Krunal, launched by LSG ahead of the auction, is still expected to attract interest from teams looking for a reliable all-rounder.

Let’s take a look at the 4 teams who will target Krunal Pandya in the IPL 2025 auction.

Sunrise Hyderabad (SRH)

Sunrisers Hyderabad have retained five key players ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Last season, Glenn Phillips was part of their team but could not make the playing eleven due to the presence of four other top foreign players. Washington Sundar, despite his potential, only managed to play two matches due to his poor performance. Shahbaz Ahmed, who had a decent season, struggled with a high economy rate, prompting SRH to release all three players before the auction.

Ahead of the auction, SRH will likely target Krunal Pandya to bring stability to their team. With his economical bowling and ability to contribute with the bat in the middle order, Krunal fits the profile that SRH needs. As an Indian all-rounder, he offers versatility and an edge over foreign players, making him a strong candidate to strengthen both their batting and bowling departments.

Also Read: 4 teams that will target Harshal Patel in IPL 2025 auction

Mumbai Indians (MI)

Krunal Pandya could reunite with his brother Hardik Pandya at the Mumbai Indians, where he had a successful season from 2016 to 2021. Krunal was instrumental in MI’s success, contributing 1143 runs and claiming 51 wickets in 84 matches. With MI releasing Piyush Chawla, their main player last season, and struggling to find quality domestic players in recent years, Krunal’s inclusion could address a critical gap in the team.

Mumbai Indians could consider bringing back Krunal to strengthen their all-rounder options. His familiarity with the team’s culture and history as a reliable player make him a strong candidate. Additionally, MI’s emphasis on experienced domestic players aligns well with Krunal’s profile, potentially making him a key asset to their lineup.

Also Read: 4 teams that will target Marcus Stoinis in IPL 2025 auction

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have only retained three players ahead of the auction, with Yash Dayal being their only bowler. In the upcoming auction, they will likely focus on strengthening their team, particularly in the spin bowling and all-round bowling departments.

Last season, Glenn Maxwell underperformed with both bat and ball, while Mahipal Lomror also failed to make an impact. Swapnil Singh showed promise but failed to live up to expectations. As a result, RCB released all three players before the auction.

They could now target Krunal Pandya, an experienced Indian all-rounder, as he could bring much-needed stability to the middle-order. Krunal’s ability to bowl at an economy rate of 7-8 and his skills with the bat could make him a valuable addition to RCB’s lineup.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

The Lucknow Super Giants have retained five players from last season and still have a Right to Match (RTM) card available. They could use him against Marcus Stoinis or Krunal Pandya. Although Krunal did not perform at his best in IPL 2024, his economy rate was better than many bowlers and his ability to contribute with the bat in the middle order makes him a valuable option. With Lucknow’s pitches favoring spinners, LSG might consider bringing him back.

Also Read: RCB will try to win back old ‘trump card’ of IPL 2025 auction, says former India cricketer

The decision to release Krunal could be a strategy to buy him at a lower price at the auction rather than holding him for a higher amount. This move also allows LSG to use their RTM card for Marcus Stoinis, giving them more flexibility in the auction.

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