IPL 2022: Lucknow team confirms draft picks ahead of mega auction

The Lucknow-based franchise has confirmed their three picks ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. On expected lines, KL Rahul has been roped in as the skipper and the dasher has been signed at a whooping amount of INR 17 crore. Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis is the side’s second pick and he’ll receive an amount of INR 9.2 crore.

The franchise went with uncapped leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi as their third and final pick. Although the youngster is yet to play international cricket, he performed brilliantly for Punjab Kings in the last two seasons. He’ll receive a sum of INR 4 crore for the season. The signing of these three players means Lucknow will go into the auction with a purse of INR 58 crore.

For the unversed, IPL 2022 will be a grand affair with two new teams coming into the picture. Hence, for the first time since 2011, IPL will be a 10-team affair. With a mega auction being in schedule, the eight existing franchises were allowed to retain a maximum of four players ahead of the mega auction.

KL Rahul to lead the Lucknow-based team

The two new teams – Lucknow  and Ahmedabad – got the option of retaining a maximum of three players from the list of non-retained players. Both new franchises have availed all their cards and have created a strong core. Rahul, who led the Punjab-based team in the last couple of season, has been a prolific performer in IPL.

The dasher can attack bowlers from the outset and his ability to play long knocks makes him even more lethal. Speaking of Marcus Stoinis, he was a vital cog of Delhi Capitals team in the last two seasons. The Aussie swashbuckler can bat anywhere in the order and his happy knack of tacking wickets makes him even more effective. He’s also a brilliant fielder.

As far as Bishoi is concerned, he made his IPL debut under Rahu’s leadership in the 2020 season. He didn’t look back and produced one sensational spell after another.

Team Lucknow’s Pick:

1. KL Rahul – INR 17 crore

2. Marcus Stoinis – INR 9.2 crore

3. Ravi Bishnoi – INR 4 crore