 auctions:

IPL 2022 Auction: 3 Teams Which Can Target KL Rahul 

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore

Everyone is quite aware of the fact that Virat Kohli won’t be leading Royal Challengers Bangalore from next year. Although, he will continue playing for them as a specialist batsman. Also, with AB de Villiers announcing his retirement from all formats of the game, RCB would be looking for a skipper who could lead the side and take them to great heights.

KL Rahul is the one who RCB perhaps would be targeting in the Mega Auctions. KL Rahul could open the innings alongside either one between Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli. Besides, he has a good amount of experience as far as captaincy is concerned.

Adding KL Rahul to the team could strengthen their batting department. Also with him at the top of the order, RCB could well have a player who they can stick to at the number three position.

2. Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings is one franchise that doesn’t believe in a lot of changing and chopping in the playing XI. However, with Mega Auctions coming ahead, they can only retain four players in their squad. Both their openers namely Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis played an instrumental role in helping the franchise lift their fourth IPL title in IPL 2021.

However, it’s unlikely that both of them would be retained for next year. With Faf du Plessis on the wrong side of the 30s, he could be released from the team. CSK thus would be looking for a specialist opener who could partner Gaikwad at the top of the order.

The franchise might splurge a hefty sum if KL Rahul gets back into the auction pool. He would not only open the innings for the team but can also take over the captaincy duties once MS Dhoni hangs his boots.

3. Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad endured their worst outing in IPL last season. 3 wins in 14 matches meant they succumbed to the bottom of the table. For the first time in their IPL history, Sunrisers Hyderabad failed to reach the playoffs. One of the biggest reasons behind their underwhelming performances was David Warner’s poor form with the bat.

The southpaw failed to showcase the performances that he was known for. David Warner lacked intent with the bat and couldn’t get the team off to great starts. Ahead of the new season, there are reports that he won’t be retained by the franchise and is likely to go back into the auction pool. With the team having the option to retain only two overseas players, Jonny Bairstow is also unlikely to be retained for next year.

Sunrisers Hyderabad thus would look to have two new players for the opening position and KL Rahul could be one of them. Apart from his batting exploits, KL Rahul can also take over the captaincy role if SRH decided to release Kane Williamson as well.