Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has reportedly started planning for player retention ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. The 2016 champions didn't just finish bottom of the points table in the IPL 2021 season but also struggled to field a team that could compete with the rest for a spot in the playoffs.

Sunrisers also was in the news for the whole IPL 2021 thanks to the David Warner sacking saga.

It has been reported that SRH is planning to retain no more than two players and the issue over who will be their no.1 retention is a huge one.

Cricbuzz reported that the franchise bosses want Kane Williamson to be their first retention and Rashid Khan the second. The order in which they are picked will have its bearing on the salaries the players will earn.

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Rashid, however, isn't happy with the decision and wants himself to be picked first by the franchise. He has arguably been the most consistent player for Sunrisers over the last 2-3 years. Williamson, on the other hand, will be the franchise's skipper and has a reputation of being one of the most sought-after leaders in the sport.

Rashid’s concerns are about the huge pay gap between the no.1 and no.2 retentions ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, which is INR 4 crores.

The franchise bosses are reportedly trying hard to pen a bargain deal with Rashid. They have until November 30 to convince the Afghan spinner, else, he will be going into the auction pool.

If SRH and Rashid Khan do not come to an agreement, one of the two new IPL franchises Ahmedabad and Lucknow, are quite likely to go for Rashid before the auction.

(Cricbuzz inputs)