The role of fans is immense for an IPL team. Much of a team’s fanbase usually belongs to the state or the city that the team is based out. At times, the profile of players hailing from the city or state might also be suitable to the requirements of the team. Hence, the franchises get two reasons why they must chase a player. In this article, we take a look at one home-grown player each franchise might target at the IPL 2022 mega-auctions.
Chennai Super Kings – Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar is CSK’s pick as the one home-grown player each franchise might target at the IPL 2022 mega-auctions. Although CSK has retained Moeen Ali, who offers the same attributes as Washi, in the young Tamil Nadu all-rounder, CSK will get a domestic option. Fans will be excited, and there is also the benefit of long-term investment on a player who knows the Chepauk very well. In the future, he could also turn out to be a decent captaincy choice.
Delhi Capitals – Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan has been the highest run-scorer for Delhi Capitals ever since he joined the franchise. His experience complimented well the youthfulness of Prithvi Shaw. The management will be desperate to keep the combo intact. Hence, they might target Dhawan.
Kolkata Knight Riders – Mohammed Shami
KKR did not have an experienced Indian pacer in the last four seasons. Hence, they might seriously concentrate on getting one for future campaigns. There are very few better options than Mohammed Shami, who hails from the City of Joy.
Mumbai Indians – Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur can be Mumbai’s pick as the one homegrown player each franchise might target at the IPL 2022 mega-auctions. The franchise has always wanted a domestic pacer to partner Jasprit Bumrah. With Hardik Pandya having left the franchise, Shardul can be groomed as an all-rounder. Rohit is also a good friend of Shardul, and hence, this move could as well materialize.
Punjab Kings – Shubman Gill
Ever since Yuvraj Singh, Punjab Kings have not had to chance to hire an elite level cricketer from Punjab. Shubman Gill is someone who is on the way to achieving that status. PBKS would want an opening partner for Mayank and with KL Rahul having left, they will need a new marketable face as well. With the highest purse, they will go hard for Gill.
Rajasthan Royals – Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar is one player who will be in demand at the IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions. Rajasthan Royals might target him as the leader of the pace attack and also one player who is from the state.
Royal Challengers Bangalore – Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal is regarded as the future of RCB. Hence, the franchise might try to re-hire the Bengaluru lad at the auctions. It is one move that they will be keen to make happen.
Sunrisers Hyderabad – Ambati Rayudu
Sunrisers Hyderabad has a few uncapped options but they will try to hire Ambati Rayudu. The player has been part of the Hyderabad set-up in the past. Rayudu will be a good start to building a competent middle-order for the franchise.
Lucknow’s franchise – Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina can be Lucknow’s pick as the one homegrown player each franchise might target at the IPL 2022 mega-auctions. Raina might be available for cheap and will add invaluable experience at No.3. The team can also get access to Raina’s fanbase through this move.
Ahmedabad’s franchise – Krunal Pandya (Baroda)
Although he hails from Baroda, the Ahmedabad franchise might target Krunal as the homegrown player. Other prominent options such as Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel aren’t available. Hardik Pandya, too, might not be able to make it to the auctions.
