IND v NZ 2021: Aakash Chopra predicts KL Rahul could be the most expensive player at IPL 2022 auction

India will play the final T20I on Sunday, November 21, in Kolkata.

Former Indian batter and cricket analyst Aakash Chopra On Friday (November 19) made a huge prediction ahead of the mega auction for the 2022 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Chopra believes that Indian opener KL Rahul could easily be the most expensive player at the mega IPL auction in 2022 if he is not retained by Punjab Kings and will likely go for more than 20 crores if there is no cap on a player’s salary.

His prediction came during the second T20I between India and New Zealand in Ranchi, where Rahul mustered yet another brilliant knock of 65 runs off 49 balls to help the hosts beat the Black Caps by 7 wickets to take a 2-0 lead in the ongoing three-match T20I series.

Read Also: IND v NZ 2021: I really enjoy batting with Rohit Sharma; he has made my job easier - KL Rahul

Notably, Rahul is reportedly parting ways with Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the mega auction and if it happens, then he will undeniably attract a lot of attention, especially of the two new franchisees Lucknow and Ahmedabad, thanks to his multi-functional abilities, keeping, batting and captaincy.

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Chopra predicted that the 29-year-old Rahul might even go for a price of more than 20 crores if there is no limit on spending for a player at the auction for the IPL 2022.

He wrote on Twitter: “If KL Rahul ends up in the auction…and if the draft system doesn’t put a ceiling on a player’s salary…he will easily be the most expensive player in the upcoming auction. 20 Crore +.”

Coming back to the second T20I, Chopra was particularly impressed with Rahul and the way he hit Adam Milne in the 11th over to complete his half-century. The stylish right-hander sliced a fuller delivery flat over deep extra cover for a stunning maximum to bring up his fifty in Ranchi.

Hailing Rahul for skills, Chopra tweeted: “Name a batsman who hits pacers over covers better than KL Rahul. Unreal skills. #IndvNZ”

Notably, He smashed six boundaries and two sixes during his knock before being dismissed by Tim Southee. India will face New Zealand in the final T20I on Sunday, November 21, in Kolkata.