3 teams that will have a strong starting XI even if they don't take part in IPL 2023 Auctions
IPL 2023 Auctions will happen on December 23rd in Kochi. Although most teams are looking to improve their squad, a few franchises can do with even not participating in the auctions. On that note, in this article, we take a look at three teams that will have a strong starting XI even if they don't take part in IPL 2023 Auctions.
1) Rajasthan Royals
RR had an issue with their balance in IPL 2022. However, with the new 'Impact Player' rule, all their issues are solved. They now have to buy a good Indian all-rounder and they will surely compete for the title again. The management will hope that the spin duo of Ashwin and Chahal fires again.
Expected XI with retained players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Riyan Parag, Sanju Samson (C&WK), Shimron Hetmyer, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna, Trent Boult and Obed McCoy.
2) Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans are one of the teams that will have a strong starting XI even if they don't take part in IPL 2023 Auctions. GT surprised all by winning the title last season. They would need a good overseas pacer and some good Indian middle-order batters, which would be sufficient for them to field a squad next season.
Expected XI with retained players: Shubman Gill, W Saha (WK), B Sai Sudharsan, Hardik Pandya (C), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammed Shami and Yash Dayal.
3) Royal Challengers Bangalore
RCB released the least number of players to the auction. Hence, they have a settled squad. They might need a backup for Lomror, preferably a left-handed batting medium-pace all-rounder. A backup for Hazlewood and the Indian pace attack would also be helpful.
Expected XI with retained players: Faf du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood and Mohammed Siraj.