The mega auction for IPL 2022 is still a few weeks away. There will be addition of two new teams in this edition of IPL. The two new teams have been given the chance of retaining three players before the Mega Auction. The deadline of the same is January 22. Now, in a major development, it is being reported that the Ahmedabad Franchise is going to retain Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill as their draft before the Mega Auction. Though the official is yet to come. But it is being reported that Hardik, Rashid and Shubman Gill are sold for Ahmedabad IPL Team.
Ahmedabad and Lucknow, the two new teams in the IPL, are yet to disclose the players they have retained before the Mega Auction. Both teams were given the same purse- INR 90 Crore- as the existing franchises. However, the two new team will be given the option to select only three players. They can only select one overseas player in their drafts. It is also being noted that Ahmedabad has decided to pay Hardik and Rashid both INR 15 Crore each. The third player Shubman Gill will be paid INR 7 Crore. This means that the franchise will go into the auction with a purse of INR 53 Crore.
Also Read: IPL Mega Auction 2022: Players, When, Where and Full Details
Hardik Pandya set to be named as the captain
According to reports, Hardik Pandya set to be named as the captain of Ahmedabad Franchise. This is the first experience for the all rounder to lead any team. Hardik struggled with fitness issues in the last year’s IPL and did not bowl at all in last year IPL. His batting hasn’t been that effective. That forced Mumbai Indians to look beyond the all rounder. However, his impact in the success of Mumbai Indians over the years has been immense and he deserves the new role.
This is also the first time that Rashid Khan and Hardik Pandya will play for the same team. Earlier, Rashid played for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Hardik for Mumbai Indians. The leggie is one of the best spinners in the world in the shortest format. Shubman Gill, on the other hand, will be a young and exciting Indian talent and may be a captain choice in the future too. The 22 year old has been retained by Ahmedabad franchise for INR 7 Crore. With this, Hardik, Rashid and Shubman Gill are sold for Ahmedabad IPL Team.
Also Read: Just IN: Ashish Nehra Set To Become Head Coach Of Ahmedabad Franchise: Reports
Ashish Nehra, Gary Kirsten To Be A Part Of Ahmedabad’s Coaching Staff
The Ahmedabad Franchise has also finalized its coaching staff. They will be led by Former Indian fast bowler Ashish Nehra. Former South Africa batter and Head Coach Gary Kirsten will assist Nehra. Former England batter Vikram Solanki will be the team director. This is the second IPL franchise where the trio of Nehra, Kirsten and Solanki work together. The previous instance was at Royal Challengers Bangalore.
