Updated: October 25
David Andrew Warner has been one of the most successful batsmen in IPL history. Warner has scored 5449 runs in 150 matches at an average of 41.6 and strike rate of 140.0. He is currently ranked 5th with the most runs (5447) in the history of IPL, the pocket rocket player has scored 4 centuries along with 50 half-centuries.
Even with such a splendid record, Warner removed from the captaincy mid-way during VIVO IPL 2021. To make things worse, he was even not included in the playing XI in the next match.
His 2021 auction price was 12 Cr.
Also Read: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021: Prize Money List
This incident has made one thing very clear that David Warner won’t be in the scheme of things for SRH next year. Let us try to analyze which 3 teams can which could target David Warner in the IPL 2022 mega auction.
KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS
KKR could be the first team to target David Warner in the 2022 mega auction. Kolkata has been struggling with proper team combinations. Their regular captain Eoin Morgan has also failed to perform both as a captain and as a player.
The KKR team management might find David Warner as the right person to lead the team. David Warner has a lot of experience as a captain.
Warner can also be a good option as an opener for KKR. Kolkata has failed to win the title this year, they lost to CSK. With the inclusion of David Warner, they can iron out their weakness.
Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2021: 3 Teams That Are Favourites To Win The Title
CHENNAI SUPER KINGS
It will not surprise cricket fans if this year’s winner CSK management decides to go for David Warner in IPL 2022 mega auction. Chennai has Faf du Plessis as an international, class opener along with Ruturaj Gaikwad (orange cap winner). It is not sure that whether CSK will retain Du Plessis for the next IPL season.
Plessis has been a class batsman, but the team management might release him due to his slow strike rate. Bringing David Warner in the team might bring fresh legs. This will also help Ruturaj Gaikwad to take his time and build the innings.
PUNJAB KINGS
KL Rahul lead Punjab Kings have big names on their side, but they have failed to perform as a team. Chris Gayle has been successful for Punjab, but it seems we will not see him playing again in the IPL. He is already 41 years of age and his reflexes have slowed down drastically.
Also Read: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021: Man Of The Match List
If Chris Gayle decides to hang his boots, Punjab team management can get a like-for-like replacement in the form of David Warner. Though KL Rahul has played good cricket, it seems his role has become more of an anchor batsman. In such a situation, David Warner can open the innings and play fearless cricket. Warner can be a great addition to the Punjab Kings batting order setup.
It will be very interesting to see which IPL team manages to obtain David Warner in IPL 2022.
