Kerala’s opening batsman Mohammed Azharuddeen has become the talk of the town after his marvelous performance against Mumbai in the 2021 Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. The likes of Suresh Raina, Harsha Bhogle, Virender Sehwag, and others noted the Kerala player’s performance at the Wankhede Stadium.
The IPL franchises would also be following this tournament closely and after watching his century, multiple teams would have developed interest in this Kerala opener. Mohammed Azharuddeen is likely to bag his IPL contract in the 2021 Auction. Here are the five teams which could possibly sign him in IPL Auction 2021.
5. Chennai Super Kings
The Chennai Super Kings need an opening batsman after Shane Watson’s retirement from all forms of cricket. Watson’s absence will leave a massive hole in the Chennai-based franchise. However, Mohammed Azharuddeen could solve that problem for the Chennai Super Kings.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to open the innings for the Super Kings and Mohammed could be his new opening partner. Also, Azharuddeen is a wicket-keeper batsman. Hence, the Chennai Super Kings could use him as a keeper if MS Dhoni prefers to rest or is unavailable due to any reason.
4. Royal Challengers Bangalore
The Royal Challengers Bangalore need an opener to form a perfect opening combination. Devdutt Padikkal had a dream debut in IPL 2020, but his partner was not so consistent. The RCB team management tried Virat Kohli, Josh Philippe, and Aaron Finch as his opening partners.
Wah Azharudeen , behtareen !
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 13, 2021
To score like that against Mumbai was some effort. 137* of 54 and finishing the job on hand. Enjoyed this innings.#SyedMushtaqAliT20 pic.twitter.com/VrQk5v8PPB
Virat will likely return to number three in IPL 2021. Hence, the opening slot remains open and Mohammed Azharuddeen could open the innings with Devdutt Padikkal if RCB prefers to go after the Kerala opener.
3. Rajasthan Royals
The Rajasthan Royals are reportedly planning to release Steve Smith from their squad before IPL 2021 Auction. They will need a top-order batsman after Smith’s departure and Mohammed Azharuddeen could be a perfect choice for that role.
Azharuddeen can open the innings with Robin Uthappa or Yashasvi Jaiswal. Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, and Jos Buttler can back up the youngsters with Riyan Parag, Jofra Archer, and Rahul Tewatia being the finishers. RR could play an attacking brand of cricket with this lineup.
2. Sunrisers Hyderabad
The Sunrisers Hyderabad preferred Kane Williamson over Jonny Bairstow in their overseas department last year. Wriddhiman Saha did a commendable job as David Warner’s opening partner. However, when Saha got injured, Sreevats Goswami could not do the same job.
Hence, SRH could consider signing Mohammed Azharuddeen in the auction. He can be a great back-up wicket-keeping option for them if Saha is unavailable.
1. Delhi Capitals
While Mohammed Azharuddeen scored a century as an opener, it is pertinent to note he was not out till the end and finished off the match for his team. The Delhi Capitals need a back-up wicket-keeper because Alex Carey did not a great job in Rishabh Pant’s absence.
If DC have an Indian back-up wicket-keeping option, it would not force them to tinker their overseas lineup if Rishabh is unavailable. Hence, DC could rope in Mohammed Azharuddeen in the auction.
