BBL 12: Eight players who could be retained by their respective teams

In a significant turn of events, the retention nominees list for the upcoming Big Bash League has been released. There are so many talented players on the list eligible for retention. However, as per the tournament regulations, each franchise can retain only one player. 

So, before the teams confirm their retentions, let's analyse which players could be the frontrunners for being retained by their respective franchises. 

Melbourne Stars: Joe Clarke

Joe Clarke [PC: Twitter]

Joe Clarke, the dynamic opener from England stamped his authority in the tournament last season, garnering 419 runs at a stupendous strike rate of 151.26. His performance was one of the most significant reasons behind the Glenn Maxwell-led team's successful campaign. So, obviously, he is the definite frontrunner in the Stars' retention list. 

Perth Scorchers: Colin Munro

Colin Munro [PC: Twitter]

Colin Munro played a key role in the Scorchers' triumphant campaign last season, amassing 390 runs at an outstanding average of 43.33. The swashbuckling southpaw from New Zealand is a fantastic pace hitter and one of the bests in business when it comes to providing quick starts in the powerplay. So, among the eligible players, Munro is the one the defending champions would like to retain ahead of the showpiece event. 

Adelaide Strikers: Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan [PC: Twitter]

Hailed as the best T20 spinner the world has ever seen, Rashid Khan emerged as the second most successful bowler for the Strikers last season, scalping 20 wickets at a magnificent economy of 6.34. Moreover, he was the lone bowler among the top fifteen wicket-takers to register an economy of less than 6.5. These facts speak volumes for his sheer impact, and there's absolutely no reason for the franchise to let him go. 

Sydney Thunder: Alex Hales

Alex Hales [PC: Twitter]

Alex Hales has been in scintillating form for quite a while now. The dynamic English opener was the second-best batter from the Thunder in BBL 11, hammering 383 runs at a staggering strike rate of 148.44. Moreover, as David Warner is set to represent the Thunder this year, the Sydney-based franchise shouldn't let go of the opportunity to have the lethal duo of Warner and Hales at the top. 

Melbourne Renegades: Zahir Khan

Zahir Khan [PC: Twitter]

Zahir Khan was among the rare shining lights for the Renegades in their disastrous campaign last season. The chinaman bowler from Afghanistan picked 12 wickets in 14 outings, finishing as the second-best bowler in Renegades colours behind Kane Richardson. 

Sydney Sixers: James Vince

James Vince [PC: Twitter]

Regarded as one of the finest T20 openers currently, James Vince had a stellar campaign for the Sixers in 2020-21, amassing 537 runs at an average of 38.35 and a blistering strike rate of 143.58. Although he had an ordinary tournament with the bat last season, I feel the Sixers will retain him, considering his past exploits and colossal stature. 

Hobart Hurricanes: Sandeep Lamichhane

Sandeep Lamichhane [PC: Twitter]

Sandeep Lamichhane emerged as the Hurricanes' third-best bowler last season, picking 14 wickets from as many games at a decent economy of 7.79. The star spinner from Nepal can bamboozle any batting unit with his guile and variations, which makes him a definite name to be retained by the Tasmania-based franchise. 

Brisbane Heat: Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Mujeeb Ur Rahman [PC: Twitter]

Known as Rashid's crime partner in the Afghanistan team, Mujeeb Ur Rahman blew hot and cold for the Heat in BBL 11, managing eight wickets in eleven games at an ordinary strike rate of 33. However, he maintained an economy of 6.36, proving himself as one of the tournament's toughest bowlers to score against. So, I believe the Heat will retain the mystery spinner for the upcoming season, trusting his incredible abilities. 

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