IPL 2022: 3 Teams that might target Shakib Al Hasan in the mega auction

Kolkata Knight Riders have not retained Shakib Al Hasan ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. His performance in IPL 2021 was very ordinary and the Shakib we know was not seen. Kolkata Knight Riders bought Shakib Al Hasan for 3.2 crores in the IPL auction of 2021. Shakib is currently the number two ranked all-rounder in the shortest format of international cricket.

Shakib will want to forget his performances from the last season as he never looked in rhythm. He played eight games last season and scored just 47 runs and picked only four wickets. Despite having a bad season, Shakib is a valuable addition to each of the IPL franchises. He has been one of the most consistently performing all-rounders in world cricket for more than a decade.

Shakib made his IPL debut in 2011 against Rajasthan Royals when he took the field for Kolkata Knight Riders. He has played 71 IPL games and has scored 793 runs and has 63 wickets to his name. Apart from Kolkata, Shakib has also played for SunRisers Hyderabad in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Most of the franchises will eye on Shakib during the mega auction.

Let’s take a look at the three teams that might target Shakib in the IPL 2022 mega auction

1. Kolkata Knight Riders

Shakib has been a prominent member of the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise for quite a long time now. He has developed a bond with the franchise and the people of Kolkata. He brings a lot of dimensions to the table. He can win matches with the bat single-handedly, he can win matches with the ball single-handedly, and he is a terrific fielder.

He is playing international cricket for years and he has been around for a long time so his experience will help a franchise like KKR a lot. He can also be part of the leadership group of the franchise. His numbers while playing for Kolkata are very impressive. He has been there in the mix since 2011 so the franchise also backs him a lot.

Kolkata can also him as a floater in the batting order as he is comfortable playing at any position. He usually bats at the top-order for Bangladesh but he had been seen winning games at number six or seven for Kolkata. His bowling skills are equally better as his batting skills. Kolkata will definitely want him to come back to its side.

2. Royal Challengers Bangalore

Royal Challengers Bangalore have lost their heart because AB de Villiers will not be seen playing in the RCB colors anymore. They will deliberately want a solution to this issue as de Villiers played a huge role in RCB’s middle-order for years. RCB will want an experienced players who can take the load on his shoulders and let other batters play around him.

Shakib Al Hasan can be a solution to RCB’s query. Having Shakib can ensure the availability of a reliable batter whenever the top-order of RCB will fail. RCB must be craving for a player like Shakib from the initial seasons of IPL. Their biggest issue has been the contribution from other batters apart from Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.

They had two pillars in which one will not be available anymore. Hasan’s ability to bowl alongside batting will help RCB a lot. If Shakib will be there then they will never face any issue of not having a sixth bowler. Shakib’s flexibility when it comes to batting at different positions can be very helpful for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

3. Sunrisers Hyderabad

Shakib has played in the orange jersey before as he was was roped by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2018 IPL mega auction. He was with the team for a couple of years but his performances were not so impressive during his tenure of playing for the Sunrisers.

Historically, Hyderabad has lacked solidity in the middle-order. In the mega auction for IPL 2022, the first thing that Hyderabad will want to ensure will be their middle-order. Hyderabad made the most surprising retentions for the 2022 season. They left everyone surprised with their picks. They retained Kane Williamson, Abdul Samad and Umran Malik.

They have retained their captain and a top-order batter. Williamson will either open the innings or will play at number three. Hence, they will need a dependable batter in their lower middle-order who can be a trusted member. Shakib brings a lot of quality as an all-rounder which is very rare in world cricket currently.