IPL 2022: Lucknow Franchise Confirms It's Draft Picks; KL Rahul Becomes The Most Expensive Player Of IPL 2022 With INR 17 Crores Fee

One of two latest additions to the IPL, Lucknow, has confirmed its draft picks for the IPL 2022 season ahead of the mega auction that is scheduled to take place next month.

As expected, KL Rahul was picked up by the franchise for a record fee of INR 17 crores, equaling the all-time record that was previously held by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) player, Virat Kohli.

Rahul will also be leading the franchise and his experience of being in the leadership role back in Punjab Kings (PBKS), his previous franchise, will help out. The 29-year-old Karnataka batter was in great form in the last season and will be hoping to continue for his latest team.

Along with Rahul, Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has signed up for INR 9.2 crores and uncapped Indian leg-spinner, Ravi Bishnoi was brought on board for INR 4 crores.

With that, Lucknow has a purse of INR 59.89 crores remaining when they head into the IPL 2022 mega auction. “KL is not only an outstanding batsman but also a great wicketkeeper,” Sanjiv Goenka, head of the RPSG Group that owns the franchise told Star Sports.

“Marcus is a great finisher, a good bowler, and a phenomenal fielder. Ravi brings a unique dimension to the spin department and is an exceptional fielder. We want players to be here for 3-4-5-6-7-8 years,” he added.

Lucknow’s draft picks ahead of the mega auction:

1) KL Rahul – INR 17 cr
2) Marcus Stoinis – INR 9.2 cr
3) Ravi Bishnoi – INR 4 cr

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