Mumbai Indians are likely to retain Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Kieron Pollard ahead of the next mega auctions before IPL 2022. Meanwhile, as per reports in Indian Express, the franchise has started negotiations with Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan. Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra, however, is very sure as to whom he thinks the franchise should retain.
The 8 existing teams will first get the opportunity to retain a maximum of four players – not more than three Indians and not more than two foreigners. For existing teams, the deadline for retentions is until November 30. For the two new teams, the timeline to pick their players is from December 1-25.
Aakash Chopra believes Rohit Sharma & Co should choose Suryakumar ahead of Kishan. Chopra claims Suryakumar’s versatility works in his favour.
“It’s a tough one. I feel Suryakumar Yadav is a more versatile player who can bat lower down the order as well. He is a little more experienced player. Ishan Kishan is more explosive. My personal vote will be for Suryakumar Yadav,” said Chopra.
“But the reports we are getting is that they could be leaning towards Ishan Kishan. I like Suryakumar Yadav better because if I am looking at the next three-four years, I want to invest in a guy who has already played good five to six years of the IPL and he has three-four years remaining” he further added.
Chopra further said that allowing Suryakumar to go into the auctions is a big risk for the Mumbai franchise as there is no Right To Match Card (RTM).
Mumbai Indians Should Pick Ishan Kishan Over Suryakumar Yadav: Aakash Chopra
“The only thing is that there is no RTM now. So you might not get who you want. Yes, Ishan Kishan is a multi-dimensional player, he gets two skills and an Indian keeper gets sorted out, who is a match-winner.”
“But the thing that goes against Ishan is that Rohit is an opener, so how many openers I want to keep with me because I have to get Ishan to open if I have to get the best out of him. We might get a lot of openers in the market space, Quinton de Kock and Chris Lynn who were already part of this team. I am split, I feel Surya but it could be Ishan, I don’t know,” elaborated Chopra.
Both Surya and Kishan have been consistent run-scorers for Mumbai Indians since the last few years.
