KL Rahul, the highest scorer in the IPL 2021 thus far, may not play for the Punjab Kings next year and is expected to be available at the auction, according to Cricbuzz. It’s also been reported that he’s been approached by a few organisations interested in signing him.
There is still some doubt about the amount of retentions and Right To Match (RTM) cards available for a franchise because the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to declare the retention policy for the following season, when there will be a mega-auction.
When RTM cards become available for auction, a franchise has the right to utilise them for its present players, and it is thought that talks are underway behind the scenes to ensure Rahul’s departure from the Kings is amicable. Rahul, who is now in the Indian T20 World Cup squad, could not be reached for comment, and a Punjab Kings official emphatically rejected any discussions on the subject.
Meanwhile, Cricbuzz has learned that the selectors are considering bringing in Harshal Patel, Venkatesh Iyer, and Shivam Mavi to assist with the Indian team’s preparation. A number, if not all three, of them might be ordered to return to Dubai, where the Indian players are currently quarantined. After Monday’s Eliminator, the instructions will be relayed such that the player(s) do not depart the bubble and instead transfer from one bubble to another.
The BCCI has till October 16 to make changes to the World Cup team. The sides can alter seven days before the start of the stage they are playing in, according to Cricbuzz. The BCCI has till October 16 to make adjustments before the Super 12 stage begins on October 23, for which India has direct qualifying. The deadline for teams to enter the first round, which begins on October 17, was October 10. As previously reported, Hardik Pandya’s status is also up in the air, with Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar serving as backups if Hardik is unable to bowl.