The Indian Premier League is a stage that gives opportunities to the young and deserving players. Over the years, it has helped many players showcase their talent to the world. The league has served the Indian team with a bunch of quality players. With the auctions of IPL 2021 not far, the owners have started searching for exciting talents. Mohammed Azharuddin, a hard-hitter batsman, has brought himself in the limelight with his magnificent century in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The right-handed batsmen 137 runs off 54 balls with the help of nine fours and 11 maximums. In this article, we look at the 5 teams that can target Mohammed Azharuddin in the auction this season:
1. Chennai Super Kings:
Chennai Super Kings are the first team that might target Azharuddin in the auction. Since Shane Watson has retired and Murali Vijay likely to get released, they will be needing an attacking opener in the squad. Azharuddin might be a good backup option for Ruturaj Gaikwad for CSK.
The tracks of Chepauk are generally on the slower side, means the batsmen well-equipped against the spinners enjoy more. Azharuddin can play the spinners very well. He uses his feet against the spinners, helping him get near the ball and hit it long.
2. Royal Challengers Bangalore:
The Virat Kohli-led side, Royal Challengers Bangalore, is another team that might eye on Azharuddin. Their regular openers, Devdutt Padikkal and Aaron Finch, didn’t give a brisk start. Padikkal had a strike rate of 129.0 while Aaron Finch had a strike rate of 110.5 in the powerplay last season.
Hence, it affected RCB in several matches last season. They might go for Azharuddin, given their opening woes. Azharuddin can hit the shots from the ball one and can help RCB in getting a quick start.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders:
Despite having plenty of openers in their squad, Kolkata Knight Riders can bid for Mohammed Azharuddin. The key reason is the attacking game of the batsman. KKR’s lack an attacking India middle-order batsman in their squad.
As Azhar showed, he can handle the spinners pretty well. Hence, KKR can use him in the middle-order to counter the spinners. This will also help Azhar improve his game and become flexible with the willow.
4. Rajasthan Royals:
Rajasthan Royals is another team that might go after the exciting batsman, Mohammed Azharuddin. The Royals might reportedly release Steven Smith from their squad for the IPL 2021, and, will be in a desperate need of a top-order batsman. Azharuddin can fill that void quite well if given a consistent run.
Rajasthan Royals can also use him as a floater as well. He can be rotated as per the oppositions and according to the matchups. The right-handed batsman can be used as a finisher as well in Rajasthan Royals’ team if required.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad:
Another team that can target Azharuddin in the upcoming auctions is the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Orange Army can also use him as a floater. The Hyderabad-based franchise can get an attacking Indian wicket-keeper batsman, something they lack.
Since Wriddhiman Saha is an injury-prone, Azharuddin can be a good option in the SRH squad. They can get an attacking opener to partner David Warner in the top-order. This also allows Kane Williamson to play at his ideal position – No. 3 for SRH.
