Indian commentator Aakash Chopra has revealed the four players that Mumbai Indians should retain before the mega auction of IPL 2022.
It has been reported that all the eight franchises could retain four players, in which two players can be Indian whereas two could be overseas. Furthermore, there could also be a combination of three Indian players and one foreign player.
Chopra feels the defending champions will surely want to retain their skipper, Rohit Sharma, who has led the team from the front. Rohit is the most successful IPL captain as he has led Mumbai Indians to five titles and has also done a fine job with the bat.
Furthermore, Chopra feels the reigning champions would want to retain players like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Bumrah is the one of the best death overs bowlers in the world and he has often delivered for the Rohit Sharma-led team. Moreover, Pandya has delivered with both bat as well as the ball.
However, the players could put themselves under the auction hammer and Chopra feels Bumrah and Pandya might not be happy with INR 7 crores, which will be given to third retained player.
Aakash Chopra said on his Youtube channel, “The Mumbai Indians are the first team that comes to mind. Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya – you will hundred percent want to retain these three players.”
“Among these Rohit will be the first retention, but the second and third, will Hardik or Bumrah be happy with just seven crores. That’s a bit of an issue.”
On the other hand, Chopra added that MI would look to retain Kieron Pollard as the overseas players. Pollard is one of the most successful all-rounders in the IPL and has been a consistent performer for the franchise.
“I feel they will retain Pollard at the start. So that will be their four retentions.”
It has always been noticed that Mumbai Indians are always well prepared in IPL auctions and that is why they have unearthed some great talents in the country. So a lot of credit goes to their scouting team.
