Indian Premier League&#8217;s (IPL) 13th edition has just finished and Mumbai Indians (MI) were crowned for the fifth time. The tournament started on September 19 as it was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, even with around four-five months remaining before the IPL 2021 to kick-off, the BCCI is leaving no stone unturned to make up for the loss of revenue in 2020-21.

As per reports, they are adding a ninth team to the eight-team structure to increase the number of games and the revenue simultaneously. Ahmedabad is the expected venue considering the new stadium with the capacity of 1,10,000 spectators. This will also lead to a mega auction which was planned to be postponed but with a new team, it&#8217;s well and truly on the cards.

The challenge for the Ahmedabad franchise will be to construct a solid core group. As all the other teams will retain their superstar players the Ahmedabad franchise would want a solid leader, a face for their team and a long-lasting core group. They will target the players which will be released by the other franchise in the mega auction.

Here are the five players that can captain the 9th team in IPL 2021:-

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-458120" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Manish-Pandey-4.jpg" alt="Manish Pandey" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-458120" class="wp-caption-text">Manish Pandey. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Manish Pandey is a reliable top-order batsman and an established international player. He has been a part of the national team&#8217;s set-up for the past few years and has represented KKR and SRH. Considering his ability to absorb pressure and win games single-handedly, he was bought by SRH for INR 11 crores in 2018.

However, he hasn&#8217;t been on his peak while playing for SRH as his batting position was shuffled and Hyderabad might release him ahead of the 2021 mega auction. Pandey can be one of the prospects for the leadership of the ninth franchise as he has international experience. He has led the Karnataka domestic side in List A and T20 tournaments in the last couple of seasons.

He also led them to two consecutive triumphs in 2018-19 and 2019-20. Apart from being an efficient skipper, he can provide them with a top-order batting option which is extremely vital in IPL. As seven Indian players are must in the playing eleven having a regular international player is a huge boost. Pandey also has age on his side as he is a 31-year-old and can play for three years quite easily.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-452768" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravichandran-Ashwin.jpg" alt="Ravichandran Ashwin" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-452768" class="wp-caption-text">Ravichandran Ashwin. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Ravi Ashwin is another international player who has been a part of Indian Premier League from several years. He had played for CSK in the past and even captained KXIP for two editions. He played for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020 and considering that teams can only retain three Indian capped players, the Capitals might leave him out.

Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant can be the Indian retentions made by DC and leaving Ashwin out will be beneficial for the ninth IPL team. He captained KXIP well in two seasons in 2018 and 2019 and almost made them qualify for the playoffs. The off-spinner is known as a composer character with great cricketing knowledge.

Also, along with giving a captaincy option, he adds value as a prime spinner to the team. He bowled exceptionally well in this season for DC and bowled in the powerplay as well as at the death. He picked up 13 wickets in the season and considering his stature as a player, he can be a decent captaincy option.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-461851" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ajinkya-Rahane.jpg" alt="Ajinkya Rahane" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-461851" class="wp-caption-text">Ajinkya Rahane. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Ajinkya Rahane is India&#8217;s vice-captain in Test cricket and a regular member of the side as well. He also played for Delhi Capitals in this season but as he wasn&#8217;t trusted in all the games as an opener, his form wasn&#8217;t great. Rahane has led Rajasthan Royals in the past and his performance as an opener in IPL has been fabulous.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/crictracker/photos/4065657610131596" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Delhi Capitals</strong></a> might release him ahead of the mega auction as they have other options available. He is expected to be a big name in the auction considering the different aspects of his games. He is known as a calm customer and if added to the side, he can be a fruitful addition for the ninth IPL team.

As an opener, he has scored two hundreds at an average of 35 and he has always prospered with added responsibility. As he is just 32 years of age, he can form the core group for the team for the upcoming three years. With teams looking to add a sheet anchor in the top order like Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, he can be an ideal candidate for the same.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-457735" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kane-Williamson-2.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-457735" class="wp-caption-text">Kane Williamson. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Kane Williamson, the skipper of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/amazon-prime-video-bags-india-rights-for-new-zealand-cricket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>New Zealand</strong></a> has been an unlucky customer in IPL. He is known as one of the most composed leaders in the modern-day cricket but he never received a long rope as a skipper of any franchise in IPL. He has been a part of SRH set-up for a long time now but considering the rules of retention in the mega auction, he is expected to go under the hammer.

Williamson is known as one of the best batsmen of this era and he is capable of opening as well as playing at number three or four. He can be a sheet anchor and can change his gear if needed. Thus he can be an excellent addition for the ninth franchise.

Also, he has a terrific fan following around the globe for his batting credentials and amazing sportsmanship, which can be a plus for the franchise to make him the face of the team.

As far as captaincy is concerned, he is a proved leader. He led SRH to the final of 2018 when a heartbreaking defeat didn&#8217;t allow them to win. New Zealand also became runners-up in 2019 World Cup under his captaincy itself. If the ninth franchise can get him as a captain, they will be extremely satisfied.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-449491" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Suresh-Raina-of-Chennai-Super-Kings.jpg" alt="Suresh Raina of Chennai Super Kings" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-449491" class="wp-caption-text">Suresh Raina of Chennai Super Kings (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Also known as Mr IPL, Suresh Raina is one of the biggest names of IPL history. He is still the second-highest run-getter in the tournament despite not playing the last edition. Raina opted out of the 13th season citing personal reasons and CSK might part ways with him. If they do so, one of the ablest batsmen of IPL history will be available in the auction.

Apart from being a brilliant batsman, he is a reliable captain as well. Raina led India in some games in the absence of the regular skipper and he also led Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017. The team were the table-toppers in 2016 and Raina was lauded for his captaincy.

If the ninth IPL team opt to make him their skipper, he can be extremely valuable with both bat and his leadership skills. He has been a successful batsman at number three and if needed he can bat as a finisher as well. He retired from the international cricket in August but as he is just 34 years of age, he can be a part of the team for at least three more years.

<p>Indian Premier League’s (IPL) 13th edition has just finished and Mumbai Indians (MI) were crowned for the fifth time. The tournament started on September 19 as it was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, even with around four-five months remaining before the IPL 2021 to kick-off, the BCCI is leaving no stone unturned to make up for the loss of revenue in 2020-21.</p>
<p>As per reports, they are adding a ninth team to the eight-team structure to increase the number of games and the revenue simultaneously. Ahmedabad is the expected venue considering the new stadium with the capacity of 1,10,000 spectators. This will also lead to a mega auction which was planned to be postponed but with a new team, it’s well and truly on the cards.</p>
<p>The challenge for the Ahmedabad franchise will be to construct a solid core group. As all the other teams will retain their superstar players the Ahmedabad franchise would want a solid leader, a face for their team and a long-lasting core group. They will target the players which will be released by the other franchise in the mega auction.</p>
<h3>Here are the five players that can captain the 9th team in IPL 2021:-</h3>
<h3>1. Manish Pandey</h3>
<figure id="attachment_458120" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-458120" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-458120" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Manish-Pandey-4.jpg" alt="Manish Pandey" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-458120" class="wp-caption-text">Manish Pandey. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Manish Pandey is a reliable top-order batsman and an established international player. He has been a part of the national team’s set-up for the past few years and has represented KKR and SRH. Considering his ability to absorb pressure and win games single-handedly, he was bought by SRH for INR 11 crores in 2018.</p>
<p>However, he hasn’t been on his peak while playing for SRH as his batting position was shuffled and Hyderabad might release him ahead of the 2021 mega auction. Pandey can be one of the prospects for the leadership of the ninth franchise as he has international experience. He has led the Karnataka domestic side in List A and T20 tournaments in the last couple of seasons.</p>
<p>He also led them to two consecutive triumphs in 2018-19 and 2019-20. Apart from being an efficient skipper, he can provide them with a top-order batting option which is extremely vital in IPL. As seven Indian players are must in the playing eleven having a regular international player is a huge boost. Pandey also has age on his side as he is a 31-year-old and can play for three years quite easily.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>2. Ravichandran Ashwin</h3>
<figure id="attachment_452768" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-452768" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-452768" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravichandran-Ashwin.jpg" alt="Ravichandran Ashwin" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-452768" class="wp-caption-text">Ravichandran Ashwin. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Ravi Ashwin is another international player who has been a part of Indian Premier League from several years. He had played for CSK in the past and even captained KXIP for two editions. He played for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020 and considering that teams can only retain three Indian capped players, the Capitals might leave him out.</p>
<p>Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant can be the Indian retentions made by DC and leaving Ashwin out will be beneficial for the ninth IPL team. He captained KXIP well in two seasons in 2018 and 2019 and almost made them qualify for the playoffs. The off-spinner is known as a composer character with great cricketing knowledge.</p>
<p>Also, along with giving a captaincy option, he adds value as a prime spinner to the team. He bowled exceptionally well in this season for DC and bowled in the powerplay as well as at the death. He picked up 13 wickets in the season and considering his stature as a player, he can be a decent captaincy option.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>3. Ajinkya Rahane</h3>
<figure id="attachment_461851" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-461851" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-461851" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ajinkya-Rahane.jpg" alt="Ajinkya Rahane" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-461851" class="wp-caption-text">Ajinkya Rahane. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Ajinkya Rahane is India’s vice-captain in Test cricket and a regular member of the side as well. He also played for Delhi Capitals in this season but as he wasn’t trusted in all the games as an opener, his form wasn’t great. Rahane has led Rajasthan Royals in the past and his performance as an opener in IPL has been fabulous.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/crictracker/photos/4065657610131596" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Delhi Capitals</strong></a> might release him ahead of the mega auction as they have other options available. He is expected to be a big name in the auction considering the different aspects of his games. He is known as a calm customer and if added to the side, he can be a fruitful addition for the ninth IPL team.</p>
<p>As an opener, he has scored two hundreds at an average of 35 and he has always prospered with added responsibility. As he is just 32 years of age, he can form the core group for the team for the upcoming three years. With teams looking to add a sheet anchor in the top order like Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, he can be an ideal candidate for the same.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>4. Kane Williamson</h3>
<figure id="attachment_457735" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-457735" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-457735" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kane-Williamson-2.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-457735" class="wp-caption-text">Kane Williamson. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Kane Williamson, the skipper of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/amazon-prime-video-bags-india-rights-for-new-zealand-cricket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>New Zealand</strong></a> has been an unlucky customer in IPL. He is known as one of the most composed leaders in the modern-day cricket but he never received a long rope as a skipper of any franchise in IPL. He has been a part of SRH set-up for a long time now but considering the rules of retention in the mega auction, he is expected to go under the hammer.</p>
<p>Williamson is known as one of the best batsmen of this era and he is capable of opening as well as playing at number three or four. He can be a sheet anchor and can change his gear if needed. Thus he can be an excellent addition for the ninth franchise.</p>
<p>Also, he has a terrific fan following around the globe for his batting credentials and amazing sportsmanship, which can be a plus for the franchise to make him the face of the team.</p>
<p>As far as captaincy is concerned, he is a proved leader. He led SRH to the final of 2018 when a heartbreaking defeat didn’t allow them to win. New Zealand also became runners-up in 2019 World Cup under his captaincy itself. If the ninth franchise can get him as a captain, they will be extremely satisfied.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>5. Suresh Raina</h3>
<figure id="attachment_449491" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-449491" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-449491" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Suresh-Raina-of-Chennai-Super-Kings.jpg" alt="Suresh Raina of Chennai Super Kings" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-449491" class="wp-caption-text">Suresh Raina of Chennai Super Kings (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Also known as Mr IPL, Suresh Raina is one of the biggest names of IPL history. He is still the second-highest run-getter in the tournament despite not playing the last edition. Raina opted out of the 13th season citing personal reasons and CSK might part ways with him. If they do so, one of the ablest batsmen of IPL history will be available in the auction.</p>
<p>Apart from being a brilliant batsman, he is a reliable captain as well. Raina led India in some games in the absence of the regular skipper and he also led Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017. The team were the table-toppers in 2016 and Raina was lauded for his captaincy.</p>
<p>If the ninth IPL team opt to make him their skipper, he can be extremely valuable with both bat and his leadership skills. He has been a successful batsman at number three and if needed he can bat as a finisher as well. He retired from the international cricket in August but as he is just 34 years of age, he can be a part of the team for at least three more years.</p>

<p>Indian Premier League&#8217;s (IPL) 13th edition has just finished and Mumbai Indians (MI) were crowned for the fifth time. The tournament started on September 19 as it was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, even with around four-five months remaining before the IPL 2021 to kick-off, the BCCI is leaving no stone unturned to make up for the loss of revenue in 2020-21.</p>
<p>As per reports, they are adding a ninth team to the eight-team structure to increase the number of games and the revenue simultaneously. Ahmedabad is the expected venue considering the new stadium with the capacity of 1,10,000 spectators. This will also lead to a mega auction which was planned to be postponed but with a new team, it&#8217;s well and truly on the cards.</p>
<p>The challenge for the Ahmedabad franchise will be to construct a solid core group. As all the other teams will retain their superstar players the Ahmedabad franchise would want a solid leader, a face for their team and a long-lasting core group. They will target the players which will be released by the other franchise in the mega auction.</p>
<h3>Here are the five players that can captain the 9th team in IPL 2021:-</h3>
<h3>1. Manish Pandey</h3>
<figure id="attachment_458120" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-458120" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-458120" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Manish-Pandey-4.jpg" alt="Manish Pandey" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-458120" class="wp-caption-text">Manish Pandey. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Manish Pandey is a reliable top-order batsman and an established international player. He has been a part of the national team&#8217;s set-up for the past few years and has represented KKR and SRH. Considering his ability to absorb pressure and win games single-handedly, he was bought by SRH for INR 11 crores in 2018.</p>
<p>However, he hasn&#8217;t been on his peak while playing for SRH as his batting position was shuffled and Hyderabad might release him ahead of the 2021 mega auction. Pandey can be one of the prospects for the leadership of the ninth franchise as he has international experience. He has led the Karnataka domestic side in List A and T20 tournaments in the last couple of seasons.</p>
<p>He also led them to two consecutive triumphs in 2018-19 and 2019-20. Apart from being an efficient skipper, he can provide them with a top-order batting option which is extremely vital in IPL. As seven Indian players are must in the playing eleven having a regular international player is a huge boost. Pandey also has age on his side as he is a 31-year-old and can play for three years quite easily.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>2. Ravichandran Ashwin</h3>
<figure id="attachment_452768" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-452768" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-452768" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravichandran-Ashwin.jpg" alt="Ravichandran Ashwin" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-452768" class="wp-caption-text">Ravichandran Ashwin. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Ravi Ashwin is another international player who has been a part of Indian Premier League from several years. He had played for CSK in the past and even captained KXIP for two editions. He played for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020 and considering that teams can only retain three Indian capped players, the Capitals might leave him out.</p>
<p>Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant can be the Indian retentions made by DC and leaving Ashwin out will be beneficial for the ninth IPL team. He captained KXIP well in two seasons in 2018 and 2019 and almost made them qualify for the playoffs. The off-spinner is known as a composer character with great cricketing knowledge.</p>
<p>Also, along with giving a captaincy option, he adds value as a prime spinner to the team. He bowled exceptionally well in this season for DC and bowled in the powerplay as well as at the death. He picked up 13 wickets in the season and considering his stature as a player, he can be a decent captaincy option.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>3. Ajinkya Rahane</h3>
<figure id="attachment_461851" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-461851" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-461851" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ajinkya-Rahane.jpg" alt="Ajinkya Rahane" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-461851" class="wp-caption-text">Ajinkya Rahane. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Ajinkya Rahane is India&#8217;s vice-captain in Test cricket and a regular member of the side as well. He also played for Delhi Capitals in this season but as he wasn&#8217;t trusted in all the games as an opener, his form wasn&#8217;t great. Rahane has led Rajasthan Royals in the past and his performance as an opener in IPL has been fabulous.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/crictracker/photos/4065657610131596" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Delhi Capitals</strong></a> might release him ahead of the mega auction as they have other options available. He is expected to be a big name in the auction considering the different aspects of his games. He is known as a calm customer and if added to the side, he can be a fruitful addition for the ninth IPL team.</p>
<p>As an opener, he has scored two hundreds at an average of 35 and he has always prospered with added responsibility. As he is just 32 years of age, he can form the core group for the team for the upcoming three years. With teams looking to add a sheet anchor in the top order like Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, he can be an ideal candidate for the same.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>4. Kane Williamson</h3>
<figure id="attachment_457735" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-457735" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-457735" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kane-Williamson-2.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-457735" class="wp-caption-text">Kane Williamson. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Kane Williamson, the skipper of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/amazon-prime-video-bags-india-rights-for-new-zealand-cricket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>New Zealand</strong></a> has been an unlucky customer in IPL. He is known as one of the most composed leaders in the modern-day cricket but he never received a long rope as a skipper of any franchise in IPL. He has been a part of SRH set-up for a long time now but considering the rules of retention in the mega auction, he is expected to go under the hammer.</p>
<p>Williamson is known as one of the best batsmen of this era and he is capable of opening as well as playing at number three or four. He can be a sheet anchor and can change his gear if needed. Thus he can be an excellent addition for the ninth franchise.</p>
<p>Also, he has a terrific fan following around the globe for his batting credentials and amazing sportsmanship, which can be a plus for the franchise to make him the face of the team.</p>
<p>As far as captaincy is concerned, he is a proved leader. He led SRH to the final of 2018 when a heartbreaking defeat didn&#8217;t allow them to win. New Zealand also became runners-up in 2019 World Cup under his captaincy itself. If the ninth franchise can get him as a captain, they will be extremely satisfied.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>5. Suresh Raina</h3>
<figure id="attachment_449491" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-449491" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-449491" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Suresh-Raina-of-Chennai-Super-Kings.jpg" alt="Suresh Raina of Chennai Super Kings" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-449491" class="wp-caption-text">Suresh Raina of Chennai Super Kings (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Also known as Mr IPL, Suresh Raina is one of the biggest names of IPL history. He is still the second-highest run-getter in the tournament despite not playing the last edition. Raina opted out of the 13th season citing personal reasons and CSK might part ways with him. If they do so, one of the ablest batsmen of IPL history will be available in the auction.</p>
<p>Apart from being a brilliant batsman, he is a reliable captain as well. Raina led India in some games in the absence of the regular skipper and he also led Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017. The team were the table-toppers in 2016 and Raina was lauded for his captaincy.</p>
<p>If the ninth IPL team opt to make him their skipper, he can be extremely valuable with both bat and his leadership skills. He has been a successful batsman at number three and if needed he can bat as a finisher as well. He retired from the international cricket in August but as he is just 34 years of age, he can be a part of the team for at least three more years.</p>

They will target the players which will be released by the other franchise in the mega auction.

5 Players who may captain the 9th team in the IPL 2021 season

IPL 2021: The 9th IPL team will target the players which will be released by the other franchise in the mega auction.