Rajasthan Royals invite three Afghanistan players for trials ahead of IPL 2020 auction: Report

The preparations are in full swing for Rajasthan Royals ahead of the auction for the next year’s IPL. The Royals are still waiting to lay their hands on the IPL trophy since winning the league in the inaugural season in 2008. Since that historic triumph, they have not made it to the final even once and are also one of the most inconsistent teams.

And in a desperate attempt to improve their fortunes, the Royals are leaving no stone unturned in their preparation ahead of the next season. They have already released as many as 11 players ahead of the much-anticipated auction. Left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat leads the list of the released players by the franchise.

Other players that have been released are Aryaman Birla, Ashton Turner, Ish Sodhi, Liam Livingstone, Oshane Thomas, Prashant Chopra, Rahul Tripathi, Shubham Ranjane, Stuart Binny and Sudhesan Midhun. The Royals have also let their former skipper Ajinkya Rahane join Delhi Capitals as a part of a trade deal. In return, they have secured the services of Mayank Markande and Rahul Tewatia.

Fast-bowler Dhawan Kulkarni and batsman Krishnappa Gowtham have been traded to Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab respectively. Ankit Rajpoot has joined the Rajasthan-based outfit from Kings XI Punjab. The Royals already boast the likes of Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and will be looking to further bolster the side in the auction.

Rajasthan Royals have called up a number of players for trials

Ahead of the auction, the Royals have called up a number of players for trials. They recently invited  Sussex fast bowler George Garton for trials. And the Royals have also sent their invitation to Afghanistan’s young chinaman spinner Noor Ahmad Lakanwal along with their national team players Naveen ul Haq and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Noor Ahmad Lakanwal, who is just 14-year old, made his mark in this year’s ACC U19 Asia Cup. One of his best performances came against India when he picked up 4 for just 14 runs. On the other hand, Naveen and Rahmanullah have already played white-ball cricket for Afghanistan.

Afghani journalist M.Ibrahim Momand revealed the news on Twitter, writing:

“Afghan China-man @LakanwalNoor along with @RGurbaz_21, KarimJanat &  @imnaveenulhaq
are reportedly to feature in a trial match for @rajasthanroyals ahead of @IPL Auction2020.”

Meanwhile, the auction for the next season will take place on December 19 in Kolkata. This is the first time, Kolkata is hosting the auction. All the teams have already announced the list of the players they have retained and released.