The IPL franchises must have kept a close tab on Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s performances, for many might be interested in getting him during the IPL 2025 auction.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit a magnificent ton in the decider ODI against Bangladesh, scoring 101 runs in 120 balls at a strike rate of 84.17. He hit five boundaries and seven maximums, keeping Afghanistan in the chase during this tremendous knock. While other batters around him departed at a low score, Gurbaz continued playing his shots and put bowlers under pressure throughout his stay.
The IPL franchises must have kept a close tab on his performances, for many might be interested in getting him during the IPL 2025 auction. He is a solid wicketkeeper batter who opens the innings and can score quickly by utilising the powerplay overs. Further, he has previous experience playing in the league, for he was with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the previous cycle.
From Royal Challengers Bengaluru to others, three teams who might be interested in Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) might be heavily interested in Rahmanullah Gurbaz for multiple reasons. Firstly, they have released Faf du Plessis, an opener, and Dinesh Karthik, the wicketkeeper, retired. So, there are two spots open in the team.
Gurbaz solves both problems in one and has improved massively in the last year. Bengaluru’s ground dimensions will suit his playing style, given he likes to play his shots. He will also be a long-term investment with age on his side.
Also Read: 4 teams that could target Phil Salt at the IPL 2025 auction
Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans (GT) will desperately require an opening batter who can keep the wickets. They had Wriddhiman Saha and Matthew Wade as primary options, but both were released before the auction. Saha has retired, and Wade is not good enough to play in an IPL XI.
Hence, Rahmanullah Gurbaz can come into the picture, given he offers both values and has a higher ceiling than Saha and Wade. The focus will be on stroke-makers since the track in Ahmedabad allows players to play on the up after the initial movement. Further, Gurbaz is a safe wicketkeeper and will fit perfectly in Saha’s role.
Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have released Devon Conway, an opener and wicketkeeper. So, they will require a like-for-like replacement, and Gurbaz fits perfectly. He is a dynamic opener who will utilise the powerplay overs to provide a brisk start to the team.
Further, his aggressive approach will allow Ruturaj Gaikwad, who requires some time at the start, to settle. When MS Dhoni retires, he will take the glove duties and perform dual roles. Given his vast experience playing various T20 leagues, Gurbaz’s case becomes stronger.
Kolkata Knight Riders
While Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have released Rahmanullah Gurbaz, they will want to get him back during the auction. They have also released Phil Salt and KS Bharat, other wicketkeeper batters from their squad. Hence, they will want a solid wicketkeeper batter who opens the innings.
Phil Salt will fetch a massive amount after his heroics in the last season, and since KKR don’t have RTM, they will find it arduous to get him back. The home tracks of Kolkata have been flat, and Salt thrived on those pitches last year by playing his shots freely. There’s no reason why Gurbaz can’t replicate the same, given his shot-making expertise and the field restrictions in the first six overs will further allow him to play freely.
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