IPL 2022: 3 Teams that might target Rishi Dhawan in mega auction

In the past year, Rishi Dhawan has emerged to become one of the leading all-rounders in the Indian domestic arena. Dhawan was at the forefront of Himachal Pradhesh’s fairytale-like story to win the Vijay-Hazare Trophy 2021-22.

The skipper of the Himachal Pradesh side was sensational with both bat and ball in hand. He scalped 16 wickets in five matches of the 2020-21 Vijay Hazare Trophy and Dhawan ended up with nine wickets in six matches of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2020-21 with an economy rate of 6.85. In the following season, he picked up 14 scalps in six matches. He also ended up as the second-highest run-scorer in the 50-over tournament with 458 runs in eight matches at an average of 76.33 at a strike rate of 127.22.

With the mega auction coming up on the 12th and 13th of February, many teams will be looking to rope in the explosive all-rounder from Himachal Pradesh. Let’s take a look at the teams which would like to own the talented all-rounder.

3 Teams that might buy Rishi Dhawan in IPL mega auction

1. Delhi Capitals

Since its rebranding in 2018, Delhi Capitals has emerged to be one of the most consistent sides in the IPL, featuring in three consecutive playoffs since 2019. Having retained captain Rishabh Pant, opener Prithwi Shaw, all-rounder Axar Patel and South African quick Anrich Nortje, the 2020 finalists will be looking to finish one step better in the coming season.

Since the last few editions of the IPL, DC has missed the services of a good all-rounder. Even though Marcus Stoinis had a decent run, there was no one else to accompany him and therefore Delhi might go after Rishi Dhawan in the auction for a dependable all-around option.

2. Sunrisers Hyderabad

Even though they ended up at the bottom of the table last season, SRH has been one of the most consistent sides in IPL, featuring in the playoffs the most no. of times after Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, since 2018.

One of the major reasons that rocked SRH’s campaign in 2021 was the middle order’s inability to make runs. Rishi Dhawan’s hitting prowess along with his experience might be the key to solving SRH’s middle-order issues. In addition, he could always bowl-in overs when the specialized bowlers have an off-day

3. Royal Challengers Bangalore

RCB have always had the absence of a good finisher on their side. Heading into the auction, RCB has retained explosive all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, and the young Indian quick, Mohammed Siraj.

With the retirement of AB de Villiers, the most dependable finisher in the RCB, the management will be looking at options to fill in the void. Given Dhawan’s strength in hitting the ball long and his ability to bowl a few tight overs during the middle phase of the game, RCB will be surely keeping their eyes on the Himachal Pradesh skipper.