IPL 2022 Auction: 5 Teams Which Can Target Kuldeep Yadav

Once a first choice-spinner in India’s white-ball format, Kuldeep Yadav, today, is no way near in India’s scheme of things in international cricket. His returns in IPL over the last couple of years haven’t encouraged a lot of optimism either. The left-arm wrist-spinner played only four matches in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League.

Kuldeep Yadav didn’t play a single game for Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2021 edition. Varun Chakravarthy has been KKR’s best bet in the spin department in the last two editions. Chakravarthy has been retained by KKR for the next edition, while the left-arm Chinaman will go back into the auction pool.

Despite enduring forgettable outings in IPL 2020 and not playing a single game in 2021, Kuldeep Yadav is likely to be in huge demand at the mega auctions. On that note, let’s take a look at five teams that might be interested in buying his services.

IPL 2022 Auction: 5 Teams Which Can Target Kuldeep Yadav

Chennai Super Kings

There is no denying that Kuldeep Yadav loved bowling for India with MS Dhoni behind the stumps. The former excelled while donning the Indian team’s jersey under MS Dhoni’s guidance. Ahead of the 2022 edition of the tournament, we might see the duo, once again, playing for the same team, this time, though, in the Indian Premier League.

Given the fact the wicket at MS Chidambaram Stadium offers a lot of assistance for the spinners, Chennai Super Kings are likely to bid heavily for the Chinaman bowler. Kuldeep Yadav could wreak havoc in such conditions and thereby make a great comeback in IPL. In his IPL career so far, Kuldeep Yadav has picked 40 wickets in 45 matches at an average of 30.90.

Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals had an underwhelming season last year and their lacklustre bowling was one of the biggest reasons behind that. The likes of Shreyas Gopal and Rahul Tewatia didn’t make a significant impact with the ball in the last two years for Rajasthan Royals.

The spin department lacked steam and Rajasthan Royals would be looking to work on that. The slow track of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium can help Kuldeep Yadav to pick a lot of wickets for RR in the upcoming edition of the IPL. If the franchise buys his services and gives him the confidence to express himself, Kuldeep Yadav could be the man who could turn the fortunes around for Rajasthan.

Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings’s best batsman, KL Rahul has parted ways with the bat. It’s a huge blow for them ahead of the next edition of the tournament. The franchise would be looking for a new skipper for the next edition and an opener as well. Besides, PBKS will also be keen to form a strong spin department as well.

Surprisingly, the franchise’s best spinner for the last two editions, Ravi Bishnoi has been released for the next edition. Their decision left a lot of people scratching their heads. Nevertheless, PBKS would be looking to add skilled Indian spinners to the team for the next edition. Head coach, Anil Kumble knows what Kuldeep Yadav has done in the past and the former can bring the best out of him as well. PBKS, thus, might be interested in buying Kuldeep Yadav’s services at the mega auctions.

Lucknow

The newly-included franchise, Lucknow will be playing their first season in 2022. They are yet to announce their three players picked for next year ahead of the mega-auctions.

Kuldeep Yadav might not be on the list of the first three picks but Lucknow might be bidding for him at the auctions. For those of you who don’t know, Kuldeep Yadav plays for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket. Playing for UP in domestic cricket might help Kuldeep Yadav get into the Lucknow franchise for next year. He has 121 wickets to his name in 75 List-A games for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad have released Rashid Khan ahead of the next edition of the tournament. His absence is likely to hurt SRH’s chances of reaching the playoffs next year. Besides, Warner has also been released, which add further to SRH’s worries.

Amidst all, the franchise would be keen to form a lethal spin attack for next year. They only had Shahbaz Nadeem as the Indian spinner in the team. With Rashid Khan not in the team, SRH would be looking to add at least two Indian experienced spinners to the team. Kuldeep Yadav hasn’t played well for the last two seasons but still has the potential to turn things around with his array of variations for SRH in the next season.