3 Teams that can pick Rahmanullah Gurbaz in IPL 2021 Auction

“Yatra Pratibha Avsara Prapnotihi”, you might have seen this phrase written on the IPL trophy. In English, it means, “Where talent meets opportunity”. Over the years, IPL has been the grandest stage for many youngsters. The kids who dream of playing with the greats of the game are given a platform and the opportunity which is priceless. 

Since 2008, IPL has nourished many cricketers. Be it Rishabh Pant, who was phenomenal in the recently concluded India’s tour of Australia, or T Natarajan, who made it to the Test squad that defeated the Aussies. IPL’s budding talents have left always a mark on the international arena. This tournament also opens up a window of opportunity for overseas players to draw the attention of their respective national selectors. 

Rashid Khan’s rise to the top was fueled by his performance in the IPL. For an Aghan cricketer, it is difficult to overcome all the barriers back home. The war-torn country has a lack of resources for the development of cricket and a tournament like IPL enables them to showcase their skills. In this article, we are going to have a look at  3 teams that can pick Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the upcoming IPL season.

3 Teams that can pick Rahmanullah Gurbaz in IPL 2021 Auction

3. Rajasthan Royals

The Rajasthan Royals have decided to let go of a star batsman in the form of Steven Smith. For most of the previous season, they suffered because of a series of poor performances by individual members of the team. Although they have decided to retain Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, and Ben Stokes, the Royals should look for a replacement for Steve Smith. A perfect addition to their team will be a batsman who can tee-off from the word go!

If we look at the retained squad, there are big names who can turn the game on their day. But, as we say, IPL is a platform where talent meets opportunity, the stage is set for a batsman like Rahmanullah Gurbaz to make a name for himself. Gurbaz is an attacking batsman who never allows the bowlers to settle down. As the Royals had a difficult time with their top order failing regularly, a batsman like Gurbaz could do wonders for them. 

Till now, Gurbaz has been making headlines in the cricketing world. Since 2008, the management of the IPL teams look for surprise additions to their squad. Therefore, if Samson and Co. are looking for an impact player, they can invest their purse in this 19-year-old teenager.

2. Delhi Capitals

Ricky Ponting is one of the biggest names in the cricketing world. The World-Cup winning captain was instrumental in guiding the Delhi Capitals to their maiden IPL final. Although they failed to lift the trophy, the management should not be disappointed with their performance last season. The Delhi-based franchise lost to one of the strongest T20 teams ever, that is, the Mumbai Indians.

However, it is time to strengthen their core group. For a team that comprises a talented Indian batting group, the addition of a teenager, who has a strike rate of 140 in T20I can do wonders. This will also help a veteran like Shikhar Dhawan, who is known for his ability to score during vital games. In this scenario, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks like the perfect addition to the squad.

If we talk about personal growth, the Aghan batsman can gain a lot of knowledge under a veteran like Ricky Ponting. And Ponting, being a mastermind, can use Gurbaz at the top of the order to unsettle the opposition’s bowling attack. When required, Gurbaz can score big, if the Capitals are chasing in a tight match. 

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore

The Royal Challengers Bangalore made it to the playoffs last year. This was a rare sight as the Kohli lead team usually fails to make an impact on the points table. This is mainly because of their overdependence on their skipper. Last year too, the team lost five matches consecutively. Thanks to a tight points table and a better run rate, they finished fourth.

As the management has decided to release a veteran like Aaron Finch, it is clear that they are looking for players who will form the team’s core group. RCB’s main issue is in their batting. The team is heavily dependent on Virat Kohli and ABD to save them every time. The added pressure usually gets the better of the duo. Therefore, now it is the time to include an overseas player, who can play freely as Virendra Sehwag did for India. 

Amongst the young guns available, the best option for them is Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The Afghan teenager has been in the news for his outstanding performances in the limited-overs format. In the ten T20I matches he has played, he has scored 332 runs with a strike rate of 140.68. In ODIs too, he has scored a century on debut. For now, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks like the perfect option in assisting Virat Kohli on his mission to lift the IPL trophy for the first time.