IPL 2019: 3 Teams that could consider getting Gautam Gambhir on-board

Gautam Gambhir, the man who top scored in the two World Cup finals he played and helped India win both of them, has been released by Delhi Daredevils and will be in the auctions pool for the next IPL.

Having shown interest in playing for his home franchise in the previous edition, Gambhir did not want KKR management to retain him. So he was bought by DD, but things did not pan out for him the way he would have wanted.

DD managed to win just two of their first seven matches, and Gambhir himself was not at his best with the bat. He then gave up the captaincy, saying there should be enough time for the new captain to try and take the team to the playoffs. After that, he did not get to play a single match, courtesy the emergence of teen sensation Prithvi Shaw.

All these factors have led to DD releasing Gambhir and putting him in the auction pool. With age not being on his side and most sides already having settled combinations, Gambhir might find it a little difficult to attract buyers, let alone big prices.

However, there are three teams who could go for Gambhir keeping in mind the value he brings in, not just as a batsman but also with his leadership skills and experience.

#3 Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR not retaining Gautam Gambhir before the 2018 auctions came as a surprise to many, since it was Gambhir who had turned around the fortunes of the previously under-performing side. Later it was clarified that Gambhir wanted to play for his home side and hence did not want the management to retain him.

But now that he is out in the auctions pool again, the two-time champions might be tempted to bring back their former skipper. Gambhir can help the team utilize the limited resources they have in the best possible way.

Dinesh Karthik as a captain did a commendable job last season, but there is no harm in bringing a more experienced mind on to the field - a mind that is very familiar with the team dynamics. Also, as a batsman Gambhir still has plenty to offer, and the Eden Gardens track suits his style of batting, as evident from past seasons.

#2 Kings XI Punjab

Kings XI Punjab team owner Preity Zinta

The team with a new captain in almost every season, Kings XI Punjab might look to continue the trend next season as well. Ravichandran Ashwin showed glimpses of brilliance in the initial stages of the tournament but failed miserably in the second half, courtesy the poor form of the middle order.

The out-of-the-box decisions initially bore results but as the tournament progressed the magic slowly faded. Moreover, Ashwin's performance as a bowler was below par.

In that situation, buying Gambhir and handing him the captaincy might be a good solution. Gambhir is also a superb choice to open the batting with KL Rahul, in case Chris Gayle fails.

As seen from the last season, Gayle flopped after a couple of good knocks. So the management might be eager to invest in a more settled partner for the explosive Rahul.

Gambhir is also an experienced No. 3 batsman and can provide stability to the fragile middle order if needed.

In Gambhir, the KXIP management might find a more experienced head to manage the on-field resources and also provide stability to the fragile batting line up.

#1 Sunrisers Hyderabad

Kane Williamson, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad last season

The Orange Army, led by Kane Williamson last year, will probably be the most eager franchise to get Gambhir on-board. SRH have released three of the four players who opened for them last season; the only one left is Srivats Goswami, who is a doubtful starter himself.

The void created by the absence of Shikhar Dhawan will require some Indian opener who is reliable. Therefore, the SRH management might look to bring in Gambhir, who will be a stable opener supporting David Warner - just like Dhawan did.

Gambhir and Warner will form a formidable pair at the top, the former playing the anchor role and the later playing the aggressor role. Also, with Gambhir on the field, Warner will get the perfect support in decision-making.