Confirmed! KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya to lead new franchises in ITL 2022

The new Lucknow-based franchise has confirmed the signing of KL Rahul as their captain for the upcoming season of the IPL for a total of INR 17 crores. The opener is now the joint-highest paid player in the history of the tournament. Virat Kohli was paid the same amount when retained by RCB in 2018.

The other players signed by the franchise are the Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and the uncapped Rajasthan-based leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Stoinis has been signed for INR 9.2 crores and Bishnoi for INR 4 crores. They have 59.89 crores left in their purse for the auction ahead of the season.

The team owner, Rajiv Goenka told Star Sports, "KL is not only an outstanding batsman but also a great wicketkeeper. Marcus is a great finisher, a good bowler, and a phenomenal fielder. Ravi brings a unique dimension to the spin department and is an exceptional fielder. We want players to be here for 3-4-5-6-7-8 years."

Gautam Gambhir, the team mentor, said that Rahul is a work in progress, he bats, and he keeps the wicket; and that it is better to have someone who can give a variety of options.

The former cricketer said, "He consistently has been a phenomenal run-scorer, and what's better than someone who gives you three things?"

On the other hand, the Ahmedabad-based franchise has signed Hardik Pandya as their captain, Rashid Khan, and Shubman Gill. They will be paid INR 15 crores, INR 15crores, and INR 7 crores respectively. Ahmedabad has left 53 crores in its purse ahead of the mega auction. The two new teams were allowed to select a maximum of three players from the draft.

The IPL mega auction for the 2022 season is scheduled for the 12th and 13th of February.