Three teams that could pick Hazratullah Zazai in the IPL Auctions 

Hazratullah Zazai is Afghanistan's 20-year-old opening batsman, who joined an elite group of cricketers by smashing six sixes in an over in the recently concluded Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20 tournament. He also became the joint fastest half-centurion (in 12 balls) in a T20 match.

Zazai was in red-hot form throughout the tournament. He scored 322 runs from just 10 innings at an astonishing strike-rate of 193.97. His 322 runs included a century and a half century along with 21 might sixers.

Zazai's impressive run has made him a hot property for the IPL auction. Many IPL teams are using make-shift openers to counter the absence of a proper opening batsman in their playing eleven. There is a possibility of them getting into a bidding war for this prized asset.

Here are the three teams that might be in contention to get Zazai's service.

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#1 Rajasthan Royals

The champions of the inaugural edition of IPL has struggled to make an impact since then

Rajasthan Royals had a mixed tournament last season. Though they finished fourth in the league, they were unimpressive during most phases of the tournament. The promotion of Jos Buttler to open the innings was a masterstroke as he single-handedly helped them to qualify for the knockouts.

However, Rajasthan Royals need an aggressive opening batsman to partner Buttler. Zazai will fit the bill perfectly as both can demolish opponents in the powerplay overs.

Also, Buttler may leave the tournament post the group stages to join England's World Cup training camp. Rajasthan needs someone to provide an aggressive start in Buttler's absence too.

Rajasthan has a hefty wallet compared to the other IPL teams. They can prize out other teams to get Hazratullah Zazai during the auction.

#2 Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad are in need of an opening batsman after Dhawan's transfer

Shikhar Dhawan was an integral part of Sunrisers Hyderabad team since their inception in 2013 season. He played a key role in Sunrisers winning their maiden IPL title in 2016 by scoring 501 runs. Dhawan has left Sunrisers and joined Delhi Daredevils during the transfer window this season. His departure has left a big void in SRH's opening position.

Hazratullah Zazai will fit perfectly into SRH's opening slot as he will be a like-to-like replacement for Shikhar Dhawan. Both are hard-hitting, left-handed opening batsmen who prefer slogging in the square-leg and mid-wicket region.

SRH's opening batsman David Warner might leave the team after their league phase to join the Australian ODI squad. With Zazai likely to feature in IPL till the end of the tournament, it will be a smart move by SRH to bid for Zazai in the IPL auction.

#3 Royal Challengers Bangalore

With de Kock's departure, RCB desperately needs an opening batsman

Quinton de Kock's transfer to Mumbai Indians has made RCB prioritize the bidding for an opening batsman in the IPL auction. This is arguably the most important area RCB need to focus on during the auction.

One major reason for RCB's failure is their deficiency in their opening department. Both Parthiv and de Kock failed to make any impact when they paired with Kohli last season. Hence, RCB needs an aggressive batsman who can compliment Kohli's sensible batting.

Hazratullah Zazai will be an ideal opening batsman who can emulate Gayle's success with RCB. The Bangalore-based unit still couldn't find a proper replacement for the champion batsman.

Zazai, who idolizes Gayle, will be a long-term option for RCB too as he is just 20-years old. The only reason that may prevent RCB from going for Zazai is their thin wallet.