India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is unlikely to be retained by his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians as they are more or less sure about the players whom they want to retain for the next season. With the IPL becoming a 10-team affair after RP-SG bought Lucknow and CVC got the Ahmedabad franchises respectively, there will be a mega auction taking place.
And, all the teams will look forward to restructuring their team as well. However, Mumbai Indians, who have won the title five times across the 14 seasons, is likely to retain Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Kieron Pollard.
“I think BCCI will have three-player retention formula with one Right to Match card. If RTM is not there, there could be four retention. Rohit Sharma and India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah are automatic picks. Kieron Pollard will be third retention. MI’s strength is their continuity as these three are pillars of MI,” a senior IPL official tracking the retention market of franchises has said to PTI.
“At this point in time, there is less than 10 percent chance that Hardik will be retained by MI. Yes, he might just outperform everybody in the next few T20 World Cup games but even then, chances are dim. If there are four retention or 1 RTM, then Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan are the contenders for that slot,” the IPL official further added.
Meanwhile, the reason behind not retaining Hardik Pandya is his poor show. Moreover, he is no longer the all-rounder that he used to be earlier and he doesn’t bowl much as well.
“Yes, obviously there is a market dynamics and if required MI will pick him from the auction, provided he fits within a specific budget. In order of preference, the first five MI players are Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan,” the IPL insider again shared.
Shreyas Iyer likely to leave Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2022
On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer may leave Delhi Capitals as he had to leave captaincy due to his injury this season. And, the franchise is likely to go ahead with Rishabh Pant, who has done quite well and led the side to the IPL play-offs in this edition as well.
However, under Iyer, Delhi had reached the playoffs twice, including its maiden final appearance last year. With two new franchises in the league and a few existing teams like Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings are in search of new captains, as well as RCB, there is a good chance that Iyer might get the chance to lead again.
“The logic is to give new teams a chance to get a core ready. Obviously modalities need to be worked out, which includes the fees as well as whether that particular player is willing to be picked before auction. Since most of the top franchises will retain the ”big boys” of India and international cricket, the two new franchises also needs level playing field. But this is still being deliberated,” a BCCI official concluded.
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