3 Players each team might retain if mega auction happens in IPL 2021

Player Auctions are one of the interesting peripheral aspects of the Indian Premier League (IPL). There’s a different thrill altogether, at seeing team-owners battle each other with their paddles to acquire the most prolific set of match winners.

Unfortunately, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation has created certain economical and physical constraints, which can potentially lead to the scheduled IPL 2021 mega auctions getting postponed.

So until there’s an official announcement on the situation of auctions, here’s a comprehensive analysis of each IPL team and the three core players they’ll most likely retain for the mega-auctions- whenever that takes place.

Here’s the IPL list:

1. Delhi Capitals

Presently ranked at the pinnacle of the points table, the Delhi Capitals have assembled one of the most all-round, consistent sides in the tournament. Much credit for that goes to their captain Shreyas Iyer, who is, unsurprisingly, our top-pick for Delhi’s original retention candidate.

Even putting his inspiring captaincy style aside, Iyer as a batsman has been key to DC’s successful run over the last 3 seasons; scoring over 1200 runs at a respectable strike rate of 127.96.

Next on DC’s roster is their ace-pacer, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada. The 25-year-old right-arm quick assumes the role of the leader of DC’s bowling attack; and does that with much flair, too. Across the past 2 editions, KG has led the team’s wicket-takers’ list with 46 scalps to his name, at a mind-boggling average of 14.52.

Rounding off their retention list is their first-choice ‘keeper-batsman, local boy Rishabh Pant. Pant’s pyrotechnics are a constant throughout every IPL season, although 2018 was the year where he really stood out- scoring 684-runs to finish as the season’s second-highest run-getter. His improved glovework behind the stumps, and the potential to fill in as the deputy captain if need be, certainly warrants a spot on Delhi’s top retentions.

Alternate RTM picks: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Axar Patel