The IPL mega-auctions are not far away, as every team would be gearing up to make their team look good on the team sheets, with hopes of acquiring the finest of players in the auction.
Gujarat Titans, the team that excelled since its debut, as they were champions in 2022 and finalists in their defending season in 2023, failed to advance into the playoffs the last season in 2024.
Titans, who faltered on many ends, would look to make both ends meet after having retained a core team comprising a blend of experienced and talented cricketers.
They went on to retain the likes of Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan, their two most experienced and heavyweight candidates, while parted ways with some big names, including the likes of David Miller, Kane Williamson, and Mohammad Shami.
Having a purse of INR 63 crore, the Titans would be in the hunt for a lead pacer in the absence of Shami. And who else can be a better option than Kagiso Rabada when it comes to spearhead pace bowling?
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Top 3 Franchises who might hunt for Kagiso Rabada in the mega-auction
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Whenever it comes to acquiring big names in the auction, RCB has been a constant in the list. This time around as well, having made only two startling retentions alongside veteran Virat Kohli, they will enter the auction with the second-highest purse of INR 83 crore.
Ruling out PBKS from showing interest in Rabada, who has released him ahead of the mega-auction, RCB can be forerunners for the Protea legend. Rabada can be a vital inclusion for the rebuilding side still in the hunt for their maiden IPL trophy.
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai’s bowling was a major concern in the last season, as no other bowler paired alongside Bumrah could emerge to his levels. Despite the record-breaking performance from the Indian pace legend, MI failed to defend huge scores owing to their poor bowling.
Having the likes of Coetzee and Nuwan Thusara, nothing went much in their favor. MI, though not having a huge purse but not retaining a single overseas player, could look to pair Rabada alongside Jasprit Bumrah, thus forming the most lethal pace unit in IPL history.
Gujarat Titans
The Titans are the frontrunners, as per interest shown over the Protea legend. Ashish Nehra, the bowling maestro, and Titans head coach, has often shown his knack for acquiring bowlers even at insane whopping prices.
Despite not having one of the heaviest purses and being in the hunt for players for very vital roles, Nehra going after Rabada with all ends up would not be a very surprising sight for their fans.
Let’s wait for the mega-auctions on the 24th and 25th of November at Jeddah to witness this thrilling bidding war over the persistent South African legend.
