IPL 2022 Auction: 3 Teams Which Can Target Ruturaj Gaikwad 

Young Indian rising star, Ruturaj Gaikwad enjoyed a sensational outing while playing for Chennai Super Kings in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League. He exhibited brilliant performances throughout the season. Gaikwad formed a successful opener pair with Faf du Plessis and stitched numerous match-winning partnerships for CSK.

The one thing which impressed the most was Ruturaj’s hunger to convert the fifties into big scores and bat till the end of the innings. His standout knocks came towards the business end of the tournament.

Ruturaj Gaikwad finished the season as the highest run-scorer, having managed to score 635 runs in 16 matches at an average of 45.36 and a strike rate of 136.27.

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Given how he batted in the 2021 IPL, CSK wouldn’t want to release him ahead of the Mega Auctions. However, if they didn’t retain him for some reason, there will be a few franchises who would be interested in his services. Here’s a look at three of those.

IPL 2022 Auction: 3 Teams Which Can Target Ruturaj Gaikwad

1. Punjab Kings

If rumours are to be believed, then KL Rahul is set to part ways with Punjab Kings ahead of the new edition of the Indian Premier League. There is no denying the fact that KL Rahul has been the standout batsman for Punjab Kings for the last three consecutive seasons.

His departure could be a big blow for Punjab. And, it also means that they would be looking for a highly talented Indian opener who could give company to Mayank Agarwal at the top of the order.

Punjab Kings will have their eyes on someone like Ruturaj Gaikwad. They could be seen splurging a good amount of money if the 24-year-old comes into the auction pool.

2. Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad didn’t get great starts from the openers in the last edition of IPL. Their best bet, David Warner endured poor numbers with that bat. His poor form meant SRH didn’t get the starts that they were looking for. And as a result of that, Hyderabad couldn’t post competitive scores on the board.

For the first time in the history of IPL, Sunrisers Hyderabad finished at the bottom of the points table at the end of the league stage. Both their openers, Jonny Bairstow and David Warner are unlikely to be retained ahead of a new season.

And, the franchise would be looking to have a new solid opening pair at the top of the order. To address the issue, Sunrisers Hyderabad could be seen splurging a huge amount of money for Gaikwad if he gets into the auction pool.

3. Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians boast of star-studded names in their setup. They have got some highly talented T20 cricketers and it will be difficult for them to shortlist four players ahead of the Mega Auctions. Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are likely to be the two sure-shot retentions.

Unfortunately, they will have to release their two openers namely Quinton de Kock and Ishan Kishan. Both have been an integral part of Mumbai Indians. The duo has played several awe-inspiring knocks for the franchise over the years. However, they might be seen playing for a different franchise from next year.

Mumbai Indians, nevertheless, will be targeting some players in a bid to partner Rohit Sharma as the second opener. Keeping in mind Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form and the way he batted last year, Mumbai Indians might show interest in buying his services in the Mega Auction.