IPL 2022 Auction: 3 Teams Which Can Target Shikhar Dhawan

Ahead of the 2019 edition of the IPL, Shikhar Dhawan made his comeback into Delhi Capitals after plying his trade for Sunrisers Hyderabad for a few years. His arrival strengthened Delhi’s lacklustre batting unit. For three consecutive seasons, Dhawan led the run-charts for Delhi Capitals.

He was the highest run-getter for the franchise in 2019, 2020, and 2021 editions of the tournament. Thanks to his contributions with the bat, Delhi Capitals managed to reach the playoffs on all three occasions.

There is no denying that Shikhar Dhawan has played a massive role in turning Delhi Capital’s fortunes into the IPL. He has provided brilliant starts with the bat and laid solid foundations for other batsmen to capitalize on.

Dhawan finished last season as the fourth-highest run-getter in the tournament. In 16 matches, he managed to score 587 runs at an average and strike rate of 39.13 and 124.63 respectively. Ahead of the Mega Auctions next year, Delhi Capitals can retain at most three Indian players.

Shikhar Dhawan has been one of the key players for the Delhi Capitals, however, there is a chance that he might not be retained by the franchise. A number of teams might show their interest in the opener if that happens. Here’s a look at three teams that can target Shikhar Dhawan at mega auctions.

IPL 2022 Auction: 3 Teams Which Can Target Shikhar Dhawan

1. Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings are likely to part ways with KL Rahul ahead of the next edition of the tournament. If reports are to be believed, KL Rahul isn’t interested to continue playing for Punjab and is likely to play for a new franchise in 2022.

Punjab Kings thus would be looking to have a new opener who could provide solid starts at the top of the order. Shikhar Dhawan could be a great option to partner with Mayank Agarwal for the opening position.

Adding Dhawan can have a right-left combination and thus make a great pair at the top of the order. Punjab Kings finished at the sixth position last year, winning 6 matches out of 14.

2. Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad endured the worst performance last season in their history of IPL. They succumbed to the bottom of the points table for the first time ever, having managed to secure only 3 wins in 14 matches.

One of the biggest reasons behind their failure was David Warner’s poor form with the bat. He failed miserably throughout the tournament and was also dropped from the playing XI because of that. There are reports that David Warner is unlikely to be retained by the franchise ahead of the mega auctions.

Also, with the team allowed to retain a maximum of two overseas players, Jonny Bairstow too, is likely to be released as well. Ahead of the mega auctions, Sunrisers Hyderabad will have their eyes on some reputed names for the opening slot and Shikhar Dhawan could be one of them.

Shikhar Dhawan has played a pivotal role for Sunrises Hyderabad in the past and there could be a chance that the franchise might buy him back in the mega auctions.

3. Mumbai Indians

Chances are high that Mumbai Indians could release both Quinton de Kock and Ishan Kishan ahead of the mega auctions. Both have been instrumental in Mumbai Indians’ success, over the years. However, with the teams having the option of retaining only four players, the duo might play for different franchises from next year.

Under such circumstances, MI would be looking for someone who could open the batting with Rohit Sharma in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have batted together for many years while playing for the Indian Cricket Team and it shouldn’t come as a surprise if Mumbai Indians express interest in buying Shikhar Dhawan’s services in the IPL auctions next year.