From Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni to Hardik Pandya: Top 5 cricketing superstars with most Instagram followers

<p>Virat Kohli had dropped a bomb by announcing that he will step aside as the Royal Challengers Bangalore&nbsp;(RCB) captain when the second and final leg of IPL 2021 kicked off last year, in the UAE. After RCB lost the Eliminator to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Kohli's captaincy tenure for the three-time runners-up finally came to an end.</p>

<p>Kohli captained the side from 2011&nbsp;-2021 (becoming the full-time skipper since 2013) but couldn't lead them to the coveted title. Under his leadership, the Bengaluru-based franchise&nbsp;won 64 games in 140 matches, losing as many as 69 fixtures. Their best season under Kohli came in 2016 when they lost the season-finale to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the IPL 2022 edition, RCB remain the only team who have not announced their captain yet. After the mega auction, they added some new faces to the squad and have some captaincy contenders in the form of Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis, Dinesh Karthik whereas some feel Kohli might also return to the top job if he wishes to.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-made-me-look-like-a-fool-when-virat-kohli-recalled-his-face-off-with-shane-warne-during-ipl-2009-459943"><strong>'He made me look like a fool': When Virat Kohli recalled his face-off with Shane Warne during IPL 2009</strong></a></p>

<p>Nonetheless, former RCB skipper -- and Kohli's predecessor -- Daniel Vettori doesn't feel the star player will take up the captaincy post once again. "No [Virat Kohli will not be the RCB captain again]. I think it is as simple as that. I don't think that ever works, let alone in franchise cricket or international cricket. Once the captain is moved on, the right thing is for him to move on," Vettori told&nbsp;<i>ESPNCricinfo</i>.</p>

<p>Vettori further revealed his choice and said, "I think they will look at Kohli, Maxwell and Du Plessis as the leadership group and even Dinesh Karthik. I think Faf will step in for Maxwell. But if they win the first three games, maybe they will continue on with him. I think Maxwell is a shorter long-term. Three years is a long-term time in the IPL. They will look at Maxwell as the three-year cycle and hopefully he continues to play as he did in the last IPL. They will factor that in that he will be the leader for three years."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/royal-challengers-bangalore-complete-squad-for-ipl-2022-faf-du-plessis-to-captain-pace-heavy-line-up-453152"><strong>Royal Challengers Bangalore complete squad for IPL 2022: Faf du Plessis to captain pace-heavy line-up?</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Complete squad of RCB for IPL 2022:</strong></p>

<p>Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Harshal Patel, Faf du Plessis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dinesh Karthik, Josh Hazlewood, Shahbaz Ahamad, Anuj Rawat, Akash Deep, Mahipal Lomror, Finn Allen, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Behrendorff, Suyash Prabhudessai, Chama Milind, Aneeshwar Gautam, Karn Sharma,&nbsp;David Willey.&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli had dropped a bomb by announcing that he will step aside as the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain when the second and final leg of IPL 2021 kicked off last year, in the UAE.

Virat Kohli had dropped a bomb by announcing that he will step aside as the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain when the second and final leg of IPL 2021 kicked off last year, in the UAE. After RCB lost the Eliminator to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Kohli's captaincy tenure for the three-time runners-up finally came to an end. Kohli captained the side from 2011 -2021 (becoming the full-time skipper since 2013) but couldn't lead them to the coveted title. Under his leadership, the Bengaluru-based franchise won 64 games in 140 matches, losing as many as 69 fixtures. Their best season under Kohli came in 2016 when they lost the season-finale to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Ahead of the IPL 2022 edition, RCB remain the only team who have not announced their captain yet. After the mega auction, they added some new faces to the squad and have some captaincy contenders in the form of Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis, Dinesh Karthik whereas some feel Kohli might also return to the top job if he wishes to. ALSO READ | 'He made me look like a fool': When Virat Kohli recalled his face-off with Shane Warne during IPL 2009 Nonetheless, former RCB skipper -- and Kohli's predecessor -- Daniel Vettori doesn't feel the star player will take up the captaincy post once again. "No [Virat Kohli will not be the RCB captain again]. I think it is as simple as that. I don't think that ever works, let alone in franchise cricket or international cricket. Once the captain is moved on, the right thing is for him to move on," Vettori told ESPNCricinfo. Vettori further revealed his choice and said, "I think they will look at Kohli, Maxwell and Du Plessis as the leadership group and even Dinesh Karthik. I think Faf will step in for Maxwell. But if they win the first three games, maybe they will continue on with him. I think Maxwell is a shorter long-term. Three years is a long-term time in the IPL. They will look at Maxwell as the three-year cycle and hopefully he continues to play as he did in the last IPL. They will factor that in that he will be the leader for three years." ALSO READ | Royal Challengers Bangalore complete squad for IPL 2022: Faf du Plessis to captain pace-heavy line-up? Complete squad of RCB for IPL 2022: Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Harshal Patel, Faf du Plessis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dinesh Karthik, Josh Hazlewood, Shahbaz Ahamad, Anuj Rawat, Akash Deep, Mahipal Lomror, Finn Allen, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Behrendorff, Suyash Prabhudessai, Chama Milind, Aneeshwar Gautam, Karn Sharma, David Willey.

Daniel Vettori gives his verdict on whether Virat Kohli will return to RCB captaincy in IPL 2022

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the complete schedule of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season. IPL 2022 is all set to get underway from March 26 with defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) locking horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the season-opener at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.</p>

<p>This time around the Indian Premier League is all set to have ten instead of eight teams but each team will play 14 league games like before. The ten teams have been divided into two groups of five each with Mumbai Indians and CSK headlining Group A and B respectively.</p>

<p><strong>Here is a look at the two groups for IPL 2022:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Group A&nbsp; &nbsp;</strong> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>Group B</strong><br />
Mumbai Indians&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Chennai Super Kings<br />
Kolkata Knight Riders&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Sunrisers Hyderabad&nbsp;<br />
Rajasthan Royals&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Royal Challengers Bangalore<br />
Delhi Capitals&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Punjab Kings<br />
Lucknow Super Giants&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Gujarat Titans</p>

<p>As per the new format of the IPL, each team will play twice against the other four teams in their respective groups and against the team who are placed in the same row in the other group. For an example, CSK will play twice against Mumbai Indians and the remaining four teams in Group B, while KKR will play twice against Sunrisers Hyderabad and the remaining four teams in Group A.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-new-format-explained-mumbai-indians-and-chennai-super-kings-headline-two-groups-456529">&nbsp;IPL 2022 new format explained: Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings headline two groups</a></p>

<p><strong>Check out the complete schedule of IPL 2022:</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="IPL schedule" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9d0f999d-36c7-478a-b1de-38e2f2cce7c5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IPL%20schedule%201.png" /></strong></p>

<p><img alt="IPL schedule" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="becffb85-f81e-462b-bf1b-0f32c1a1f6c2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IPL%20schedule%202.jpg" /></p>

<p>Debutants Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants will play their respective first game of the season when they lock horns against each other at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 28.</p>

<p>Five-time champions Mumbai Indians will take on Rishabh Pant's Delhi Capitals in the second game of the season on March 27, which will see the first double-header of the season with Punjab Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore on the same day.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/deepak-chahar-to-liam-livingstone-5-players-who-earned-biggest-pay-rise-at-ipl-mega-auction-453828">Deepak Chahar to Liam Livingstone: 5 players who earned biggest pay rise at IPL mega auction</a></p>

<p>There will be a total of 12 double headers in IPL 2022 with six on Saturdays and six on Sundays. The BCCI is so far announced the schedule for only the league stage of the competition featuring 70 matches in total. The venue and dates for the playoffs are yet to be announced while the final is confirmed to be played on May 29.</p>

<p>The final league game of the season will be played between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings on May 22. The playoffs are expected to get underway from May 24 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The entire legaue stage will be hosted by four venues in Maharashtra.</p>

<p>The Wankhede Stadium and DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai will host 20 matches each during the league stage while the Brabourne Stadium and the MCA Stadium in Pune will host 15 matches apiece.</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the complete schedule of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season. IPL 2022 is all set to get underway from March 26 with defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) locking horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the season-opener at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the complete schedule of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season. IPL 2022 is all set to get underway from March 26 with defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) locking horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the season-opener at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This time around the Indian Premier League is all set to have ten instead of eight teams but each team will play 14 league games like before. The ten teams have been divided into two groups of five each with Mumbai Indians and CSK headlining Group A and B respectively. Here is a look at the two groups for IPL 2022: Group A Group B Mumbai Indians Chennai Super Kings Kolkata Knight Riders Sunrisers Hyderabad Rajasthan Royals Royal Challengers Bangalore Delhi Capitals Punjab Kings Lucknow Super Giants Gujarat Titans As per the new format of the IPL, each team will play twice against the other four teams in their respective groups and against the team who are placed in the same row in the other group. For an example, CSK will play twice against Mumbai Indians and the remaining four teams in Group B, while KKR will play twice against Sunrisers Hyderabad and the remaining four teams in Group A. Also Read: IPL 2022 new format explained: Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings headline two groups Check out the complete schedule of IPL 2022: Debutants Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants will play their respective first game of the season when they lock horns against each other at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 28. Five-time champions Mumbai Indians will take on Rishabh Pant's Delhi Capitals in the second game of the season on March 27, which will see the first double-header of the season with Punjab Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore on the same day. Also Read: Deepak Chahar to Liam Livingstone: 5 players who earned biggest pay rise at IPL mega auction There will be a total of 12 double headers in IPL 2022 with six on Saturdays and six on Sundays. The BCCI is so far announced the schedule for only the league stage of the competition featuring 70 matches in total. The venue and dates for the playoffs are yet to be announced while the final is confirmed to be played on May 29. The final league game of the season will be played between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings on May 22. The playoffs are expected to get underway from May 24 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The entire legaue stage will be hosted by four venues in Maharashtra. The Wankhede Stadium and DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai will host 20 matches each during the league stage while the Brabourne Stadium and the MCA Stadium in Pune will host 15 matches apiece.

IPL 2022 complete schedule announced: MS Dhoni's CSK to take on KKR in season-opener

<p>Virat Kohli dropped a bomb on the day the second and final leg of the IPL 2021 edition commenced in the UAE, i.e. on September 19. Back then, Kohli revealed that he won't be captaining the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise after the end of the 14th edition.</p>

<p>In a video shared by the RCB franchise on Twitter, Kohli told, "This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I’ll continue to be an RCB player till I play my last IPL game. I thank all the RCB fans for believing in me and supporting me. I spoke to the management this evening. This was something that was on my mind... I needed the space to refresh, regroup and be absolutely clear in how to move forward."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-shikhar-dhawan-mayank-agarwal-likely-to-be-named-punjab-kings-captain-ahead-of-ipl-2022-report-455975"><strong>Not Shikhar Dhawan! Mayank Agarwal likely to be named Punjab Kings' captain ahead of IPL 2022 - Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Recently, on "The RCB Podcast", Kohli explained his decision behind quitting as Bengaluru's captain and said, "I’m not someone who holds onto things more than I should. Even if I know I can do a lot more, if I’m not going to enjoy the process, I’m not going to do it. Because it’s very difficult for people to understand your decisions unless they are in your situation. From the outside, people have their own expectations ‘Oh! How did that happen? We are so shocked'."</p>

<p>He further pointed out, "There was actually nothing at all. I keep my life very simple and basic, when I wanted to make a decision, I made a decision and I announced it. I didn’t want to think about it and contemplate it for another year. That would’ve done nothing to me, nothing to the environment I’m part of. Quality of life is something very important to me. And the quality of cricket is something very important to me.</p>

<p>"Over a period of time, you want to do what you’re doing day-in-and-day-out and you want to do as much as you can, but at the end of the day, you have to realize that quality is far more important than quantity," added the 33-year-old Kohli.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-has-got-ice-running-through-his-veins-virat-kohli-is-a-superhuman-shane-watson-455678"><strong>MS Dhoni has got ice running through his veins, Virat Kohli is a superhuman: Shane Watson</strong></a></p>

<p>Under Kohli, the three-time runners-up RCB won 64 games in 140 matches, losing as many as 69 fixtures. The 33-year-old captained the Bengaluru-based franchise&nbsp;from 2011-2021 (becoming the full-time skipper since 2013) but couldn't lead them to the coveted title. In 2016, Kohli-led RCB played the season-finale where the&nbsp;David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) beat them by 8 runs.</p>

<p>At present, Kohli is enjoying a bio-bubble break and won't take part in the India-Sri Lanka T20Is, starting on February 24. He will return for the two Tests between both sides, which wil get underway on March 04.</p>


Virat Kohli dropped a bomb on the day the second and final leg of the IPL 2021 edition commenced in the UAE, i.e. on September 19. Back then, Kohli revealed that he won't be captaining the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise after the end of the 14th edition.

Virat Kohli dropped a bomb on the day the second and final leg of the IPL 2021 edition commenced in the UAE, i.e. on September 19. Back then, Kohli revealed that he won't be captaining the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise after the end of the 14th edition. In a video shared by the RCB franchise on Twitter, Kohli told, "This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I’ll continue to be an RCB player till I play my last IPL game. I thank all the RCB fans for believing in me and supporting me. I spoke to the management this evening. This was something that was on my mind... I needed the space to refresh, regroup and be absolutely clear in how to move forward." ALSO READ | Not Shikhar Dhawan! Mayank Agarwal likely to be named Punjab Kings' captain ahead of IPL 2022 - Report Recently, on "The RCB Podcast", Kohli explained his decision behind quitting as Bengaluru's captain and said, "I’m not someone who holds onto things more than I should. Even if I know I can do a lot more, if I’m not going to enjoy the process, I’m not going to do it. Because it’s very difficult for people to understand your decisions unless they are in your situation. From the outside, people have their own expectations ‘Oh! How did that happen? We are so shocked'." He further pointed out, "There was actually nothing at all. I keep my life very simple and basic, when I wanted to make a decision, I made a decision and I announced it. I didn’t want to think about it and contemplate it for another year. That would’ve done nothing to me, nothing to the environment I’m part of. Quality of life is something very important to me. And the quality of cricket is something very important to me. "Over a period of time, you want to do what you’re doing day-in-and-day-out and you want to do as much as you can, but at the end of the day, you have to realize that quality is far more important than quantity," added the 33-year-old Kohli. ALSO READ | MS Dhoni has got ice running through his veins, Virat Kohli is a superhuman: Shane Watson Under Kohli, the three-time runners-up RCB won 64 games in 140 matches, losing as many as 69 fixtures. The 33-year-old captained the Bengaluru-based franchise from 2011-2021 (becoming the full-time skipper since 2013) but couldn't lead them to the coveted title. In 2016, Kohli-led RCB played the season-finale where the David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) beat them by 8 runs. At present, Kohli is enjoying a bio-bubble break and won't take part in the India-Sri Lanka T20Is, starting on February 24. He will return for the two Tests between both sides, which wil get underway on March 04.

There’s nothing to be shocked about: Virat Kohli breaks silence on decision of quitting as RCB captain

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday (February 20) shared a video of their pre-auction planning which was done ahead of the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. RCB roped in a number of stars players at the IPL mega auction but their key signings were former South Africa captain Faf Du Plessis and Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga.</p>

<p>RCB made former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Du Plessis their first signing at the IPL 2022 mega auction after spending a sum of Rs 7 crore (INR 70 million) to secure his services for the upcoming season. Du Plessis had a phenomenal season for CSK last year as he ended up as the second-highest run-getter in IPL 2021 with 633 runs from 16 matches.</p>

<p>In the video shared by RCB of their pre-auction planning, the franchise's Director of Cricket Mike Hesson can be seen stressing why signing Du Plessis will be a great move for them. Hesson also goes on to predict that CSK will try to get the South African batter back at the auction and that not many will expect RCB to make a move for him.</p>

<p>“With the options we have in our current squad and the uncertainty surrounding those, and the options we have at the auction, where we think we can gain a real advantage is with Faf du Plessis who is highly experienced. He has captained South Africa for long, won the IPL many times and is a very consistent performer in terms of how he operates. He's a strong character and highly respected. These are a lot of attributes you want in a leader,” Hesson says in the video.</p>

<p>“It's pretty clear that CSK will likely try and get him back, as they do with all their players. He's also in the marquee group; for us to have some structure going forward, we need to allocate some budget to get that. We would want to go through teams who might look at him. CSK will obviously make a bid, no one will expect us in terms of who we are likely to go for,” he explains further.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virender-sehwag-reacts-as-wriddhiman-saha-shares-screenshots-of-disturbing-messages-from-a-journalist-454752">Virender Sehwag reacts as&nbsp;Saha shares screenshots of disturbing messages from a 'journalist'</a></p>

<p>As it turned out, CSK did try to get back Du Plessis at the IPL 2022 mega auction but pulled out of the race after the bidding went out of their budget. RCB ended up getting the experienced batter for a sum of Rs 7 crore. Apart from Du Plessis, Hesson also states in the video that RCB should prioritise signing Sri Lankan all-rounder Hasaranga on day 1 of the mega auction.</p>

<p>“We see his (Faf's) role along with Hasaranga as two most important overseas roles to get on the first day. There are a number of different permutations and combinations to get to this point and I'm sure there will continue to be some. But the primary role is to start and fine-tune how we have to go about achieving that. The priority on Day 1 is to get Hasaranga and Faf,” Hesson said in the video.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday (February 20) shared a video of their pre-auction planning which was done ahead of the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday (February 20) shared a video of their pre-auction planning which was done ahead of the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. RCB roped in a number of stars players at the IPL mega auction but their key signings were former South Africa captain Faf Du Plessis and Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. RCB made former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Du Plessis their first signing at the IPL 2022 mega auction after spending a sum of Rs 7 crore (INR 70 million) to secure his services for the upcoming season. Du Plessis had a phenomenal season for CSK last year as he ended up as the second-highest run-getter in IPL 2021 with 633 runs from 16 matches. In the video shared by RCB of their pre-auction planning, the franchise's Director of Cricket Mike Hesson can be seen stressing why signing Du Plessis will be a great move for them. Hesson also goes on to predict that CSK will try to get the South African batter back at the auction and that not many will expect RCB to make a move for him. “With the options we have in our current squad and the uncertainty surrounding those, and the options we have at the auction, where we think we can gain a real advantage is with Faf du Plessis who is highly experienced. He has captained South Africa for long, won the IPL many times and is a very consistent performer in terms of how he operates. He's a strong character and highly respected. These are a lot of attributes you want in a leader,” Hesson says in the video. “It's pretty clear that CSK will likely try and get him back, as they do with all their players. He's also in the marquee group; for us to have some structure going forward, we need to allocate some budget to get that. We would want to go through teams who might look at him. CSK will obviously make a bid, no one will expect us in terms of who we are likely to go for,” he explains further. Also Read: Virender Sehwag reacts as Saha shares screenshots of disturbing messages from a 'journalist' As it turned out, CSK did try to get back Du Plessis at the IPL 2022 mega auction but pulled out of the race after the bidding went out of their budget. RCB ended up getting the experienced batter for a sum of Rs 7 crore. Apart from Du Plessis, Hesson also states in the video that RCB should prioritise signing Sri Lankan all-rounder Hasaranga on day 1 of the mega auction. “We see his (Faf's) role along with Hasaranga as two most important overseas roles to get on the first day. There are a number of different permutations and combinations to get to this point and I'm sure there will continue to be some. But the primary role is to start and fine-tune how we have to go about achieving that. The priority on Day 1 is to get Hasaranga and Faf,” Hesson said in the video.

'CSK will try to get him back, no one will expect us': How RCB planned Faf du Plessis' signing at IPL auction

From Jason Holder to Tim David: 5 underrated overseas stars who fetched big-fat cheques at mega auction

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) roped in a number of quality players at the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. RCB spent huge money to acquire the services of the likes of Harshal Patel, Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and Faf du Plessis among others.</p>

<p>The franchise had headed into the auction aiming for a major overhaul after Virat Kohli's resignation from captaincy last year and AB de Villiers' retirement from all forms of cricket. While they bought some experienced players to strengthen their squad, the franchise also added a number of youngsters to the setup.</p>

<p>Among the youngsters, RCB picked uncapped Indian all-rounder Mahipal Lomror in a deal worth just Rs 75 lakh (INR 7.5 million). Lomror, who has played for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL in the past, said he was not expecting RCB to go for him at the IPL 2022 mega auction. In fact, the 22-year-old believed RCB will be the last team to pick him at the auction.</p>

<p>However, he was in for a surprise as RCB competed with the Royals for his signature and managed to get him at the auction. Lomror revealed he had never gone for trials at RCB or spoken with anyone from the team management in the past but is happy to get a chance to work with the likes of Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik who are all part of the franchise.</p>

<p>"Before auction, I thought RCB is the last team which is going to pick me. Surprisingly, they bought me. I had never spoken to anyone from the management. &nbsp;I never went to trials for RCB and neither, I had never talked to any management guy (from RCB) over a phone call or in person. So, I was a bit surprised. After the auction, Mike Hesson Sir called me, I got a call from Sanjay Bangar Sir as well," Lomror told<em> Crictracker</em>.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mayank-agarwal-or-shikhar-dhawan-punjab-kings-co-owner-hints-at-teams-next-captain-ahead-of-ipl-2022-454398">Mayank Agarwal or Shikhar Dhawan? Punjab Kings co-owner hints at team's next captain ahead of IPL 2022</a></p>

<p>"I am really happy that I am a part of RCB this time around. Obviously, there’s a lot to learn from not just Maxi but also from the likes of Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik, who are really experienced players and two of the greats in our country. So, I am looking forward to learn a lot from them. Specially Maxi, he’s a great finisher in World cricket. So, I would like to learn a lot from him," he added.</p>

<p>While the likes of Du Plessis and Maxwell are favourites to take over as the new captain of RCB, the franchise is yet to take the final call on their next skipper. RCB have finished in the playoffs for the past two consecutive seasons but are yet to lift their maiden IPL trophy.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) roped in a number of quality players at the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. RCB spent huge money to acquire the services of the likes of Harshal Patel, Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and Faf du Plessis among others.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) roped in a number of quality players at the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. RCB spent huge money to acquire the services of the likes of Harshal Patel, Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and Faf du Plessis among others. The franchise had headed into the auction aiming for a major overhaul after Virat Kohli's resignation from captaincy last year and AB de Villiers' retirement from all forms of cricket. While they bought some experienced players to strengthen their squad, the franchise also added a number of youngsters to the setup. Among the youngsters, RCB picked uncapped Indian all-rounder Mahipal Lomror in a deal worth just Rs 75 lakh (INR 7.5 million). Lomror, who has played for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL in the past, said he was not expecting RCB to go for him at the IPL 2022 mega auction. In fact, the 22-year-old believed RCB will be the last team to pick him at the auction. However, he was in for a surprise as RCB competed with the Royals for his signature and managed to get him at the auction. Lomror revealed he had never gone for trials at RCB or spoken with anyone from the team management in the past but is happy to get a chance to work with the likes of Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik who are all part of the franchise. "Before auction, I thought RCB is the last team which is going to pick me. Surprisingly, they bought me. I had never spoken to anyone from the management. I never went to trials for RCB and neither, I had never talked to any management guy (from RCB) over a phone call or in person. So, I was a bit surprised. After the auction, Mike Hesson Sir called me, I got a call from Sanjay Bangar Sir as well," Lomror told Crictracker. Also Read: Mayank Agarwal or Shikhar Dhawan? Punjab Kings co-owner hints at team's next captain ahead of IPL 2022 "I am really happy that I am a part of RCB this time around. Obviously, there’s a lot to learn from not just Maxi but also from the likes of Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik, who are really experienced players and two of the greats in our country. So, I am looking forward to learn a lot from them. Specially Maxi, he’s a great finisher in World cricket. So, I would like to learn a lot from him," he added. While the likes of Du Plessis and Maxwell are favourites to take over as the new captain of RCB, the franchise is yet to take the final call on their next skipper. RCB have finished in the playoffs for the past two consecutive seasons but are yet to lift their maiden IPL trophy.

Never went for trials, never spoke with anyone: Indian youngster surprised to be picked by RCB at IPL auction

<p>Mohammed Siraj has been one of the most improved cricketers for Team India in the recent past. His performances in the IPL 2020 edition, where he showed much control with the ball in powerplays and death overs, earned him a place in India's Test squad for the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.</p>

<p>Since then, life has changed for the 27-year-old pacer, who owes a lot of his success to former Indian and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)&nbsp;captain Virat Kohli. During IPL&nbsp;2018,&nbsp;Siraj had invited the RCB players to his house in Hyderabad. At first, Kohli had revealed he won't be able to make it, however, he turned up with his teammates; taking Siraj by surprise.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-your-property-heartwarming-tendulkar-reveals-why-he-returned-virat-kohlis-retirement-gift-454035"><strong>This is your property: Heartwarming! Tendulkar reveals why he returned Virat Kohli's retirement gift</strong></a></p>

<p>Recalling the whole incident, Siraj said on the RCB podcast, "I had invited everyone from RCB to my house for dinner. I went home straight from the hotel. When I called him (Virat) up, he said "I have a stiff back miyan, I can't come." I told him to rest. What more could I say."</p>

<p>"But, when everyone came, I saw him get off the car. Everyone was there, PP (Parthiv Patel) Bhai, Chahal Bhai. I just ran towards Bhaiya (Virat) and hugged him. It was the best surprise of my life. Because Bhaiya (Virat) had said he won't come. It became news, Virat Kohli has come to Toli Chowki," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-set-to-take-over-as-indias-test-captain-virat-kohli-to-miss-t20is-against-sri-lanka-report-454310"><strong>Rohit Sharma set to take over as India's Test captain, Virat Kohli to miss T20Is against Sri Lanka - Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Back then, Siraj had shared an image with his RCB mates enjoying food at his home via a post on his Instagram handle. He had captioned&nbsp;it: "It was an honour for me and my Family to welcome you all. Thanks a lot for taking out your precious time and joining us at place for dinner. It really means a lot."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BieV8fHjuUJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BieV8fHjuUJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BieV8fHjuUJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BieV8fHjuUJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Mohammed Siraj (@mohammedsirajofficial)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>At present, Siraj is part of India's T20I series versus West Indies at home. He was among the three retentions by RCB, along with Kohli and Glenn Maxwell, for INR 80 million ahead of IPL 2022 mega auction. This year's season is expected to kickoff on late&nbsp;March.</p>


Mohammed Siraj has been one of the most improved cricketers for Team India in the recent past. His performances in the IPL 2020 edition, where he showed much control with the ball in powerplays and death overs, earned him a place in India's Test squad for the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

Mohammed Siraj has been one of the most improved cricketers for Team India in the recent past. His performances in the IPL 2020 edition, where he showed much control with the ball in powerplays and death overs, earned him a place in India's Test squad for the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Since then, life has changed for the 27-year-old pacer, who owes a lot of his success to former Indian and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli. During IPL 2018, Siraj had invited the RCB players to his house in Hyderabad. At first, Kohli had revealed he won't be able to make it, however, he turned up with his teammates; taking Siraj by surprise. ALSO READ | This is your property: Heartwarming! Tendulkar reveals why he returned Virat Kohli's retirement gift Recalling the whole incident, Siraj said on the RCB podcast, "I had invited everyone from RCB to my house for dinner. I went home straight from the hotel. When I called him (Virat) up, he said "I have a stiff back miyan, I can't come." I told him to rest. What more could I say." "But, when everyone came, I saw him get off the car. Everyone was there, PP (Parthiv Patel) Bhai, Chahal Bhai. I just ran towards Bhaiya (Virat) and hugged him. It was the best surprise of my life. Because Bhaiya (Virat) had said he won't come. It became news, Virat Kohli has come to Toli Chowki," he added. ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma set to take over as India's Test captain, Virat Kohli to miss T20Is against Sri Lanka - Report Back then, Siraj had shared an image with his RCB mates enjoying food at his home via a post on his Instagram handle. He had captioned it: "It was an honour for me and my Family to welcome you all. Thanks a lot for taking out your precious time and joining us at place for dinner. It really means a lot." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mohammed Siraj (@mohammedsirajofficial) × At present, Siraj is part of India's T20I series versus West Indies at home. He was among the three retentions by RCB, along with Kohli and Glenn Maxwell, for INR 80 million ahead of IPL 2022 mega auction. This year's season is expected to kickoff on late March.

I just ran towards Virat Kohli and hugged him: RCB pacer Md Siraj recalls 'best surprise of life'

<p>The IPL 2022 mega auction lived upto expectations. As many as 590 players went under the hammer as many marquee players attained whopping deals whereas some big players also went unsold. Talking about Harshal Patel, the 31-year-old fast-bowling all-rounder wasn't retained by the Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).</p>

<p>Harshal ended with 32 wickets -- joined most scalps&nbsp;in a&nbsp;season along with Dwayne Bravo -- and the Purple Cap in the IPL 2021 edition. However, the death-over specialist was brought back by the Bengaluru-based franchise for a whopping INR 107.5 million (INR 10.75 crore). Little Master Sunil Gavaskar has lauded Harshal and feels he deserves every penny earned at the mega auction.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-t20i-we-are-not-even-talking-about-him-aakash-chopra-reacts-to-virat-kohlis-string-of-low-scores-453996">'We're not even talking about him'- Chopra reacts to string of low scores from Kohli after 1st T20I vs WI</a></strong></p>

<p>"Look he deserves every penny, every rupee that he’s earned at the auction. He put in a fabulous performance last year. And the best part about Harshal Patel is how he has reinvented himself. Earlier, he was a bowler batters were looking to face because he hardly had any change of pace. He was being taken for a lot of runs. He is learning from it, he has improved from that. Now, he is the bowler that batters do not want to face because they don’t know what he is going to bowl," Gavaskar said to Star Sports.</p>

<p>He further asserted, “He has got a very good yorker. He has got a slower bouncer. He has got a delivery that skids along quite nicely so he has got the works and he knows when to use it because of the experience he has had playing in the IPL for the last few years. He has only got better every year."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-wi-1st-t20i-im-saying-it-how-virat-kohli-convinced-skipper-rohit-sharma-to-take-drs-watch-453958">India vs WI, 1st T20I: 'I’m saying it' - How Virat Kohli convinced skipper Rohit Sharma to take DRS - Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>Harshal was one of the star performers for Team India in the first T20I versus West Indies, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Wednesday (February 16). Being asked to bat first, Kieron Pollard-led WI managed only 157-7 courtesy Harshal and Ravi Bishnoi's two wickets apiece before Rohit's 19-ball 40 and unbeaten stand between Suryakumar Yadav-Venkatesh Iyer propelled India to a six-wicket win.</p>

<p>Harshal is&nbsp;becoming a regular in the T20I setup and is in the reckoning to be in Team India's squad for the 2022&nbsp;World Cup.</p>


The IPL 2022 mega auction lived upto expectations. As many as 590 players went under the hammer as many marquee players attained whopping deals whereas some big players also went unsold.

The IPL 2022 mega auction lived upto expectations. As many as 590 players went under the hammer as many marquee players attained whopping deals whereas some big players also went unsold. Talking about Harshal Patel, the 31-year-old fast-bowling all-rounder wasn't retained by the Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Harshal ended with 32 wickets -- joined most scalps in a season along with Dwayne Bravo -- and the Purple Cap in the IPL 2021 edition. However, the death-over specialist was brought back by the Bengaluru-based franchise for a whopping INR 107.5 million (INR 10.75 crore). Little Master Sunil Gavaskar has lauded Harshal and feels he deserves every penny earned at the mega auction. ALSO READ | 'We're not even talking about him'- Chopra reacts to string of low scores from Kohli after 1st T20I vs WI "Look he deserves every penny, every rupee that he’s earned at the auction. He put in a fabulous performance last year. And the best part about Harshal Patel is how he has reinvented himself. Earlier, he was a bowler batters were looking to face because he hardly had any change of pace. He was being taken for a lot of runs. He is learning from it, he has improved from that. Now, he is the bowler that batters do not want to face because they don’t know what he is going to bowl," Gavaskar said to Star Sports. He further asserted, “He has got a very good yorker. He has got a slower bouncer. He has got a delivery that skids along quite nicely so he has got the works and he knows when to use it because of the experience he has had playing in the IPL for the last few years. He has only got better every year." ALSO READ | India vs WI, 1st T20I: 'I’m saying it' - How Virat Kohli convinced skipper Rohit Sharma to take DRS - Watch Harshal was one of the star performers for Team India in the first T20I versus West Indies, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Wednesday (February 16). Being asked to bat first, Kieron Pollard-led WI managed only 157-7 courtesy Harshal and Ravi Bishnoi's two wickets apiece before Rohit's 19-ball 40 and unbeaten stand between Suryakumar Yadav-Venkatesh Iyer propelled India to a six-wicket win. Harshal is becoming a regular in the T20I setup and is in the reckoning to be in Team India's squad for the 2022 World Cup.

He deserves every penny earned at IPL mega auction: Sunil Gavaskar lavishes huge praise on Indian star

IPL 2022: All teams and their squad list

<p>India pacer Harshal Patel said bowling in the death overs for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 changed his career.</p>

<p>Harshal was a part of the Delhi Capitals squad in IPL 2020 but was traded to RCB ahead of the 2021 season.</p>

<p>"I spent six years of my initial IPL career with RCB and then three years with Delhi Capitals, then they traded me, I was very surprised because I believed Delhi will keep me as a backup option," said Harshal Patel at The RCB Podcast.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-sl-t20is-to-begin-on-feb-24-virat-kohli-to-play-100th-test-in-series-opener-at-mohali-453503">India-SL T20Is to begin on Feb 24, Virat Kohli to play 100th Test in series opener at Mohali</a></p>

<p>"I didn`t think they will let me go,but luckily, they decided to let me go and RCB was very keen on bringing me on board from what I heard."I got the role of a death bowler in this stint and obviously, it changed my career," he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, RCB acquired Harshal Patel (Rs 10.75 crore) at the IPL mega auction 2022.</p>

<p>The franchise also bought Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (Rs 10.75 crore), Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood (Rs 7.75 crore), South Africa's veteran batsman Faf du Plessis (Rs 7 crore).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-kl-rahul-harbhajan-singh-picks-young-batter-who-should-open-with-rohit-sharma-for-india-in-t20is-453501">No KL Rahul! Harbhajan Singh picks young batter who should open with Rohit Sharma for India in T20Is</a></p>

<p>RCB picked up veteran India wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik (Rs 5.5 crore), wicketkeeper-batsman Anuj Rawat (Rs 3.4 crore), left-arm orthodox bowler and left-hand batsman Shahbaz Ahamad (Rs 2.4 crore), West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford (Rs 1 crore) to further bolster its line up.</p>


India pacer Harshal Patel said bowling in the death overs for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 changed his career. Harshal was a part of the Delhi Capitals squad in IPL 2020 but was traded to RCB ahead of the 2021 season.

India pacer Harshal Patel said bowling in the death overs for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 changed his career. Harshal was a part of the Delhi Capitals squad in IPL 2020 but was traded to RCB ahead of the 2021 season. "I spent six years of my initial IPL career with RCB and then three years with Delhi Capitals, then they traded me, I was very surprised because I believed Delhi will keep me as a backup option," said Harshal Patel at The RCB Podcast. ALSO READ: India-SL T20Is to begin on Feb 24, Virat Kohli to play 100th Test in series opener at Mohali "I didn`t think they will let me go,but luckily, they decided to let me go and RCB was very keen on bringing me on board from what I heard."I got the role of a death bowler in this stint and obviously, it changed my career," he added. Meanwhile, RCB acquired Harshal Patel (Rs 10.75 crore) at the IPL mega auction 2022. The franchise also bought Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (Rs 10.75 crore), Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood (Rs 7.75 crore), South Africa's veteran batsman Faf du Plessis (Rs 7 crore). ALSO READ: No KL Rahul! Harbhajan Singh picks young batter who should open with Rohit Sharma for India in T20Is RCB picked up veteran India wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik (Rs 5.5 crore), wicketkeeper-batsman Anuj Rawat (Rs 3.4 crore), left-arm orthodox bowler and left-hand batsman Shahbaz Ahamad (Rs 2.4 crore), West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford (Rs 1 crore) to further bolster its line up.

'It changed my career': Harshal Patel on getting death-bowling role at Royal Challengers Bangalore

<p>Australia and Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is set to tie the knot with his&nbsp;Indian-origin fiancee, Vini Raman, on March 27. As a result, the wedding card for the big occasion has been printed in&nbsp;Tamil language and is doing the rounds on social media platforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Actress Kasturi Shankar shared the wedding card and wrote, "GlennvMaxwell marrying Vini Raman. Going by the cute traditional Tamil muhurta patrikai, we'd&nbsp; bet there may likely be a TamBram ceremony... Will there be a white gown wedding too? Congratulations Glenn and Vini !"&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/royal-challengers-bangalore-complete-squad-for-ipl-2022-faf-du-plessis-to-captain-pace-heavy-line-up-453152">Royal Challengers Bangalore complete squad for IPL 2022: Faf du Plessis to captain pace-heavy line-up?</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">GlennMaxwell marrying Vini Raman. Going by the cute traditional Tamil muhurta patrikai, we'd bet there may likely be a TamBram ceremony... Will there be a white gown wedding too?<br />
Congratulations Glenn and Vini ! <a href="https://twitter.com/Gmaxi_32?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gmaxi_32</a> <a href="https://t.co/uJeSjHM1we">pic.twitter.com/uJeSjHM1we</a></p>
— Kasturi Shankar (@KasthuriShankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/KasthuriShankar/status/1492558901958508546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Talking about the soon-to-be-married couple, Maxwell and Vini&nbsp;got engaged to each other in the pre-Covid era. They have been dating for quite sometime and pictures of the two have created a storm and been a hot topic of discussion since 2017.</p>

<p>According to a report by&nbsp;<em>News18</em>, Maxwell's better half Vini&nbsp;is a practicing pharmacist in Melbourne.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9taXQkpEtc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9taXQkpEtc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9taXQkpEtc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9taXQkpEtc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by VINI (@vini.raman)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-faf-du-plessis-sunil-gavaskar-picks-virat-kohlis-successor-at-rcb-for-ipl-2022-453479"><strong>Not Faf du Plessis! Sunil Gavaskar picks Virat Kohli's successor at RCB for IPL 2022</strong></a></p>

<p>With their wedding on March 27, reportedly the date for IPL 2022's commencement in India, Maxwell might miss the initial few games for the Virat Kohli-starrer RCB camp. He has been retained by the Bengaluru-based camp for INR 110 million (INR 11 crore) ahead of the&nbsp;15th edition.</p>

<p>Currently, the 33-year-old all-rounder is part of Australia's five-match T20I series versus Sri Lanka at home. Aaron Finch-led T20I World Champions beat Sri Lanka in the third encounter by six wickets to take an unassailable lead in the five-match series on Wednesday (February 15).</p>


Australia and Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is set to tie the knot with his Indian-origin fiancee, Vini Raman, on March 27. As a result, the wedding card for the big occasion has been printed in Tamil language and is doing the rounds on social media platforms.

Australia and Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is set to tie the knot with his Indian-origin fiancee, Vini Raman, on March 27. As a result, the wedding card for the big occasion has been printed in Tamil language and is doing the rounds on social media platforms. Actress Kasturi Shankar shared the wedding card and wrote, "GlennvMaxwell marrying Vini Raman. Going by the cute traditional Tamil muhurta patrikai, we'd bet there may likely be a TamBram ceremony... Will there be a white gown wedding too? Congratulations Glenn and Vini !" ALSO READ | Royal Challengers Bangalore complete squad for IPL 2022: Faf du Plessis to captain pace-heavy line-up? GlennMaxwell marrying Vini Raman. Going by the cute traditional Tamil muhurta patrikai, we'd bet there may likely be a TamBram ceremony... Will there be a white gown wedding too? Congratulations Glenn and Vini ! @Gmaxi_32 pic.twitter.com/uJeSjHM1we — Kasturi Shankar (@KasthuriShankar) February 12, 2022 × Talking about the soon-to-be-married couple, Maxwell and Vini got engaged to each other in the pre-Covid era. They have been dating for quite sometime and pictures of the two have created a storm and been a hot topic of discussion since 2017. According to a report by News18, Maxwell's better half Vini is a practicing pharmacist in Melbourne. View this post on Instagram A post shared by VINI (@vini.raman) × ALSO READ | Not Faf du Plessis! Sunil Gavaskar picks Virat Kohli's successor at RCB for IPL 2022 With their wedding on March 27, reportedly the date for IPL 2022's commencement in India, Maxwell might miss the initial few games for the Virat Kohli-starrer RCB camp. He has been retained by the Bengaluru-based camp for INR 110 million (INR 11 crore) ahead of the 15th edition. Currently, the 33-year-old all-rounder is part of Australia's five-match T20I series versus Sri Lanka at home. Aaron Finch-led T20I World Champions beat Sri Lanka in the third encounter by six wickets to take an unassailable lead in the five-match series on Wednesday (February 15).

Glenn Maxwell set to tie the knot with Indian-origin fiancee as Tamil wedding card goes viral - See pic!

<p>Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has picked the next captain for the Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2022 edition. After the two-day mega auction was held in Bengaluru, RCB have picked a strong squad and have quite a few captaincy options to choose from.</p>

<p>The Bengaluru-based franchise have Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis (roped in for INR 70 million) and Dinesh Karthik, who has also led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) before, as the possible candidates who can succeed Kohli as the RCB skipper for IPL 2022. Amongst them, Gavaskar has named Maxwell as the ideal candidate.</p>

<p>For the unversed, Maxwell was part of RCB's IPL 2021 run, amassing 513 runs at&nbsp;42.75 along with 6 half-centuries. He was RCB's highest run-getter in&nbsp;last year's edition. Thus, the Aussie all-rounder was one of the three retentions from the franchise, at INR 110 million.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/royal-challengers-bangalore-complete-squad-for-ipl-2022-faf-du-plessis-to-captain-pace-heavy-line-up-453152"><strong>Royal Challengers Bangalore complete squad for IPL 2022: Faf du Plessis to captain pace-heavy line-up?</strong></a></p>

<p>Gavaskar told Sports Tak, "I think if Glenn Maxwell is given the responsibility then a different kind of Maxwell will be seen in IPL. Last year he batted brilliantly probably keeping the mega auction in mind, but he was retained after that, which was good, I guess, for him.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have often seen that players who bat well but score 30-40 runs quickly and get out without getting the job done- especially when suppose the team requires 70 or 80 runs more. But when these same players are given a responsibility then they played well showing better shot selection. So if Maxwell is given the captaincy, he will score more and play better," he said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-did-look-a-little-scared-gavaskar-explains-why-suresh-raina-went-unsold-at-ipl-2022-mega-auction-453400">'He did look a little scared' - Gavaskar explains why Suresh Raina went unsold at IPL 2022 mega auction</a></strong></p>

<p>After the mega auction, Mike Hesson, Director of Cricket Operations at RCB, opened up on the captaincy debate and said, "We have not had that discussion yet. We have three great leaders now in the form of Maxwell, Virat, and Faf du Plessis. We are really happy with those three leaders, we also have Josh Hazlewood as a leader from a bowling point of view. So we are happy with the group, we will make a decision regarding captaincy after the auction."</p>

<p><strong>Complete squad of RCB for IPL 2022:</strong></p>

<p>Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Harshal Patel, Faf du Plessis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dinesh Karthik, Josh Hazlewood, Shahbaz Ahamad, Anuj Rawat, Akash Deep, Mahipal Lomror, Finn Allen, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Behrendorff, Suyash Prabhudessai, Chama Milind, Aneeshwar Gautam, Karn Sharma,&nbsp;David Willey.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Squad strength:&nbsp;</strong>22 (14 - Indian, 8 - overseas)</p>

<p><strong>Remaining purse: INR 15.5 million</strong></p>


Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has picked the next captain for the Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2022 edition. After the two-day mega auction was held in Bengaluru, RCB have picked a strong squad and have quite a few captaincy options to choose from.

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has picked the next captain for the Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2022 edition. After the two-day mega auction was held in Bengaluru, RCB have picked a strong squad and have quite a few captaincy options to choose from. The Bengaluru-based franchise have Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis (roped in for INR 70 million) and Dinesh Karthik, who has also led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) before, as the possible candidates who can succeed Kohli as the RCB skipper for IPL 2022. Amongst them, Gavaskar has named Maxwell as the ideal candidate. For the unversed, Maxwell was part of RCB's IPL 2021 run, amassing 513 runs at 42.75 along with 6 half-centuries. He was RCB's highest run-getter in last year's edition. Thus, the Aussie all-rounder was one of the three retentions from the franchise, at INR 110 million. ALSO READ | Royal Challengers Bangalore complete squad for IPL 2022: Faf du Plessis to captain pace-heavy line-up? Gavaskar told Sports Tak, "I think if Glenn Maxwell is given the responsibility then a different kind of Maxwell will be seen in IPL. Last year he batted brilliantly probably keeping the mega auction in mind, but he was retained after that, which was good, I guess, for him.” "We have often seen that players who bat well but score 30-40 runs quickly and get out without getting the job done- especially when suppose the team requires 70 or 80 runs more. But when these same players are given a responsibility then they played well showing better shot selection. So if Maxwell is given the captaincy, he will score more and play better," he said. ALSO READ | 'He did look a little scared' - Gavaskar explains why Suresh Raina went unsold at IPL 2022 mega auction After the mega auction, Mike Hesson, Director of Cricket Operations at RCB, opened up on the captaincy debate and said, "We have not had that discussion yet. We have three great leaders now in the form of Maxwell, Virat, and Faf du Plessis. We are really happy with those three leaders, we also have Josh Hazlewood as a leader from a bowling point of view. So we are happy with the group, we will make a decision regarding captaincy after the auction." Complete squad of RCB for IPL 2022: Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Harshal Patel, Faf du Plessis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dinesh Karthik, Josh Hazlewood, Shahbaz Ahamad, Anuj Rawat, Akash Deep, Mahipal Lomror, Finn Allen, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Behrendorff, Suyash Prabhudessai, Chama Milind, Aneeshwar Gautam, Karn Sharma, David Willey. Squad strength: 22 (14 - Indian, 8 - overseas) Remaining purse: INR 15.5 million

Not Faf du Plessis! Sunil Gavaskar picks Virat Kohli's successor at RCB for IPL 2022

<p>The IPL 2022 mega auction was a star-studded two-day affair, which took place in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13. The ten IPL franchises took part in the auction proceedings with an aim to build their respective squads. The two new IPL teams -- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT) -- had a tougher task in&nbsp;developing a formidable unit from scratch.</p>

<p>Talking about the KL Rahul-led LSG franchise, they impressed one and all with their smart buying skills. Heading into the mega auction with INR 590 million -- after acquiring the services of Rahul, Marcus Stoinis and Ravi Bishnoi -- the Sanjiv Goenka-owned team roped in some big names as well as plenty of youngsters in the mega auction.</p>

<p>Lucknow roped in the likes of Quinton de Kock, Jason Holder, Mark Wood, Evin Lewis, Krunal Pandya, Deepak Hooda, Manish Pandey, etc. to form a strong line-up before the upcoming season, set to be held in March-May. Thus, the new franchise impressed many, including former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra.</p>

<p>Lucknow's shopping at the mega auction was rated highly by many, with some terming it better than veteran franchises Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Mumbai Indians (MI), etc., as they were left with not a single penny in their purse. Thus, Chopra has lauded the new IPL team.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lucknow-super-giants-complete-squad-for-ipl-2022-de-kock-holder-and-avesh-among-best-buys-for-debutants-453060"><strong>Lucknow Super Giants complete squad for IPL 2022: De Kock, Holder and Avesh among best buys for debutants</strong></a></p>

<p>Chopra said on his Youtube channel, "I have given the Lucknow Super Giants the second-most numbers. I have given them 9/10. First, they spent all the money they had; even one rupee was not left. They are phenomenal; how can someone do it with so much precision. They bought 21 players, and there are some outstanding buys.</p>

<p>“They had Rahul, Stoinis and Bishnoi. If you have Stoinis, you think if you can get Jason Holder. Generally, teams think if they can get Stoinis or Mitchell Marsh or Jason Holder. You don't get all three together, they have got two already,” he explained further.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-who-is-pbkss-benny-howell-first-french-born-cricketer-to-feature-in-indias-cash-rich-league-453247"><strong>IPL 2022: Who is PBKS's Benny Howell? First French-born cricketer to feature in India's cash-rich league</strong></a></p>

<p>"In Quinton de Kock, you have got a player who is 29 years old, and plays just white-ball cricket. You got him for 6.75 crores; he will open and hit, and he is left-handed. Phenomenal buy. You see Manish Pandey and Deepak Hooda, and then you think Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi - they were all expensive; Manish Pandey and Deepak Hooda seem to be a steal. After that, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya and Jason Holder. They also have Krishnappa Gowtham. No team has so many all-rounders. I mean go to this team if you want to make a list of multi-faceted cricketers," Chopra added.</p>

<p><strong>Complete squad of Lucknow SG:</strong></p>

<p>KL Rahul, Marcus Stoinis, Ravi Bishnoi, Quinton de Kock, Manish Pandey, Manan Vohra,&nbsp;Evin Lewis, Jason Holder, Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, K Gowtham, Ayush Badoni, Kyle Mayers, Karan Sharma, Mark Wood, Avesh Khan, Ankit Rajpoot, Dushmantha Chameera, Shahbaz Nadeem, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav</p>


The IPL 2022 mega auction was a star-studded two-day affair, which took place in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13. The ten IPL franchises took part in the auction proceedings with an aim to build their respective squads.

The IPL 2022 mega auction was a star-studded two-day affair, which took place in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13. The ten IPL franchises took part in the auction proceedings with an aim to build their respective squads. The two new IPL teams -- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT) -- had a tougher task in developing a formidable unit from scratch. Talking about the KL Rahul-led LSG franchise, they impressed one and all with their smart buying skills. Heading into the mega auction with INR 590 million -- after acquiring the services of Rahul, Marcus Stoinis and Ravi Bishnoi -- the Sanjiv Goenka-owned team roped in some big names as well as plenty of youngsters in the mega auction. Lucknow roped in the likes of Quinton de Kock, Jason Holder, Mark Wood, Evin Lewis, Krunal Pandya, Deepak Hooda, Manish Pandey, etc. to form a strong line-up before the upcoming season, set to be held in March-May. Thus, the new franchise impressed many, including former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra. Lucknow's shopping at the mega auction was rated highly by many, with some terming it better than veteran franchises Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Mumbai Indians (MI), etc., as they were left with not a single penny in their purse. Thus, Chopra has lauded the new IPL team. ALSO READ | Lucknow Super Giants complete squad for IPL 2022: De Kock, Holder and Avesh among best buys for debutants Chopra said on his Youtube channel, "I have given the Lucknow Super Giants the second-most numbers. I have given them 9/10. First, they spent all the money they had; even one rupee was not left. They are phenomenal; how can someone do it with so much precision. They bought 21 players, and there are some outstanding buys. “They had Rahul, Stoinis and Bishnoi. If you have Stoinis, you think if you can get Jason Holder. Generally, teams think if they can get Stoinis or Mitchell Marsh or Jason Holder. You don't get all three together, they have got two already,” he explained further. ALSO READ | IPL 2022: Who is PBKS's Benny Howell? First French-born cricketer to feature in India's cash-rich league "In Quinton de Kock, you have got a player who is 29 years old, and plays just white-ball cricket. You got him for 6.75 crores; he will open and hit, and he is left-handed. Phenomenal buy. You see Manish Pandey and Deepak Hooda, and then you think Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi - they were all expensive; Manish Pandey and Deepak Hooda seem to be a steal. After that, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya and Jason Holder. They also have Krishnappa Gowtham. No team has so many all-rounders. I mean go to this team if you want to make a list of multi-faceted cricketers," Chopra added. Complete squad of Lucknow SG: KL Rahul, Marcus Stoinis, Ravi Bishnoi, Quinton de Kock, Manish Pandey, Manan Vohra, Evin Lewis, Jason Holder, Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, K Gowtham, Ayush Badoni, Kyle Mayers, Karan Sharma, Mark Wood, Avesh Khan, Ankit Rajpoot, Dushmantha Chameera, Shahbaz Nadeem, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav

Not CSK or MI! Aakash Chopra impressed with new franchise for superb show at IPL 2022 mega auction

<p>The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction took place in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13. It was a star-studded affair as the ten IPL franchises sat down to wisely add more strengths to their respective squads. At the end of the pulsating two-day mega auction, all&nbsp;ten teams have tried to further bolster their respective line-ups ahead of the forthcoming IPL 2022 edition, set to be held in India.</p>

<p>Talking about the Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the three-time runners-up went into the auction pool with INR 570 million in their purse. The Bengaluru-based franchise went all-out to rope in some handy names whereas missed out on re-signing some players who were released prior to the mega auction.</p>

<p>RCB have churned out a well-balanced side this time around after the mega auction. The Bengaluru camp bought Faf du Plessis, former Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) opener, for INR 70 million (INR 7 crore) whereas spent a huge sum for re-signing Harshal Patel and Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga. Harshal was bought back for INR 107.5 million (INR 10.75 crore) whereas the No. 1 T20I bowler Hasaranga was also re-acquired for the same amount.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chennai-super-kings-complete-squad-for-ipl-2022-deepak-chahar-most-expensive-in-raina-less-line-up-453033"><strong>Chennai Super Kings complete squad for IPL 2022: Deepak Chahar most expensive in Raina-less line-up</strong></a></p>

<p>On Day 2 of the mega auction, the RCB camp added more uncapped players and also bolstered their pace department by signing Australia's Josh Hazlewood and Jason Behrendroff. Among the uncapped list, they have included the likes of Shahbaz Ahamad, Anuj Rawat, Akash Deep, Mahipal Lomror. RCB have also roped in former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Dinesh Karthik -- who was&nbsp;a part of the Bengaluru side in 2015 -- for INR 55 million (INR 5.5 crore). He will surely add to their batting lower down the order.</p>

<p>Finn Allen, Sherfane Rutherford, Karn Sharma, David Willey are also some known names in the format, who will add experience to the line-up.</p>

<p>Prior to the mega auction, RCB had retained former skipper Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Md. Siraj. It will be interesting to see who will be named the captain. As of now, it seems like 37-year-old Faf du Plessis is a frontrunner, having been acquired for over INR 50 million.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-mega-auction-no-1-t20i-bowler-wanindu-hasaranga-bought-by-kohli-starrer-rcb-for-rs-1075-crore-452650">IPL 2022 mega auction: No. 1 T20I bowler Wanindu Hasaranga bought by Kohli-starrer RCB for Rs 10.75 crore</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Complete squad of RCB for IPL 2022:</strong></p>

<p>Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Harshal Patel, Faf du Plessis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dinesh Karthik, Josh Hazlewood, Shahbaz Ahamad, Anuj Rawat, Akash Deep, Mahipal Lomror, Finn Allen, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Behrendorff, Suyash Prabhudessai, Chama Milind, Aneeshwar Gautam, Karn Sharma,&nbsp;David Willey.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Squad strength:&nbsp;</strong>22 (14 - Indian, 8 - overseas)</p>

<p><strong>Remaining purse: INR 15.5 million</strong></p>


The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction took place in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13. It was a star-studded affair as the ten IPL franchises sat down to wisely add more strengths to their respective squads.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction took place in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13. It was a star-studded affair as the ten IPL franchises sat down to wisely add more strengths to their respective squads. At the end of the pulsating two-day mega auction, all ten teams have tried to further bolster their respective line-ups ahead of the forthcoming IPL 2022 edition, set to be held in India. Talking about the Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the three-time runners-up went into the auction pool with INR 570 million in their purse. The Bengaluru-based franchise went all-out to rope in some handy names whereas missed out on re-signing some players who were released prior to the mega auction. RCB have churned out a well-balanced side this time around after the mega auction. The Bengaluru camp bought Faf du Plessis, former Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) opener, for INR 70 million (INR 7 crore) whereas spent a huge sum for re-signing Harshal Patel and Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga. Harshal was bought back for INR 107.5 million (INR 10.75 crore) whereas the No. 1 T20I bowler Hasaranga was also re-acquired for the same amount. ALSO READ | Chennai Super Kings complete squad for IPL 2022: Deepak Chahar most expensive in Raina-less line-up On Day 2 of the mega auction, the RCB camp added more uncapped players and also bolstered their pace department by signing Australia's Josh Hazlewood and Jason Behrendroff. Among the uncapped list, they have included the likes of Shahbaz Ahamad, Anuj Rawat, Akash Deep, Mahipal Lomror. RCB have also roped in former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Dinesh Karthik -- who was a part of the Bengaluru side in 2015 -- for INR 55 million (INR 5.5 crore). He will surely add to their batting lower down the order. Finn Allen, Sherfane Rutherford, Karn Sharma, David Willey are also some known names in the format, who will add experience to the line-up. Prior to the mega auction, RCB had retained former skipper Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Md. Siraj. It will be interesting to see who will be named the captain. As of now, it seems like 37-year-old Faf du Plessis is a frontrunner, having been acquired for over INR 50 million. ALSO READ | IPL 2022 mega auction: No. 1 T20I bowler Wanindu Hasaranga bought by Kohli-starrer RCB for Rs 10.75 crore Complete squad of RCB for IPL 2022: Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Harshal Patel, Faf du Plessis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dinesh Karthik, Josh Hazlewood, Shahbaz Ahamad, Anuj Rawat, Akash Deep, Mahipal Lomror, Finn Allen, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Behrendorff, Suyash Prabhudessai, Chama Milind, Aneeshwar Gautam, Karn Sharma, David Willey. Squad strength: 22 (14 - Indian, 8 - overseas) Remaining purse: INR 15.5 million

Royal Challengers Bangalore complete squad for IPL 2022: Faf du Plessis to captain pace-heavy line-up?

<p>The first day of the Indian Premier League 2022 mega auction is over after the franchises bid for players to create their core team. On Day 1, a total of Rs 3.88 billion was spent by all 10 franchises and 74 players were sold, including 20 overseas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have spent a total of Rs 80.75 crore so far and the amount available with them is Rs 9.25 crore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the first day of the auction, RCB bought Faf du Plessis, Dinesh Karthik, Josh Hazlewood, Anuj Rawat and Akash Deep. They also acquired last year's players Harshal Patel and Wanindu Hasaranga.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/complete-list-of-players-sold-on-day-1-of-ipl-2022-mega-auction-kishan-chahar-emerge-as-costliest-buys-452791">Complete list of players sold on Day 1 of IPL 2022 mega auction: Kishan, Chahar emerge as costliest buys</a></strong></p>

<p>Giving a major hint on the captaincy in the upcoming edition of the world richest cricket league, Mike Hesson, who is the Director of Cricket Operations at RCB has said the franchise will decide on their captain once the auction is over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We haven't had that discussion yet. We have got three incredible leaders in our group. The likes of Maxwell, Virat and Faf so we are really happy with those three leaders. Also, we got Josh Hazlewood, a leader from a bowling point of view. We are really happy with the group in terms of combination leaders. We will make the decision around captaincy after the auction," said Hesson in the virtual press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-ishan-kishan-to-yuvraj-singh-top-five-most-expensive-indian-buys-in-ipl-auction-452712">From Ishan Kishan to Yuvraj Singh: Top five most expensive Indian buys in IPL auction</a></strong></p>

<p>India's star batter Virat Kohli had stepped down as skipper of the RCB team after IPL 2021. Kohli was appointed as RCB's captain during IPL 2012 and led the team in 140 matches and won 64.</p>

<p>Hesson expressed delight over buying back Patel, who was the leading wicket-taker in the 2021 edition with 32 wickets and made his India T20I debut against New Zealand last year.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClassOf2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClassOf2022</a> shaping up well for us. 🤩<br />
<br />
We look forward to Day 2️⃣ tomorrow! 😎<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLMegaAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLMegaAuction</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2022</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLAuction</a> <a href="https://t.co/GJWZIGYJN8">pic.twitter.com/GJWZIGYJN8</a></p>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1492538533541646341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"We are very happy as a group. We worked very hard in trying to get back a lot of our core for this year. It became pretty difficult on a few occasions. But we were delighted to get Harshal Patel back," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While concluding, Hesson said that RCB still have lots of work to do on the second and final day of the mega auction. "We have got some work to do tomorrow and not getting too far ahead of ourselves," he said.&nbsp;</p>


The first day of the Indian Premier League 2022 mega auction is over after the franchises bid for players to create their core team. On Day 1, a total of Rs 3.88 billion was spent by all 10 franchises and 74 players were sold, including 20 overseas.

The first day of the Indian Premier League 2022 mega auction is over after the franchises bid for players to create their core team. On Day 1, a total of Rs 3.88 billion was spent by all 10 franchises and 74 players were sold, including 20 overseas. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have spent a total of Rs 80.75 crore so far and the amount available with them is Rs 9.25 crore. During the first day of the auction, RCB bought Faf du Plessis, Dinesh Karthik, Josh Hazlewood, Anuj Rawat and Akash Deep. They also acquired last year's players Harshal Patel and Wanindu Hasaranga. ALSO READ | Complete list of players sold on Day 1 of IPL 2022 mega auction: Kishan, Chahar emerge as costliest buys Giving a major hint on the captaincy in the upcoming edition of the world richest cricket league, Mike Hesson, who is the Director of Cricket Operations at RCB has said the franchise will decide on their captain once the auction is over. "We haven't had that discussion yet. We have got three incredible leaders in our group. The likes of Maxwell, Virat and Faf so we are really happy with those three leaders. Also, we got Josh Hazlewood, a leader from a bowling point of view. We are really happy with the group in terms of combination leaders. We will make the decision around captaincy after the auction," said Hesson in the virtual press conference. ALSO READ | From Ishan Kishan to Yuvraj Singh: Top five most expensive Indian buys in IPL auction India's star batter Virat Kohli had stepped down as skipper of the RCB team after IPL 2021. Kohli was appointed as RCB's captain during IPL 2012 and led the team in 140 matches and won 64. Hesson expressed delight over buying back Patel, who was the leading wicket-taker in the 2021 edition with 32 wickets and made his India T20I debut against New Zealand last year. #ClassOf2022 shaping up well for us. 🤩 We look forward to Day 2️⃣ tomorrow! 😎#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPLMegaAuction #IPL2022 #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/GJWZIGYJN8 — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 12, 2022 × "We are very happy as a group. We worked very hard in trying to get back a lot of our core for this year. It became pretty difficult on a few occasions. But we were delighted to get Harshal Patel back," he added. While concluding, Hesson said that RCB still have lots of work to do on the second and final day of the mega auction. "We have got some work to do tomorrow and not getting too far ahead of ourselves," he said.

IPL 2022 auction: Royal Challengers Bangalore give update on decision around captaincy

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made some brilliant picks on day one of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12). With Virat Kohli stepping down from captaincy last season, RCB were looking for a potential captaincy candidate at the mega auction and have managed to rope in some experienced IPL campaigners, who can take up the leadership role at the franchise.</p>

<p>RCB have bought the likes of Faf du Plessis and Dinesh Karthik, who have a plethora of experience when it comes to the IPL and have been part of the league for several years now. While Glenn Maxwell, who was retained by the franchise, is being seen as one of the favourites to lead the side in IPL 2022, Du Plessis and Karthik are also among potential captaincy candidates for the side.</p>

<p>Indian pacer Harshal Patel, who was one of the top buys for RCB at the IPL 2022 mega auction for a sum of whopping Rs 10.75 crore, backed Du Plessis as one of the candidates to take over from Kohli as captain of the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't know, I haven't had any chat with anybody at the RCB management, but Faf is, in my opinion. He has led South Africa very well and is a potential candidate, but I certainly can't say," Harshal said on <em>Star Sports</em> when asked about the potential captaincy replacement for Kohli.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/never-spoke-to-ms-dhoni-about-retention-always-knew-csk-would-get-me-back-deepak-chahar-452977">Never spoke to MS Dhoni about retention, always knew CSK would get me back: Deepak Chahar</a></p>

<p>Apart from Du Plessis, Karthik and Harshal, RCB made some great signings at the IPL mega auction as they focused on strengthening their bowling and batting department significantly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>RCB roped in Australian pacers Josh Hazlewood and Jason Behrendorff for a sum of Rs 7.75 crore (INR 77.5 million) and Rs 75 lakh (INR 7.5 million) respectively. They also managed to buy some quality all-rounders in the form of Wanindu Hasranga and Sherfane Rutherford.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liam-livingstone-is-a-gamble-sanjay-manjrekar-on-punjab-kings-spending-rs-115-crore-on-england-star-452923">'Liam Livingstone is a gamble': Sanjay Manjrekar on Punjab Kings spending Rs 11.5 crore on England star</a></p>

<p>With Kohli taking a back seat this time around, it remains to be seen who will lead RCB in the upcoming season.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made some brilliant picks on day one of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12). With Virat Kohli stepping down from captaincy last season, RCB were looking for a potential captaincy candidate at the mega auction and have managed to rope in some experienced IPL campaigners, who can take up the leadership role at the franchise.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made some brilliant picks on day one of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12). With Virat Kohli stepping down from captaincy last season, RCB were looking for a potential captaincy candidate at the mega auction and have managed to rope in some experienced IPL campaigners, who can take up the leadership role at the franchise. RCB have bought the likes of Faf du Plessis and Dinesh Karthik, who have a plethora of experience when it comes to the IPL and have been part of the league for several years now. While Glenn Maxwell, who was retained by the franchise, is being seen as one of the favourites to lead the side in IPL 2022, Du Plessis and Karthik are also among potential captaincy candidates for the side. Indian pacer Harshal Patel, who was one of the top buys for RCB at the IPL 2022 mega auction for a sum of whopping Rs 10.75 crore, backed Du Plessis as one of the candidates to take over from Kohli as captain of the team. "I don't know, I haven't had any chat with anybody at the RCB management, but Faf is, in my opinion. He has led South Africa very well and is a potential candidate, but I certainly can't say," Harshal said on Star Sports when asked about the potential captaincy replacement for Kohli. Also Read: Never spoke to MS Dhoni about retention, always knew CSK would get me back: Deepak Chahar Apart from Du Plessis, Karthik and Harshal, RCB made some great signings at the IPL mega auction as they focused on strengthening their bowling and batting department significantly. RCB roped in Australian pacers Josh Hazlewood and Jason Behrendorff for a sum of Rs 7.75 crore (INR 77.5 million) and Rs 75 lakh (INR 7.5 million) respectively. They also managed to buy some quality all-rounders in the form of Wanindu Hasranga and Sherfane Rutherford. Also Read: 'Liam Livingstone is a gamble': Sanjay Manjrekar on Punjab Kings spending Rs 11.5 crore on England star With Kohli taking a back seat this time around, it remains to be seen who will lead RCB in the upcoming season.

'He is a potential candidate': Harshal Patel picks RCB's new signing who can replace Virat Kohli as captain

<p>The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) couldn't rebuy Faf du Plessis on Day 1 of the IPL 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12), in Bengaluru. The Yellow Army had retained the likes of skipper Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Moeen Ali before the mega auction. They, however, were expected to resign the former South African captain, who was the Player-of-the-Match in CSK's win in the IPL 2021 final, versus Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).</p>

<p>While CSK did bid for Faf when he entered the auction pool on the opening day, he eventually went to the Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for a whopping INR 70 million (INR 7 crore). After ending his long journey with the Dhoni-led CSK franchise, the 37-year-old Faf paid his gratitude to the Yellow Army and shared an emotional post for them.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-wasnt-handled-well-dc-co-owners-dig-at-kkr-management-as-kuldeep-joins-pant-co-452938"><strong>He wasn't handled well: DC co-owner's dig at KKR management as Kuldeep joins Pant &amp; Co.</strong></a></p>

<p>“I just wanted to do a quick video message to say thank you to Chennai, the fans, the staff , the management and players for it has been a decade with one team,” Du Plessis said in a video shared by CSK on Sunday.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und">💔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperKingForever?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperKingForever</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/faf1307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@faf1307</a> <a href="https://t.co/rt3MUcOD4o">pic.twitter.com/rt3MUcOD4o</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings - Mask P😷du Whistle P🥳du! (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1492763076747087873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“You create a lot of special memories. I think it's really important for me to say thank you. I've really enjoyed my time a lot. I will really miss everyone there. But as one door closes, a new one opens up and that comes up with great opportunities. I'm excited to see what the future holds. From me and my family, thank you very much,” the ex-South African captain added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/put-on-some-clothes-and-run-charu-sharma-shares-chat-with-ipl-chairman-after-replacing-hugh-edmeades-452912"><strong>‘Put on some clothes and run' - Charu Sharma shares chat with IPL chairman after replacing Hugh Edmeades</strong></a></p>

<p>Many former cricketers and experts believe Faf is now the frontrunner to succeed Kohli as the RCB captain in the forthcoming IPL 2022 edition, set to be held in India in March-May.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"100 percent. In my opinion, he (Faf) is their captain. They will eventually announce it for sure. Otherwise, they wouldn't have gone that hard for that long because there are other options available," Aakash Chopra told Star Sports on Saturday. "If you are looking only at openers, there were options and there will be more in the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy. They did not go for someone like a Warner or Quinton de Kock. They knew, they had their eyes set on Faf that he is our captain. His record is phenomenal. What he brings is stability and consistency. No international cricket is working in his favour now," Chopra added.</p>

<p>Faf has played 100 IPL games -- for CSK and now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) -- and has amassed 2,935 runs at an average of 34.94 with 22 half-centuries.&nbsp;</p>


The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) couldn't rebuy Faf du Plessis on Day 1 of the IPL 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12), in Bengaluru. The Yellow Army had retained the likes of skipper Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Moeen Ali before the mega auction.

The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) couldn't rebuy Faf du Plessis on Day 1 of the IPL 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12), in Bengaluru. The Yellow Army had retained the likes of skipper Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Moeen Ali before the mega auction. They, however, were expected to resign the former South African captain, who was the Player-of-the-Match in CSK's win in the IPL 2021 final, versus Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). While CSK did bid for Faf when he entered the auction pool on the opening day, he eventually went to the Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for a whopping INR 70 million (INR 7 crore). After ending his long journey with the Dhoni-led CSK franchise, the 37-year-old Faf paid his gratitude to the Yellow Army and shared an emotional post for them. ALSO READ | He wasn't handled well: DC co-owner's dig at KKR management as Kuldeep joins Pant & Co. “I just wanted to do a quick video message to say thank you to Chennai, the fans, the staff , the management and players for it has been a decade with one team,” Du Plessis said in a video shared by CSK on Sunday. 💔#SuperKingForever @faf1307 pic.twitter.com/rt3MUcOD4o — Chennai Super Kings - Mask P😷du Whistle P🥳du! (@ChennaiIPL) February 13, 2022 × “You create a lot of special memories. I think it's really important for me to say thank you. I've really enjoyed my time a lot. I will really miss everyone there. But as one door closes, a new one opens up and that comes up with great opportunities. I'm excited to see what the future holds. From me and my family, thank you very much,” the ex-South African captain added. ALSO READ | ‘Put on some clothes and run' - Charu Sharma shares chat with IPL chairman after replacing Hugh Edmeades Many former cricketers and experts believe Faf is now the frontrunner to succeed Kohli as the RCB captain in the forthcoming IPL 2022 edition, set to be held in India in March-May. "100 percent. In my opinion, he (Faf) is their captain. They will eventually announce it for sure. Otherwise, they wouldn't have gone that hard for that long because there are other options available," Aakash Chopra told Star Sports on Saturday. "If you are looking only at openers, there were options and there will be more in the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy. They did not go for someone like a Warner or Quinton de Kock. They knew, they had their eyes set on Faf that he is our captain. His record is phenomenal. What he brings is stability and consistency. No international cricket is working in his favour now," Chopra added. Faf has played 100 IPL games -- for CSK and now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) -- and has amassed 2,935 runs at an average of 34.94 with 22 half-centuries.

IPL 2022 mega auction: Faf du Plessis' emotional message for Dhoni's CSK after joining RCB - WATCH

<p>Former South Africa batter Faf du Plessis has been acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for Rs 7 crore in the IPL 2022 mega auction and as per the speculations, he could be the next RCB skipper.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Du Plessis was with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and emerged as a vital cog for the team, leading the Men in Yellow to victory on several occasions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, the RCB team would expect a similar performance from him as they will eye their maiden IPL trophy in the upcoming season.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-wasnt-handled-well-dc-co-owners-dig-at-kkr-management-as-kuldeep-joins-pant-co-452938">He wasn't handled well: DC co-owner's dig at KKR management as Kuldeep joins Pant &amp; Co.</a></strong></p>

<p>On Saturday, Aakash Chopra told Star Sports: "100 per cent. In my opinion, he is their captain. They will eventually announce it for sure. Otherwise, they wouldn't have gone that hard for that long because there are other options available."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you are looking only at openers, there were options and there will be more in the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy. They did not go for someone like a Warner or Quinton de Kock," Chopra added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, India's star batter Virat Kohli had stepped down as skipper of the RCB team after IPL 2021. Kohli was appointed as RCB's captain during IPL 2012 and led the team in 140 matches and won 64.</p>

<p>Mike Hesson, who is the Director of Cricket Operations at RCB has said the franchise will decide on their captain once the auction is over.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Joining RCB’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClassOf2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClassOf2022</a>:<br />
<br />
Name: FAF du Plessis<br />
Price: 7 CR<br />
<br />
Welcome to the family! 🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/faf1307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@faf1307</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLMegaAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLMegaAuction</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2022</a> <a href="https://t.co/wnEbvndOXV">pic.twitter.com/wnEbvndOXV</a></p>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1492398611111428102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"I just want to thank Chennai, the fans, the staff and management and players for what has been a decade as one team. We created a lot of special memories and it's important for me to say 'thank you'," said Du Plessis in a video posted by CSK on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I've enjoyed my time a lot, I miss everyone there. But if one door closes and a new one opens up and that comes up with great opportunities and I'm excited to see what the future holds," he added.&nbsp;</p>


Former South Africa batter Faf du Plessis has been acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for Rs 7 crore in the IPL 2022 mega auction and as per the speculations, he could be the next RCB skipper.

Former South Africa batter Faf du Plessis has been acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for Rs 7 crore in the IPL 2022 mega auction and as per the speculations, he could be the next RCB skipper. Du Plessis was with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and emerged as a vital cog for the team, leading the Men in Yellow to victory on several occasions. Now, the RCB team would expect a similar performance from him as they will eye their maiden IPL trophy in the upcoming season. ALSO READ | He wasn't handled well: DC co-owner's dig at KKR management as Kuldeep joins Pant & Co. On Saturday, Aakash Chopra told Star Sports: "100 per cent. In my opinion, he is their captain. They will eventually announce it for sure. Otherwise, they wouldn't have gone that hard for that long because there are other options available." "If you are looking only at openers, there were options and there will be more in the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy. They did not go for someone like a Warner or Quinton de Kock," Chopra added. For the unversed, India's star batter Virat Kohli had stepped down as skipper of the RCB team after IPL 2021. Kohli was appointed as RCB's captain during IPL 2012 and led the team in 140 matches and won 64. Mike Hesson, who is the Director of Cricket Operations at RCB has said the franchise will decide on their captain once the auction is over. Joining RCB’s #ClassOf2022: Name: FAF du Plessis Price: 7 CR Welcome to the family! 🤩@faf1307 #PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPLMegaAuction #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/wnEbvndOXV — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 12, 2022 × "I just want to thank Chennai, the fans, the staff and management and players for what has been a decade as one team. We created a lot of special memories and it's important for me to say 'thank you'," said Du Plessis in a video posted by CSK on Twitter. "I've enjoyed my time a lot, I miss everyone there. But if one door closes and a new one opens up and that comes up with great opportunities and I'm excited to see what the future holds," he added.

IPL 2022 auction: Will Faf du Plessis be new Royal Challengers Bangalore captain?

<p>Shreyas Iyer, the former Delhi Capitals (DC) captain, has gone for a whopping sum at the ongoing IPL 2022 mega auction, being held in Bengaluru on Saturday (February 12). Iyer, who led the DC franchise to their maiden and only final in 2020 season, has been sold to the two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 122.5 million (Rs 12.25 crore).</p>

<p>Iyer was expected to be in huge demand in the mega auction. As expected, the 27-year-old youngster triggered a bidding war between DC and the KKR franchise before the latter had the last laugh in the auction proceedings. The Delhi camp bid aggressively for him before the KKR unit jumped in at INR 70 million (Rs 7 crore) and bought Iyer for a humongous sum.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcb-has-kept-whopping-amount-aside-for-shreyas-iyer-in-ipl-2022-mega-auction-reveals-aakash-chopra-449807"><strong>RCB has kept whopping amount aside for Shreyas Iyer in IPL 2022 mega auction, reveals Aakash Chopra</strong></a></p>

<p>Iyer had only represented the Delhi franchise -- debuting in 2015 season -- and revamped the franchise under his leadership. He, however, lost the top job to Rishabh Pant after missing the first leg of IPL 2021 edition and played under the keeper-batter in the second and final leg of IPL 14 last year. After not being retained by the DC franchise, the right-hander has been roped in by the KKR dugout as he will now look to lead the Kolkata-based team to their third title in the forthcoming IPL 2022 edition, to be held in India.</p>

<p>Iyer has&nbsp;amassed&nbsp;2,375 in 87 games at a strike-rate of&nbsp;123.96.</p>


Shreyas Iyer, the former Delhi Capitals (DC) captain, has gone for a whopping sum at the ongoing IPL 2022 mega auction, being held in Bengaluru on Saturday (February 12).

Shreyas Iyer, the former Delhi Capitals (DC) captain, has gone for a whopping sum at the ongoing IPL 2022 mega auction, being held in Bengaluru on Saturday (February 12). Iyer, who led the DC franchise to their maiden and only final in 2020 season, has been sold to the two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 122.5 million (Rs 12.25 crore). Iyer was expected to be in huge demand in the mega auction. As expected, the 27-year-old youngster triggered a bidding war between DC and the KKR franchise before the latter had the last laugh in the auction proceedings. The Delhi camp bid aggressively for him before the KKR unit jumped in at INR 70 million (Rs 7 crore) and bought Iyer for a humongous sum. ALSO READ | RCB has kept whopping amount aside for Shreyas Iyer in IPL 2022 mega auction, reveals Aakash Chopra Iyer had only represented the Delhi franchise -- debuting in 2015 season -- and revamped the franchise under his leadership. He, however, lost the top job to Rishabh Pant after missing the first leg of IPL 2021 edition and played under the keeper-batter in the second and final leg of IPL 14 last year. After not being retained by the DC franchise, the right-hander has been roped in by the KKR dugout as he will now look to lead the Kolkata-based team to their third title in the forthcoming IPL 2022 edition, to be held in India. Iyer has amassed 2,375 in 87 games at a strike-rate of 123.96.

New KKR captain? Shreyas Iyer roped in by two-time champions for whopping INR 122.5 million

<p>Ishan Kishan has created a huge storm. The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter was expected to make heads turn in the IPL 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12). As expected, he&nbsp;attracted quite a lot of bids as soon as broadcaster Charu Sharma announced his name in the middle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mumbai Indians (MI), Gujarat Titans (GT), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS) were involved in an intense bidding war for the youngster before the five-time champions Rohit Sharma-led MI camp regained Ishan's services for INR 152.5 million (INR 15.25 crore).&nbsp;The swashbuckling keeper-batter has a strike-rate of&nbsp;136.34 and has been groomed in the MI setup. In IPL 2020, he returned with 516 runs at 145.76 and played a key role in the Men in Blue's title win.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-kkr-captain-shreyas-iyer-roped-in-by-two-time-champions-for-whopping-inr-1225-million-452572"><strong>New KKR captain? Shreyas Iyer roped in by two-time champions for whopping INR 122.5 million</strong></a></p>

<p>Ishan has now become the costliest buy on Day 1 of the two-day mega auction in Bengaluru. He has also shattered record by being the most expensive player bought by the Mumbai-based franchise in the auction proceedings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, Ishan has amassed&nbsp;1,452 runs in 61 IPL games at a strike-rate of 136.34 with a high score of 99. He has been hailed by many former cricketers and experts of the game for his wide range of shots and also being a gun fielder if not given the keeper's gloves. Deemed to be the next-big-thing, Ishan has surely made heads turn by going at a whopping price in the two-day mega auction.</p>


Ishan Kishan has created a huge storm. The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter was expected to make heads turn in the IPL 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12).

Ishan Kishan has created a huge storm. The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter was expected to make heads turn in the IPL 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12). As expected, he attracted quite a lot of bids as soon as broadcaster Charu Sharma announced his name in the middle. Mumbai Indians (MI), Gujarat Titans (GT), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS) were involved in an intense bidding war for the youngster before the five-time champions Rohit Sharma-led MI camp regained Ishan's services for INR 152.5 million (INR 15.25 crore). The swashbuckling keeper-batter has a strike-rate of 136.34 and has been groomed in the MI setup. In IPL 2020, he returned with 516 runs at 145.76 and played a key role in the Men in Blue's title win. ALSO READ | New KKR captain? Shreyas Iyer roped in by two-time champions for whopping INR 122.5 million Ishan has now become the costliest buy on Day 1 of the two-day mega auction in Bengaluru. He has also shattered record by being the most expensive player bought by the Mumbai-based franchise in the auction proceedings. So far, Ishan has amassed 1,452 runs in 61 IPL games at a strike-rate of 136.34 with a high score of 99. He has been hailed by many former cricketers and experts of the game for his wide range of shots and also being a gun fielder if not given the keeper's gloves. Deemed to be the next-big-thing, Ishan has surely made heads turn by going at a whopping price in the two-day mega auction.

IPL 2022 mega auction: Mumbai Indians go all out to buy back Ishan Kishan for Rs 15.25 crore

<p>Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasarange drew quite a lot of bid in the ongoing IPL 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12). In the all-rounder's category, Hasaranga's name attracted many franchises as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) competed for him before his former team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) joined the race as the bidding war intensified.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Eventually, the Sri Lankan spin-bowling all-rounder went back to the Virat Kohli-Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)&nbsp;for a whopping INR 107.5 million (INR 10.75 crore) on Day 1 of the opening proceedings. The Sri Lankan's bid was interrupted in a freakish manner as auctioneer&nbsp;Hugh Edmeades led to a sudden halt to proceedings. It was a physical fall for Edmeades, which led to a stoppage in action&nbsp;as lunch break was taken.&nbsp;The auctioneer has been replaced by broadcaster Charu Sharma for the remainder of the opening day.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-ipl-2022-mega-auction-check-all-the-latest-updates-here-452608">LIVE IPL 2022 Mega Auction Updates: Shreyas Iyer finds new home; auction to resume at 3:30pm IST</a></strong></p>

<p>Coming back to Hasaranga, the Islander had a memorable run in the previous calendar year, accounting for most wickets in the shortest format in 2021 (36) and also contributing with vital runs down the order in limited-overs. The 24-year-old, who is the No. 1 ranked T20I bowler, had represented the Virat Kohli-starrer RCB franchise in the second and final leg of IPL 14. He, however, couldn't do much in his limited outings.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/csk-stalwart-suresh-raina-goes-unsold-at-ipl-2022-mega-auction-452593"><strong>CSK stalwart Suresh Raina goes UNSOLD at IPL 2022 mega auction</strong></a></p>

<p>With his stokes now being risen by a significant level, Hasaranga will now be eager to make a strong statement in the RCB jersey in the IPL 2022 edition, to be held in India in March-May. Hasaranga is also the costliest foreign player so far on Day 1 of the two-day mega auction in Bengaluru.</p>


Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasarange drew quite a lot of bid in the ongoing IPL 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12). In the all-rounder's category, Hasaranga's name attracted many franchises as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) competed for him before his former team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) joined the race as the bidding war intensified.

Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasarange drew quite a lot of bid in the ongoing IPL 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12). In the all-rounder's category, Hasaranga's name attracted many franchises as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) competed for him before his former team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) joined the race as the bidding war intensified. Eventually, the Sri Lankan spin-bowling all-rounder went back to the Virat Kohli-Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for a whopping INR 107.5 million (INR 10.75 crore) on Day 1 of the opening proceedings. The Sri Lankan's bid was interrupted in a freakish manner as auctioneer Hugh Edmeades led to a sudden halt to proceedings. It was a physical fall for Edmeades, which led to a stoppage in action as lunch break was taken. The auctioneer has been replaced by broadcaster Charu Sharma for the remainder of the opening day. ALSO READ | LIVE IPL 2022 Mega Auction Updates: Shreyas Iyer finds new home; auction to resume at 3:30pm IST Coming back to Hasaranga, the Islander had a memorable run in the previous calendar year, accounting for most wickets in the shortest format in 2021 (36) and also contributing with vital runs down the order in limited-overs. The 24-year-old, who is the No. 1 ranked T20I bowler, had represented the Virat Kohli-starrer RCB franchise in the second and final leg of IPL 14. He, however, couldn't do much in his limited outings. ALSO READ | CSK stalwart Suresh Raina goes UNSOLD at IPL 2022 mega auction With his stokes now being risen by a significant level, Hasaranga will now be eager to make a strong statement in the RCB jersey in the IPL 2022 edition, to be held in India in March-May. Hasaranga is also the costliest foreign player so far on Day 1 of the two-day mega auction in Bengaluru.

IPL 2022 mega auction: No. 1 T20I bowler Wanindu Hasaranga bought by Kohli-starrer RCB for Rs 10.75 crore

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) shelled out a huge amount of money to buy back Indian pacer Harshal Patel at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12). RCB, who had chosen not to retain Patel after his brilliant campaign with the ball in IPL 2021 last year, had to break the bank to get him back at the mega auction as they bought him for a staggering sum of Rs 10.75 crore (INR 107.5 million).</p>

<p>After roping in South African batter Faf du Plessis for a sum of Rs 7 crore (INR 70 million), RCB went big when Patel's name was announced at the mega auction. They managed to beat competition from the likes of Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad to get Harshal back.</p>

<p>The 31-year-old&nbsp;pacer, who made his international debut for India in November last year, was the Purple Cap winner in IPl 2021 for being the highest wicket-taker of the season with 32 wickets in 15 matches for RCB. He saw his stakes rise dramatically at the mega auction this year after opting for a base price of Rs 2 crore (INR 20 million).</p>

<p>Patel was roped in by Delhi Capitals at his base price of just Rs 20 lakh (INR 2 million) in the IPL auction in 2018. He was traded to RCB ahead of the start of IPL 2021 last year where he bowled his heart out in what turned out to be a record-breaking campaign for the right-arm pacer.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/auctioneer-hugh-edmeades-collapses-on-stage-as-ipl-2022-mega-auction-comes-to-sudden-halt-452616">Auctioneer Hugh Edmeades collapses on stage as IPL 2022 mega auction comes to sudden halt</a></p>

<p>From earning Rs 20 lakh (INR 2 million) last year, Patel will now be drawing a salary of a whopping Rs 10.75 crore (INR 107.5 million) per season at RCB. RCB had earlier opted to retain Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj ahead of the mega auction and have strengthened by getting both Du Plessis and Patel.</p>

<p>Though he has been around for quite a while now in the IPL, Harshal has so far played only 63 matches in his IPL career and has 78 wickets to his name.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) shelled out a huge amount of money to buy back Indian pacer Harshal Patel at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12).

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) shelled out a huge amount of money to buy back Indian pacer Harshal Patel at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12). RCB, who had chosen not to retain Patel after his brilliant campaign with the ball in IPL 2021 last year, had to break the bank to get him back at the mega auction as they bought him for a staggering sum of Rs 10.75 crore (INR 107.5 million). After roping in South African batter Faf du Plessis for a sum of Rs 7 crore (INR 70 million), RCB went big when Patel's name was announced at the mega auction. They managed to beat competition from the likes of Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad to get Harshal back. The 31-year-old pacer, who made his international debut for India in November last year, was the Purple Cap winner in IPl 2021 for being the highest wicket-taker of the season with 32 wickets in 15 matches for RCB. He saw his stakes rise dramatically at the mega auction this year after opting for a base price of Rs 2 crore (INR 20 million). Patel was roped in by Delhi Capitals at his base price of just Rs 20 lakh (INR 2 million) in the IPL auction in 2018. He was traded to RCB ahead of the start of IPL 2021 last year where he bowled his heart out in what turned out to be a record-breaking campaign for the right-arm pacer. Also Read: Auctioneer Hugh Edmeades collapses on stage as IPL 2022 mega auction comes to sudden halt From earning Rs 20 lakh (INR 2 million) last year, Patel will now be drawing a salary of a whopping Rs 10.75 crore (INR 107.5 million) per season at RCB. RCB had earlier opted to retain Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj ahead of the mega auction and have strengthened by getting both Du Plessis and Patel. Though he has been around for quite a while now in the IPL, Harshal has so far played only 63 matches in his IPL career and has 78 wickets to his name.

From Rs 20 lakh to Rs 10.75 crore! RCB break the bank for Harshal Patel at IPL 2022 mega auction

<p>Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Faf du Plessis became the first player to join the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12). RCB beat CSK and Delhi Capitals (DC) to the signing of the veteran South Africa batter, who was instrumental in CSK's title triumph in IPL 2021 last year.</p>

<p>Du Plessis was the second-highest run-getter in IPL 2021 with 633 runs from 16 matches at an average of over 45&nbsp;and a strike rate of 138.20. Du Plessis will bring a lot of stability and consistency to the RCB batting line-up. He is confirmed to play as an opener for the side and might also be a strong contender to replace Virat Kohli as the new captain of the team.</p>

<p>Du Plessis has been a consistent performer in the IPL over the years and has so far amassed 2935 runs in 100 matches in the league. The senior South Africa batter will also be a great replacement for AB de Villiers, an RCB legend, who retired from all forms of the game recently.</p>

<p>It remains to be seen if RCB, who are looking for a new skipper after Kohli's decision to step down as the captain of the side last year, will hand over the captaincy responsibilities to Du Plessis, who is an experienced campaigner and has won several major trophies in his T20 career.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/punjab-kings-shell-out-big-money-to-rope-in-kagiso-rabada-shikhar-dhawan-at-ipl-2022-mega-auction-452574">Punjab Kings shell out big money to rope in Kagiso Rabada &amp; Shikhar Dhawan at IPL 2022 mega auction</a></p>

<h3><strong>Quinton de Kock joins Lucknow Super Giants, RR rope in Ashwin and Boult</strong></h3>

<p>Debutant Lucknow Super Giants made their first signing at the IPL 2022 mega auction in the form of South African wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock for Rs 6.25 crore (INR 62.5 million). The former Mumbai Indians star will be plying his trade of KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming season.</p>

<p>Rajasthan Royals kick-started the auction on a brilliant note as they roped in senior India off-spinner R Ashwin for a sum of Rs 5 crore (INR 50 million). The Royals also spent big on New Zealand pacer Trent Boult as they roped him for a sum of Rs 8 crore (INR 80 million) at the IPL 2022 mega auction.</p>


Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Faf du Plessis became the first player to join the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12).

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Faf du Plessis became the first player to join the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12). RCB beat CSK and Delhi Capitals (DC) to the signing of the veteran South Africa batter, who was instrumental in CSK's title triumph in IPL 2021 last year. Du Plessis was the second-highest run-getter in IPL 2021 with 633 runs from 16 matches at an average of over 45 and a strike rate of 138.20. Du Plessis will bring a lot of stability and consistency to the RCB batting line-up. He is confirmed to play as an opener for the side and might also be a strong contender to replace Virat Kohli as the new captain of the team. Du Plessis has been a consistent performer in the IPL over the years and has so far amassed 2935 runs in 100 matches in the league. The senior South Africa batter will also be a great replacement for AB de Villiers, an RCB legend, who retired from all forms of the game recently. It remains to be seen if RCB, who are looking for a new skipper after Kohli's decision to step down as the captain of the side last year, will hand over the captaincy responsibilities to Du Plessis, who is an experienced campaigner and has won several major trophies in his T20 career. Also Read: Punjab Kings shell out big money to rope in Kagiso Rabada & Shikhar Dhawan at IPL 2022 mega auction Quinton de Kock joins Lucknow Super Giants, RR rope in Ashwin and Boult Debutant Lucknow Super Giants made their first signing at the IPL 2022 mega auction in the form of South African wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock for Rs 6.25 crore (INR 62.5 million). The former Mumbai Indians star will be plying his trade of KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming season. Rajasthan Royals kick-started the auction on a brilliant note as they roped in senior India off-spinner R Ashwin for a sum of Rs 5 crore (INR 50 million). The Royals also spent big on New Zealand pacer Trent Boult as they roped him for a sum of Rs 8 crore (INR 80 million) at the IPL 2022 mega auction.

RCB beat CSK and DC to rope in Faf du Plessis for a whopping Rs 70 million at IPL 2022 mega auction

<p>Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will definitely target Team India's star wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. An explosive batter who can open the innings and bat in the middle-order as well, Kishan has seen his stakes rise in the last couple of years, owing to his exploits in the IPL and international cricket.</p>

<p>Kishan was released by Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL mega auction this year and is among the top Indian players to watch out for at the two-day event in Bengaluru on Saturday and Sunday. Kishan had played an instrumental role in Mumbai India's title triumph in IPL 2020 where he notched up 516 runs in 14 games. He can provide much-needed versatility in RCB's batting line-up with his ability to strike the ball from the word go.</p>

<p>Ahead of the IPL mega auction, Harbhajan has predicted a bidding war for the young keeper-batter, who has listed his base price at Rs 2 crore (INR 20 million). Harbhajan believes RCB, who are also looking for a new captain after Virat Kohli's decision to quit captaincy, can rope in Kishan and groom him in a leadership role in the long term.</p>

<p>"Ishan Kishan is someone I am a fan of. On his own capability, on any given day, he can smash 70-80 runs off 30 balls and win the match for his team. He will become a very big player in the time to come. If a player like him goes to any team, he should be given the responsibility of leadership," Harbhajan said in a video on his YouTube channel.</p>

<p>"The way he gets older, with responsibilities, he will become even bigger. He already captains Jharkhand. RCB would definitely target Ishan Kishan in the auction. It will be tough because many teams would go after him at the auction," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-mega-auction-dates-timings-and-venue-all-you-need-to-know-451440">IPL 2022 mega auction dates, timings and venue: All you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>Mumbai Indians had to let go of Kishan as they decided to retain captain Rohit Sharma, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard and Suryakumar Yadav. However, it won't come as a surprise if Mumbai Indians try to get Kishan back at the IPL mega auction this week.</p>

<p>The young wicket-keeper batter has so far played 61 IPL matches and has 1452 runs to his name at an average of over 28 and a strike rate of over 136.</p>


Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will definitely target Team India's star wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will definitely target Team India's star wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. An explosive batter who can open the innings and bat in the middle-order as well, Kishan has seen his stakes rise in the last couple of years, owing to his exploits in the IPL and international cricket. Kishan was released by Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL mega auction this year and is among the top Indian players to watch out for at the two-day event in Bengaluru on Saturday and Sunday. Kishan had played an instrumental role in Mumbai India's title triumph in IPL 2020 where he notched up 516 runs in 14 games. He can provide much-needed versatility in RCB's batting line-up with his ability to strike the ball from the word go. Ahead of the IPL mega auction, Harbhajan has predicted a bidding war for the young keeper-batter, who has listed his base price at Rs 2 crore (INR 20 million). Harbhajan believes RCB, who are also looking for a new captain after Virat Kohli's decision to quit captaincy, can rope in Kishan and groom him in a leadership role in the long term. "Ishan Kishan is someone I am a fan of. On his own capability, on any given day, he can smash 70-80 runs off 30 balls and win the match for his team. He will become a very big player in the time to come. If a player like him goes to any team, he should be given the responsibility of leadership," Harbhajan said in a video on his YouTube channel. "The way he gets older, with responsibilities, he will become even bigger. He already captains Jharkhand. RCB would definitely target Ishan Kishan in the auction. It will be tough because many teams would go after him at the auction," he added. Also Read: IPL 2022 mega auction dates, timings and venue: All you need to know Mumbai Indians had to let go of Kishan as they decided to retain captain Rohit Sharma, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard and Suryakumar Yadav. However, it won't come as a surprise if Mumbai Indians try to get Kishan back at the IPL mega auction this week. The young wicket-keeper batter has so far played 61 IPL matches and has 1452 runs to his name at an average of over 28 and a strike rate of over 136.

RCB would definitely target Ishan Kishan at IPL mega auction, he will become a big player: Harbhajan Singh

<p>Virat Kohli resigned as the Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) captain following the end of the three-time runners-up's campaign in the IPL 2021 edition. Kohli had announced the news at the start of the second and final leg of IPL 14, in the UAE, on September 19.</p>

<p>Back then, the RCB Twitter handle quoted Kohli as saying, "This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I’ll continue to be an RCB player till I play my last IPL game. I thank all the RCB fans for believing in me and supporting me."</p>

<p>He added, "It has been a great and an inspiring journey, captaining a talented bunch of players in the RCB squad. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the RCB management, coaches, support staff, players, and the entire RCB family, who have been instrumental in the growth of the franchise over the years."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/that-will-be-the-easiest-solution-ajit-agarkar-urges-virat-kohli-to-reconsider-captaining-rcb-in-ipl-2022-451328"><strong>That will be the easiest solution: Ajit Agarkar urges Virat Kohli to reconsider captaining RCB in IPL 2022</strong></a></p>

<p>Ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, set to be held on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh feels Kohli still remains the best man to lead RCB. "Despite having many big names, RCB is a team who is yet to lift the title. AB de Villiers won't play this season and Kohli has stepped down from captaincy... so they need to find a captain now. Among Indians, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are the two names who can efficiently lead the team," Harbhajan said while speaking on his YouTube channel.</p>

<p>"Shreyas has already shown his captaincy prowess while leading the Delhi franchise. But I think Kohli will have to don the captaincy hat again. RCB won't get a better leader than him," opined Harbhajan.</p>

<p>"RCB is making a new team and they will search for a good leader. But does Kohli want to take up the role? It will be a big challenge but I won't be surprised if he agrees to be the captain for the next 1-2 years," he added.</p>

<p>Recently, former Indian fast-bowling all-rounder Ajit Agarkar had also advised Kohli to reconsider taking up RCB captaincy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If Virat Kohli can take over the captaincy and if he is happy to do it and if he has the energy to do it, I think that will be the easiest solution for them," Agarkar told Star Sports show Game Plan ahead of the auction.</p>

<p>"At the end of the day, we have seen RCB over the years they haven't invested enough money in making a proper team of 12, 13 or 14 players with enough depth.&nbsp;It's always been dependent on the top three, not enough middle order players and if you don't have the money, you can't do that again. So, if you break the bank for one player, doesn't matter how good he is - will win you games but will never win you competitions," he further added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/throwback-when-hardik-pandya-didnt-draw-a-single-bid-and-went-unsold-at-ipl-2014-auction-451724"><strong>Throwback: When Hardik Pandya didn't draw a single bid and went UNSOLD at IPL 2014 auction</strong></a></p>

<p>Under Kohli, RCB won 64&nbsp;games and lost 69. He led the franchise in 140 games, taking them to the IPL 2016 final where they lost to the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).&nbsp;</p>

<p>For now, RCB have retained Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Md Siraj ahead of the mega auction. They will have to include some famed and marquee players and then choose their next captain, unless Kohli has a change of mind (which seems highly unlikely at this point of time). He has already given up Team India captaincy altogether (resigning from two formats and being sacked as the ODI captain).</p>


Virat Kohli resigned as the Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) captain following the end of the three-time runners-up's campaign in the IPL 2021 edition. Kohli had announced the news at the start of the second and final leg of IPL 14, in the UAE, on September 19.

Virat Kohli resigned as the Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) captain following the end of the three-time runners-up's campaign in the IPL 2021 edition. Kohli had announced the news at the start of the second and final leg of IPL 14, in the UAE, on September 19. Back then, the RCB Twitter handle quoted Kohli as saying, "This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I’ll continue to be an RCB player till I play my last IPL game. I thank all the RCB fans for believing in me and supporting me." He added, "It has been a great and an inspiring journey, captaining a talented bunch of players in the RCB squad. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the RCB management, coaches, support staff, players, and the entire RCB family, who have been instrumental in the growth of the franchise over the years." ALSO READ | That will be the easiest solution: Ajit Agarkar urges Virat Kohli to reconsider captaining RCB in IPL 2022 Ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, set to be held on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh feels Kohli still remains the best man to lead RCB. "Despite having many big names, RCB is a team who is yet to lift the title. AB de Villiers won't play this season and Kohli has stepped down from captaincy... so they need to find a captain now. Among Indians, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are the two names who can efficiently lead the team," Harbhajan said while speaking on his YouTube channel. "Shreyas has already shown his captaincy prowess while leading the Delhi franchise. But I think Kohli will have to don the captaincy hat again. RCB won't get a better leader than him," opined Harbhajan. "RCB is making a new team and they will search for a good leader. But does Kohli want to take up the role? It will be a big challenge but I won't be surprised if he agrees to be the captain for the next 1-2 years," he added. Recently, former Indian fast-bowling all-rounder Ajit Agarkar had also advised Kohli to reconsider taking up RCB captaincy. "If Virat Kohli can take over the captaincy and if he is happy to do it and if he has the energy to do it, I think that will be the easiest solution for them," Agarkar told Star Sports show Game Plan ahead of the auction. "At the end of the day, we have seen RCB over the years they haven't invested enough money in making a proper team of 12, 13 or 14 players with enough depth. It's always been dependent on the top three, not enough middle order players and if you don't have the money, you can't do that again. So, if you break the bank for one player, doesn't matter how good he is - will win you games but will never win you competitions," he further added. ALSO READ | Throwback: When Hardik Pandya didn't draw a single bid and went UNSOLD at IPL 2014 auction Under Kohli, RCB won 64 games and lost 69. He led the franchise in 140 games, taking them to the IPL 2016 final where they lost to the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). For now, RCB have retained Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Md Siraj ahead of the mega auction. They will have to include some famed and marquee players and then choose their next captain, unless Kohli has a change of mind (which seems highly unlikely at this point of time). He has already given up Team India captaincy altogether (resigning from two formats and being sacked as the ODI captain).

Virat Kohli should don captaincy hat again: Harbhajan Singh urges Indian star to lead RCB in IPL 2022

<p>Virat Kohli has been one of the best players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the years. The run machine is currently the all-time leading run-getter of the league and was the first batter to reach the milestone of 6,000 runs in the history of the tournament. While Kohli has been incredibly successful with the bat, he has also been extremely loyal to his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).</p>

<p>Kohli has been part of the RCB team since the inception of IPL in 2008 and has been with the franchise throughout his IPL career so far. He has not played for any other team in the tournament and has often expressed his desire to spend his entire IPL career with the side.</p>

<p>While speaking on the RCB podcast recently, Kohli revealed he has been approached by some IPL teams in the past but decided not to leave RCB. Kohli said he said he was requested by the teams to come in the auction somehow and has thought about the same but eventually decided to stay at RCB.</p>

<p>"I've been approached a few times as well -- to come into the auction somehow -- I have thought about it," Kohli said on RCB podcast.</p>

<p>"At the end of the day, a person lives a certain number of years, and then you die and life moves on. There have been many great players who have won trophies and things like that but no one addresses you like that. If you are a good person, people like you and if you are a bad guy, they stay away from you. Eventually, that's what life is all about," Kohli added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ms-dhoni-to-virat-kohli-a-look-at-first-ipl-salaries-of-superstar-cricketers-450783">MS Dhoni to Virat Kohli: A look at first IPL salaries of superstar cricketers</a></strong></p>

<p>Kohli was picked up by RCB at the IPL auction in 2008 right after he led India to a memorable triumph at the 2008 U-19 World Cup. He was yet to make his debut for the senior Indian team in international cricket back then. Kohli went on to become a superstar at RCB and is currently regarded among the best batters of all time.</p>

<p>He has been incredibly consistent with the bat both at the international level and in the IPL and continues to pile on runs at ease across all formats of the game. Kohli led RCB from 2013 to 2021 before announcing last year that he is stepping down as the team's captain.&nbsp;Kohli is no more the skipper but will continue to be a leader at RCB going forward.</p>


Virat Kohli has been one of the best players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the years. The run machine is currently the all-time leading run-getter of the league and was the first batter to reach the milestone of 6,000 runs in the history of the tournament.

Virat Kohli has been one of the best players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the years. The run machine is currently the all-time leading run-getter of the league and was the first batter to reach the milestone of 6,000 runs in the history of the tournament. While Kohli has been incredibly successful with the bat, he has also been extremely loyal to his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Kohli has been part of the RCB team since the inception of IPL in 2008 and has been with the franchise throughout his IPL career so far. He has not played for any other team in the tournament and has often expressed his desire to spend his entire IPL career with the side. While speaking on the RCB podcast recently, Kohli revealed he has been approached by some IPL teams in the past but decided not to leave RCB. Kohli said he said he was requested by the teams to come in the auction somehow and has thought about the same but eventually decided to stay at RCB. "I've been approached a few times as well -- to come into the auction somehow -- I have thought about it," Kohli said on RCB podcast. "At the end of the day, a person lives a certain number of years, and then you die and life moves on. There have been many great players who have won trophies and things like that but no one addresses you like that. If you are a good person, people like you and if you are a bad guy, they stay away from you. Eventually, that's what life is all about," Kohli added. Also Read: MS Dhoni to Virat Kohli: A look at first IPL salaries of superstar cricketers Kohli was picked up by RCB at the IPL auction in 2008 right after he led India to a memorable triumph at the 2008 U-19 World Cup. He was yet to make his debut for the senior Indian team in international cricket back then. Kohli went on to become a superstar at RCB and is currently regarded among the best batters of all time. He has been incredibly consistent with the bat both at the international level and in the IPL and continues to pile on runs at ease across all formats of the game. Kohli led RCB from 2013 to 2021 before announcing last year that he is stepping down as the team's captain. Kohli is no more the skipper but will continue to be a leader at RCB going forward.

'I have thought about it': Virat Kohli reveals he has been approached by IPL franchises in past to leave RCB

<p>Mohammed Siraj remains one of the most improved players in Indian cricket. Siraj didn't have a great run in IPL till the 2019 edition but the picture changed from the 2020 season, held in the UAE. Since then, Siraj's swinging deliveries and much-controlled bowling in the death overs saw him rise up the ladder and slowly become a part of the Test line-up.</p>

<p>At present, he isn't a regular in the limited-overs format but has found a place in the Rohit Sharma-led Indian ODI team for the ongoing three-match series versus Kieron Pollard-led West Indies at home. Siraj recalled his struggles and harsh criticism after bowling two beamers versus the then Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) face-off against the two-time winners in IPL 2019.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-suresh-raina-aakash-chopra-names-players-csk-might-target-in-ipl-2022-mega-auction-451398"><strong>Not Suresh Raina! Aakash Chopra names players CSK might target in IPL 2022 mega auction</strong></a></p>

<p>"When I bowled two beamers against KKR in 2018 (2019), I received a lot of criticism. People even told me to leave cricket and ‘go drive auto with your father’. There were so many comments," the pacer had said.</p>

<p>Recalling how he recovered from the poor outings in 2019, Siraj dwelled&nbsp;on the team management's support&nbsp;on the RCB Podcast and&nbsp;said, "2019 the performance with RCB was so bad that I thought that's the end of my IPL career. But then I realised that I still have age on my side. So I decided to trust myself a bit and thankfully the RCB management also backed me a lot at that time. I almost thought any franchise in their position would have let go of a bowler after that kind of performance, but they backed me and then 2020 the game against KKR was a life-changing game for me."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/that-will-be-the-easiest-solution-ajit-agarkar-urges-virat-kohli-to-reconsider-captaining-rcb-in-ipl-2022-451328"><strong>That will be the easiest solution: Ajit Agarkar urges Virat Kohli to reconsider captaining RCB in IPL 2022</strong></a></p>

<p>After IPL 2020, Siraj went to Australia and was part of India's historic 2-1 Test series win Down Under; claiming 13 scalps (most by an Indian). Back then, Virat Kohli had lavished praise on the Hyderabad pacer and the speedster recalled his words as well. "Virat Kohli told me something I'd never be able to forget. After returning from Australia, he said 'Miyan, well bowled, what you've done in Australia is unbelievable. Nobody will be able to forget what you've done there. Keep at it and keep your focus on fitness and keep putting in the hard work',"&nbsp;revealed Siraj.</p>

<p>Siraj has been retained by the Kohli-starrer RCB franchise ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, set to be held on&nbsp;February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru.</p>


Mohammed Siraj remains one of the most improved players in Indian cricket. Siraj didn't have a great run in IPL till the 2019 edition but the picture changed from the 2020 season, held in the UAE.

Mohammed Siraj remains one of the most improved players in Indian cricket. Siraj didn't have a great run in IPL till the 2019 edition but the picture changed from the 2020 season, held in the UAE. Since then, Siraj's swinging deliveries and much-controlled bowling in the death overs saw him rise up the ladder and slowly become a part of the Test line-up. At present, he isn't a regular in the limited-overs format but has found a place in the Rohit Sharma-led Indian ODI team for the ongoing three-match series versus Kieron Pollard-led West Indies at home. Siraj recalled his struggles and harsh criticism after bowling two beamers versus the then Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) face-off against the two-time winners in IPL 2019. ALSO READ | Not Suresh Raina! Aakash Chopra names players CSK might target in IPL 2022 mega auction "When I bowled two beamers against KKR in 2018 (2019), I received a lot of criticism. People even told me to leave cricket and ‘go drive auto with your father’. There were so many comments," the pacer had said. Recalling how he recovered from the poor outings in 2019, Siraj dwelled on the team management's support on the RCB Podcast and said, "2019 the performance with RCB was so bad that I thought that's the end of my IPL career. But then I realised that I still have age on my side. So I decided to trust myself a bit and thankfully the RCB management also backed me a lot at that time. I almost thought any franchise in their position would have let go of a bowler after that kind of performance, but they backed me and then 2020 the game against KKR was a life-changing game for me." ALSO READ | That will be the easiest solution: Ajit Agarkar urges Virat Kohli to reconsider captaining RCB in IPL 2022 After IPL 2020, Siraj went to Australia and was part of India's historic 2-1 Test series win Down Under; claiming 13 scalps (most by an Indian). Back then, Virat Kohli had lavished praise on the Hyderabad pacer and the speedster recalled his words as well. "Virat Kohli told me something I'd never be able to forget. After returning from Australia, he said 'Miyan, well bowled, what you've done in Australia is unbelievable. Nobody will be able to forget what you've done there. Keep at it and keep your focus on fitness and keep putting in the hard work'," revealed Siraj. Siraj has been retained by the Kohli-starrer RCB franchise ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, set to be held on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru.

'Drive auto with your father' - RCB's Md Siraj recalls criticism for bowling two beamers vs KKR in IPL 2019

<p>Former Indian fast-bowling all-rounder Ajit Agarkar has urged Virat Kohli to reconsider captaining the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the forthcoming IPL 2022 edition. Ahead of the mega auction, to be held on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru, the ex-pacer Agarkar feels Kohli remains RCB's best bet to captain the three-time runners-up.</p>

<p>Prior to the mega auction, RCB retained the likes of former skipper Kohli INR 150 million, Glenn Maxwell (INR 110 million) and Md Siraj (for INR 70 million). With Kohli having resigned from the captaincy post after IPL 2021, the Bengaluru-based franchise will have to shop for a captain as well during the auction proceedings (which will likely be a costly buy). However, Agarkar feels if Kohli can reconsider his decision and reclaim the captaincy post, it will be the easiest solution for the franchise.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-mega-auction-not-rcb-mi-dinesh-karthik-reveals-which-franchise-he-will-feel-great-to-play-for-451298"><strong>IPL 2022 mega auction: Not RCB, MI! Dinesh Karthik reveals which franchise he will feel 'great to play for'</strong></a></p>

<p>"If Virat Kohli can take over the captaincy and if he is happy to do it and if he has the energy to do it, I think that will be the easiest solution for them," Agarkar told Star Sports show Game Plan ahead of the auction.</p>

<p>"At the end of the day, we have seen RCB over the years they haven't invested enough money in making a proper team of 12, 13 or 14 players with enough depth.&nbsp;It's always been dependent on the top three, not enough middle order players and if you don't have the money, you can't do that again. So, if you break the bank for one player, doesn't matter how good he is - will win you games but will never win you competitions," he further added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-ms-dhoni-sachin-tendulkar-make-the-cut-in-venkatesh-prasads-all-time-indian-odi-xi-451324"><strong>Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar make the cut in Venkatesh Prasad's all-time Indian ODI XI</strong></a></p>

<p>Under Kohli, RCB won 64 games in 140 matches, losing as many as 69 fixtures. The 33-year-old captained the franchise from 2011-2021 (becoming the full-time skipper since 2013) but couldn't lead them to the coveted title. In 2016, Kohli-led RCB played the season-finale where they lost to David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderbad (SRH).</p>


Former Indian fast-bowling all-rounder Ajit Agarkar has urged Virat Kohli to reconsider captaining the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the forthcoming IPL 2022 edition.

Former Indian fast-bowling all-rounder Ajit Agarkar has urged Virat Kohli to reconsider captaining the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the forthcoming IPL 2022 edition. Ahead of the mega auction, to be held on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru, the ex-pacer Agarkar feels Kohli remains RCB's best bet to captain the three-time runners-up. Prior to the mega auction, RCB retained the likes of former skipper Kohli INR 150 million, Glenn Maxwell (INR 110 million) and Md Siraj (for INR 70 million). With Kohli having resigned from the captaincy post after IPL 2021, the Bengaluru-based franchise will have to shop for a captain as well during the auction proceedings (which will likely be a costly buy). However, Agarkar feels if Kohli can reconsider his decision and reclaim the captaincy post, it will be the easiest solution for the franchise. ALSO READ | IPL 2022 mega auction: Not RCB, MI! Dinesh Karthik reveals which franchise he will feel 'great to play for' "If Virat Kohli can take over the captaincy and if he is happy to do it and if he has the energy to do it, I think that will be the easiest solution for them," Agarkar told Star Sports show Game Plan ahead of the auction. "At the end of the day, we have seen RCB over the years they haven't invested enough money in making a proper team of 12, 13 or 14 players with enough depth. It's always been dependent on the top three, not enough middle order players and if you don't have the money, you can't do that again. So, if you break the bank for one player, doesn't matter how good he is - will win you games but will never win you competitions," he further added. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar make the cut in Venkatesh Prasad's all-time Indian ODI XI Under Kohli, RCB won 64 games in 140 matches, losing as many as 69 fixtures. The 33-year-old captained the franchise from 2011-2021 (becoming the full-time skipper since 2013) but couldn't lead them to the coveted title. In 2016, Kohli-led RCB played the season-finale where they lost to David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderbad (SRH).

That will be the easiest solution: Ajit Agarkar urges Virat Kohli to reconsider captaining RCB in IPL 2022

<p>Virat Kohli's captaincy stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) came to an after the conclusion of IPL 2021 last year. Kohli had taken over as the full-time skipper of RCB in 2013 and led the side in a total of nine seasons but failed to inspire the team to its maiden IPL title triumph.</p>

<p>RCB came close to ending their IPL title drought under Kohli's captaincy in IPL 2016 when they made it to the final of the competition. The Kohli-led side was up against David Warner-led Sunrisers Hyderabad in the summit clash and stood just one step away from the elusive trophy.</p>

<p>However, RCB lost the final by 8 runs and missed out on their maiden trophy. Batting first, SRH posted a strong total of 208 runs on the board and took control of the final. However, RCB got off to a stunning start as Kohli and Chris Gayle posted a 114-run stand for the first wicket with half-centuries apiece.</p>

<p>However, the rest of the batters disappointed as SRH managed to restrict RCB on 200 runs to clinch their maiden IPL title. Kohli revealed, KL Rahul, who was also part of the RCB squad back then, still sends him a screenshot of the final when it comes on TV and says the loss still hurts.</p>

<p>“The final, I feel like it was written, how could the finals be in Bangalore, after we play that kind of a season, and we are playing that kind of a game at 100-0 after 9 overs. To this date, KL takes screenshots of that game when it is broadcasted and says it still hurts," Kohli said speaking about the IPL 2016 final loss on the RCB podcast.</p>

<p>“And it does hurt to an extent. You have to think about that game every now and then. We were not good enough on that day. That is one game where I feel like, it hurts. From all the IPL seasons I’ve been a part of, we had it right in front of us,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everyone-else-was-getting-a-decent-car-when-virat-kohli-was-left-disappointed-by-rcbs-treatment-450707">&nbsp;'Everyone else was getting a decent car': When Virat Kohli was left disappointed by RCB's treatment</a></p>

<p><strong>Not winning an IPL title as captain disappoints me: Virat Kohli</strong></p>

<p>Kohli has been with RCB since the inception of IPL in 2008 as he remains the only active player in the league to have played for only one franchise so far in his IPL career. However, the former captain is yet to win his maiden title with the franchise.</p>

<p>After losing the final in 2016, RCB came close to ending their IPL title drought in the last two years as they qualified for playoffs in back-to-back seasons. However, they failed to reach the final on both occasions and had to settle with a finish in the top four. Kohli said it has been disappointing to not win an IPL title as a captain.</p>

<p>“Not winning a title as captain disappoints me, I would say we had opportunities, where we came close. We have to accept the fact that the reason we have not won is because we have not been as courageous, or as clear in our plans as we should have been in those moments. You could say that the odds were stacked against us in terms of expectations, but you have to deal with those expectations,” Kohli said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli's captaincy stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) came to an after the conclusion of IPL 2021 last year.

Virat Kohli's captaincy stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) came to an after the conclusion of IPL 2021 last year. Kohli had taken over as the full-time skipper of RCB in 2013 and led the side in a total of nine seasons but failed to inspire the team to its maiden IPL title triumph. RCB came close to ending their IPL title drought under Kohli's captaincy in IPL 2016 when they made it to the final of the competition. The Kohli-led side was up against David Warner-led Sunrisers Hyderabad in the summit clash and stood just one step away from the elusive trophy. However, RCB lost the final by 8 runs and missed out on their maiden trophy. Batting first, SRH posted a strong total of 208 runs on the board and took control of the final. However, RCB got off to a stunning start as Kohli and Chris Gayle posted a 114-run stand for the first wicket with half-centuries apiece. However, the rest of the batters disappointed as SRH managed to restrict RCB on 200 runs to clinch their maiden IPL title. Kohli revealed, KL Rahul, who was also part of the RCB squad back then, still sends him a screenshot of the final when it comes on TV and says the loss still hurts. “The final, I feel like it was written, how could the finals be in Bangalore, after we play that kind of a season, and we are playing that kind of a game at 100-0 after 9 overs. To this date, KL takes screenshots of that game when it is broadcasted and says it still hurts," Kohli said speaking about the IPL 2016 final loss on the RCB podcast. “And it does hurt to an extent. You have to think about that game every now and then. We were not good enough on that day. That is one game where I feel like, it hurts. From all the IPL seasons I’ve been a part of, we had it right in front of us,” he added. Also Read: 'Everyone else was getting a decent car': When Virat Kohli was left disappointed by RCB's treatment Not winning an IPL title as captain disappoints me: Virat Kohli Kohli has been with RCB since the inception of IPL in 2008 as he remains the only active player in the league to have played for only one franchise so far in his IPL career. However, the former captain is yet to win his maiden title with the franchise. After losing the final in 2016, RCB came close to ending their IPL title drought in the last two years as they qualified for playoffs in back-to-back seasons. However, they failed to reach the final on both occasions and had to settle with a finish in the top four. Kohli said it has been disappointing to not win an IPL title as a captain. “Not winning a title as captain disappoints me, I would say we had opportunities, where we came close. We have to accept the fact that the reason we have not won is because we have not been as courageous, or as clear in our plans as we should have been in those moments. You could say that the odds were stacked against us in terms of expectations, but you have to deal with those expectations,” Kohli said.

KL Rahul takes screenshots of IPL 2016 final when it is broadcasted and says it still hurts: Virat Kohli

<p>Virat Kohli recently shared an interesting anecdote from his early days with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kohli was roped in by RCB ahead of the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008. Kohli had led India to a memorable triumph at the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2008 before being roped in by RCB in IPL 2008.</p>

<p>Kohli has since become one of the best batters o have graced the competition and is currently the leading run-getter of all time in IPL history. Kohli has also established his credentials as one of the best batters of all time and is among the highest-earning players in the IPL.</p>

<p>However, at the start of his IPL career things were not as good as Kohli had expected them to be. Speaking on the RCB podcast, Kohli revealed how he had a not so great experience after his first season with the franchise. While the other RCB players were getting 'decent' cars to head back to the airport at the end of the 2008 season, Kohli said he was sent to the airport in an 'Omni van' which was not in a great condition.</p>

<p>"After the season, because I was an Under-19 boy, I was sent to the airport in an Omni van. Everyone else was getting a decent car to go, and I was the only one that was left, and they probably would have said just give him anything and just get him to the airport," Kohli said on the podcast.</p>

<p>The former RCB captain revealed it was not a good car and he didn't like being asked to travel in the van. Kohli said it is not a good memory for him as he shared an interesting anecdote.</p>

<p>"And that was not a good car, I'm sorry to say, but I would have loved at least a decent car which was not broken, something through which I could see the road, this one was on its last leg. So, not a good memory," Kohli added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-was-unhappy-with-anil-kumble-for-not-standing-up-for-players-claims-former-bcci-official-450649">Virat Kohli was unhappy with Anil Kumble for 'not standing up for players', claims former BCCI official</a></p>

<p>Kohli has come a long way since then and is currently one of the biggest stars in world cricket. He led RCB from the 2013 season to the 2021 season last year before stepping down from captaincy. He had announced his resignation from captainc y last year after leading RCB to the playoffs of IPL 2021.</p>

<p>Kohli has been with RCB right from the inception of the IPL in 2008 but is yet to win his maiden IPL title with the franchise.</p>


Virat Kohli recently shared an interesting anecdote from his early days with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kohli was roped in by RCB ahead of the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008.

Virat Kohli recently shared an interesting anecdote from his early days with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kohli was roped in by RCB ahead of the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008. Kohli had led India to a memorable triumph at the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2008 before being roped in by RCB in IPL 2008. Kohli has since become one of the best batters o have graced the competition and is currently the leading run-getter of all time in IPL history. Kohli has also established his credentials as one of the best batters of all time and is among the highest-earning players in the IPL. However, at the start of his IPL career things were not as good as Kohli had expected them to be. Speaking on the RCB podcast, Kohli revealed how he had a not so great experience after his first season with the franchise. While the other RCB players were getting 'decent' cars to head back to the airport at the end of the 2008 season, Kohli said he was sent to the airport in an 'Omni van' which was not in a great condition. "After the season, because I was an Under-19 boy, I was sent to the airport in an Omni van. Everyone else was getting a decent car to go, and I was the only one that was left, and they probably would have said just give him anything and just get him to the airport," Kohli said on the podcast. The former RCB captain revealed it was not a good car and he didn't like being asked to travel in the van. Kohli said it is not a good memory for him as he shared an interesting anecdote. "And that was not a good car, I'm sorry to say, but I would have loved at least a decent car which was not broken, something through which I could see the road, this one was on its last leg. So, not a good memory," Kohli added. Also Read: Virat Kohli was unhappy with Anil Kumble for 'not standing up for players', claims former BCCI official Kohli has come a long way since then and is currently one of the biggest stars in world cricket. He led RCB from the 2013 season to the 2021 season last year before stepping down from captaincy. He had announced his resignation from captainc y last year after leading RCB to the playoffs of IPL 2021. Kohli has been with RCB right from the inception of the IPL in 2008 but is yet to win his maiden IPL title with the franchise.

'Everyone else was getting a decent car': When Virat Kohli was left disappointed by RCB's treatment

royal-challengers-bangalore

Royal Challengers Bangalore, News on Royal Challengers Bangalore, stories on Royal Challengers Bangalore, articles on Royal Challengers Bangalore, Royal Challengers Bangalore stories at Wion, Royal Challengers Bangalore news, Royal Challengers Bangalore latest news

royal challengers-bangalore