We are already aware that there will be a mega auction ahead of IPL 2022. Each team can retain up to four players. The deadline for the existing IPL teams for retention is November 30. The two new teams, Lucknow and Ahmedabad, can choose their players from December 1 – December 25. All teams are now busy finalizing their retentions. Meanwhile, it is being heard that young Kerala sensation Sanju Samson will be retained by Rajasthan Royals.
RR bought Sanju in 2018 for Rs. 4 crores. In 2021, he was made captain when the existing skipper Steve Smith was sold to Delhi Capitals. Though Sanju didn’t prove a lot as a skipper, he has been phenomenal with the bat. The star striker made 484 runs in the 14 matches he played.
It is being heard that RR wants to keep Sanju in their squad as he is a potential player. He is young and can support the team in a long run as well. Apart from Sanju, RR is also planning to retain Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Also Read: Ind v NZ First Test Day 2: Iyer scores a ton on debut; NZ gives a strong reply
Most likely, the franchise may leave its star all-rounder Ben Stokes. The first reason for that is every team can retain only a maximum of two overseas players. The second reason is that Stokes is currently on a break from international cricket due to mental health issues. Thus, the RR team might have felt that it is not a reliable option to retain him.
Also Read: IPL 2022: SRH to not retain Rashid Khan