Former Indian cricketer Akash Chopra shared his thoughts on former Punjab Kings skipper Mayank Agarwal in the mini-auction of the IPL 2023.
Earlier, Mayank Agarwal was released by Punjab Kings, and they announced Indian veteran batter Shikhar Dhawan as their new skipper in the IPL 2023. But according to Aakash Chopra, Mayank may get a lower bid in the auction because most IPL franchises have settled top-order batters.
However, speaking on veteran batter Mayank Agarwal, Chopra explained that defending champions might bid him to take an extra batter in the top order. Although they have good opening pairs in the form of Shubhman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha, they would look for an experienced batter on the one down, and the skipper will take the no. 4 batting spot.
“I have kept Mayank Agarwal in fifth place on this list. The only thing that could go against him is that most teams don’t want an opener or a top-order batter. Gujarat Titans might be interested in him. They have Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha, but if they get Agarwal to open with Gill, then wow,” Aakash Chopra explained.
Further, Aakash Chopra explained that the only team that required a top-order batter and skipper is Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). They have released their vital player and skipper Kane Williamson this time, and thus they may fight for Mayank in the upcoming mini-auction.
“Sunrisers once again will be in contention due to the massive purse that they have. I don’t see any quality batters there apart from Rahul Tripathi, Abhishek Sharma, and Aiden Markram. They already have the bowling, so they must stack up their batting. Unless there’s a case where no bidding war happens, I expect Mayank to go for 8-10 crore in the auction,” Aakash Chopra further added.
