Irfan Pathan picks the 4 players that MI will retain ahead of 2022 IPL auctions

The mega auctions will be held ahead of the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). And, all the IPL teams will have to submit the list of players that they would like to retain ahead of the auctions.

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has offered his thoughts on the players that the Mumbai Indians side would like to retain ahead of IPL 2022. Pathan feels that Ishan Kishan will be retained by the Mumbai side ahead of Hardik Pandya. Pathan further reasoned that Pandya’s form has dipped in the recent past and looking at the future, the Rohit Sharma-led side would want to invest in Kishan.

“Ishan Kishan could be the first pick for Mumbai Indians. As for Hardik Pandya, you have got to understand. His form has dipped big time in the last one year, so MI would be aware of that. Quite a few things go on when you have to make the first four picks before the auction.

So, I feel they would look at the longevity and think – can we invest in Hardik Pandya or in Ishan Kishan? The future. Looking at that, they might go for Ishan Kishan and then maybe Hardik Pandya,” said Pathan in a chat with Star Sports.

Among overseas players, it will be Kieron Pollard: Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan also feels that the only overseas player that the Mumbai side will retain is Kieron Pollard. Adding that Pollard has won games for the five-time IPL champions, Pathan labelled Pollard as the powerhouse for his ability to finish a match. Pathan concluded by stating that Mumbai’s No.1 and No.2 retentions will be Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah.

“Among overseas players, it will be Kieron Pollard. No doubt about that; at least in my mind. I don’t know what Mumbai Indians are thinking. He is the guy that has won you games for so many years and consistently. His batting is still top-notch and is still the powerhouse when it comes to big-hitting as well as finishing the games.

So, Pollard will definitely be on the radar. I would definitely go for Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya. I can actually name the other two guys as well. No. 1 would be Rohit Sharma and No. 2 would be Jasprit Bumrah,” concluded Pathan.