New IPL team Rajkot has bought five players who are big names in cricket in their own rights. But, the headache for the franchise is who should lead the side. With New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum is in their rank and Suresh Raina has good experience of leading domestic Ranji side Uttar Pradesh the franchise have to solve the problem before going into the tournament starting on April 9 next year.
MS Dhoni has already been declared as the captain for Pune franchise. Now, the question is who will lead Rajkot. Suresh Raina is favourite for the job, but there is no way to rule out New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who led Kolkata Knight Rider for two seasons. But Kiwi captain failed to reverse the fortune off KKR in those two seasons.
Raina has been bought through the draft system by Rajkot franchise for a hefty Rs 12.5 crore and he looks like the man for the top job.
Raina has earlier led India against Zimbabwe in the absence of MS Dhoni while McCullum has been a successful captain for New Zealand.
The Indian left-handed middle-order batsman also led Chennai Super Kings for a few matches.
“Excited to play for the beautiful vibrant city- Rajkot in IPL. Looking forward to having new teammates and support from the people of Gujarat,” Raina tweeted immediately after draft results were announced.
Pune franchise did not hesitate to buy India’s limited over captain MS Dhoni as their captain. But, Rajkot side, which is comprised of two captains of a Ranji side and captain Brenden McCullum of New Zealand, will have to think deeply before making any decision because.
Raina as the highest price player and he has also a little experience of captaining CSK and he can be a solution for the franchise.
Meanwhile, local boy Ravindra Jadeja was also there, but he does have any experience of captain any side in any level of cricket.
In the last few years, it was seen that franchise owners opted to Indian players other than foreign recruits.