IPL 2022: "Chahal might end up getting more money in the auction," says Laxman Sivaramakrishnan

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan believes that Chahal might end up getting more money in the upcoming IPL 2022 auction in January. Yuzvendra Chahal is at a strange point in his career. Not too long ago, he was India's premier spinner in white-ball cricket. However, that soon changed when he was not included in India's T20 World Cup squad despite the team taking five spin-bowling options with them to the UAE.

Immediately after India's disappointing outing in the World Cup, Chahal was called back for the home series against New Zealand. Although, he played only one T20I there. A week later, the leg-spinner got another setback as Royal Challengers Bangalore decided not to retain him despite him being one of RCB's top performers with the ball in the last eight seasons.

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Former India cricketer Laxman Sivaramakrishnan feels not all is lost for Chahal. The former leg-spinner said that Chahal might actually end up getting big bucks at the auction.

RCB retained Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj in the IPL retention that took place on Tuesday. Chahal, who had been a part of the franchise since 2014, was released. Sivaramakrishnan said RCB would want to buy the leg-spinner back in the mega auction ahead of IPL 2022.

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan said that RCB might bought Chahal back on their side for the IPL 2022 season

"RCB would want to buy him back. The other teams would want Chahal on their side because of his exceptional record in the IPL. The people who have more money will have the luxury of going for Chahal. In the end, Chahal might end up getting more money for being in the auction than by being retained," Sivaramakrishnan told NDTV during a media interaction arranged by Sony Sports Network.

Sivaramakrishnan, who is in the commentary panel for the Ashes, gave an example of the bidding war for Ashwin between RCB and CSK to explain how other franchises might increase the price of Chahal if RCB desperately wants him back on the side.

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"I remember how RCB was raising the paddle seeing CSK going hard for Ashwin. If RCB wants Chahal then the other teams might just bid to ensure he costs more to them. So, in the end, Chahal might end up being benefitted," Sivaramakrishnan added.

"There are two ways to look at IPL retention. Firstly, the players who have already been retained will feel a sense of security. The players who have not been retained also have an opportunity," he signed off.