Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has picked three cricketers Mumbai Indians should retain or use an RTM card for the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2022).
Rohit Sharma & Co have been one of the most successful sides in the history of the tournament. They have five titles under their belt followed by Chennai Super Kings, who have won three titles. Mumbai are known for their brilliant tactics and outstanding scouting team, who unearth young talents.
Discussing the potential retentions and RTM choice for the Indians, Aakash Chopra suggested that the five-time champions would be better of if there was no mega-auction at all. They have a set core group of players and will be keen to retain the same, who have delivered the results for them in the last couple of years.
“It will be the most difficult task for the Mumbai Indians. They will want the auction not to happen at all. They would prefer a mini-auction as their team is already set having built such a good side. But they have no option,” said Chopra.
Hardik Pandya should be brought back using RTM – Aakash Chopra
Adding further, Aakash Chopra feels Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma will be the first player to be retained by the champion team as the entire franchise rotates around him. Second up, the cricketer-turned-commentator feels Jasprit Bumrah will also be retained considering the quality he brings in the bowling attack.
“If only two retentions and one RTM card is allowed, I think the first retention has to be Rohit Sharma because the team has been built around him. He is their marquee player and you will find it difficult to get a better captain than him in the entire IPL.”
“Second has to be Jasprit Bumrah because there is no one like him. Bumrah is a bank because there are only 2-3 bowlers like him in the IPL. One is Jofra, the other is Bumrah and maybe Kagiso Rabada although I do rate Jofra and Bumrah slightly above him in the T20 format,” he added.
Aakash Chopra further believes all-rounder Hardik Pandya can be brought back using the Right To Match card available for each franchise. They can use this option to bring back one player during the mega auction.
“I think the RTM should be used for Hardik Pandya. They will want to use it for him because at some stage he will start bowling and he is an asset. The number at which he bats, the sort of player he is, I feel you will want to retain him,” signed off Chopra.