IPL 2022: 5 teams that might target Ben Stokes in mega auction

The upcoming Indian Premier League will witness the return of Ben Stokes in the tournament. Over the years, he has improved significantly as a cricketer and is an integral part of the England team. However, all eyes will be on him as he returns to the auction pool as Rajasthan Royals have decided to release him ahead of the season. Stokes is one of the best all-rounders in the game and with so many teams looking to strengthen their lineup, he will be a favorite. A batting strike rate of 136.84 in T20Is shows that he can bat in any place in the lineup. Talking about his bowling, he has picked 19 wickets in 34 games. An economy of 87.78 shows that even though he might be a bit expensive, he can cover up for a frontline bowler’s off day. Here is a look at a few teams who might go after Stokes in mega auction: 5. Ahmedabad Ben Stokes. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI) The new franchises will have a small advantage before going ahead as they can sign up to three players before going into the mega auction. This means that we might not see Stokes in the mega auction if Ahmedabad or Lucknow decide to sign him up. As Ahmedabad is a new franchise, it will look to strengthen its team and get into a similar position with the established ones. There is no doubt that it is necessary to pick international superstars to strengthen their lineup, and Stokes is a perfect choice. He can also take up the role of captain. Having played a World Cup final, he brings a lot of experience of thriving under high-pressure games. This enables him to attract new franchises like Ahmedabad. 4. Lucknow Ben Stokes. (Photo Source: Twitter) Just like Ahmedabad, Lucknow will be looking to establish a core group as well. As they have three slabs of INR 15 crores, INR 11 crores, and INR 7 crores, Stokes might be picked at a relatively higher price this time. All-rounder brings versatility to the table, and this is what new franchises want. Stokes has been consistent over the years. For the Royals, he has put on multiple match-winning performances as well. Hence, he could be picked by the Lucknow-based franchise. With the bat, he has scored two centuries and was a part of a new franchise in 2016 as well. In the 2017 season, he was the reason Rising Pune Supergiants went on to reach the final as well. He could be the “X-factor” for the Lucknow-based franchise. 3. Punjab Kings Punjab Kings. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI) The Punjab Kings have decided to retain only two players this time. Mayank Agarwal has been retained for INR 14 crores and Arshdeep Singh has been retained for INR 4 crores. This means that they are looking to rebuild their squad for the next three seasons. Ben Stokes’s presence might be a big boost for the franchise as a rounder will help the management to balance the side. As there will be no KL Rahul for Punjab, Stokes can open in place of him. Adding on, he can lead the side as well. Talking about the bowling department, he can assist Arshdeep and other bowlers as well. Stokes can bowl during the death overs and will be a great addition to the side. Given the fact that Punjab has a huge purse, the fans should expect them to go after Stokes. 2. Sunrisers Hyderabad Khaleel Ahmed & Sunrisers Hyderabad team. (Photo Source: Instagram) Sunrisers Hyderabad have INR 68 crores remaining in their purse. With Rashid Khan being released, Kane Williamson is all alone to rebuild a team that has performed poorly in the 2021 season. Hence, they should go after Stokes, and try to pick up a few names who have performed well in other leagues. Stokes will fill up the all-rounder’s place and will be a solid assistant to Williamson. As they have struggled with their batting, his inclusion will boost the strength of their lineup. However, they have to make sure that they make sensible purchases in the mega auctions. Consistency is another term that has been associated with Stokes since 2016. He has grown in every aspect of the game. This means that his presence will boost the morale of the youngsters in the dressing room. 1. Rajasthan Royals Rajasthan Royals. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI) Despite Rajasthan Royals will look to buy back Stokes in the mega auctions. If this happens, this will not be the first time a team buys back its player. And during the retentions, they have made a mistake by not retaining him. Sanju Samson as a captain was severely hurt during the absence of Stokes. His captaincy was below par as Rajasthan had to depend on individual performances to get them over the line. They need someone who will bring the team together. Since 2008, the team has not been consistent. Even if they managed to buy star players like Liam Livingstone, they failed to use him properly. Hence, they have to buy someone like Stokes to make him the leader of the squad so that his services will inspire his teammates.

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IPL 2022: 5 teams that might target Ben Stokes in mega auction

Stokes is one of the best all-rounders in the game and with so many teams looking to strengthen their lineup, he will be a certain favorite.

3. Punjab Kings

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