As the Indian Premier League (IPL) is becoming a 10-team affair from its 15th season, fans are busy discussing the 3 draft picks of the new franchises- Lucknow and Ahmedabad. With the mega auction likely to happen in February, Lucknow and Ahmedabad are expected to announce their picks by the end of January.
The likes of Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, David Warner, Rashid Khan and many more famous names of T20 cricket will be up for grabs. If the latest reports are to be believed, India’s swashbuckling all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be leading the Ahmedabad-based franchise.
Struggling with a back injury, Hardik did not make it to Mumbai Indians’ retention list. However, the 28-year-old cricketer is working on his fitness and is expected to don the captain’s hat in the coming IPL season.
Ahmedabad to include Rashid Khan and Ishan Kishan in their squad
Apart from Hardik, Afghan spinner Rashid Khan is expected to feature in Ahmedabad’s squad as the 2nd pick of the franchise. Rashid, who was a vital member of Sunrisers Hyderabad till last season, reportedly asked his former IPL team to not retain him. Rashid has performed prolifically for Hyderabad and his release from the franchise came as a surprise.
Ishan Kishan will be the likely wicket-keeper in Ahmedabad. Owing to his young age and hitting prowess, Ahmedabad is expected to invest in him. As the 5-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians suffered from the problem of plenty and could choose only 4 players in the draft, Kishan, unfortunately, could not make the cut.
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Renowned sports journalist K Shriniwas Rao informed fans about Ahmedabad’s likely draft picks. “Hardik Pandya will be the captain of the brand new Ahmedabad franchise (not Shreyas). They’re getting Rashid Khan on board too,” he tweeted.
Hardik Pandya will be the captain of the brand new Ahmedabad franchise (not Shreyas). They're getting Rashid Khan on board too.
Action-packed week. : )
— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) January 10, 2022
