In 2022, IPL is set to become bigger than what it already is. The BCCI has confirmed the addition of two new franchises set in Lucknow and Ahmedabad. the bids for them have been finalized and the owners locked in. Additionally, the purse for IPL teams which was earlier at Indian Rupees 60 crores has now been reportedly increased to 90 crores by BCCI for the franchises.
The 4 retentions would cost the franchise 42 crores rupees whereas 3 retentions will be clocked at 33 crores rupees. These gargantuan sums of money shall give us an indication of how huge the mega-auction in 2022 can get. We can expect plenty of big money purchases from all the franchises.
One thing in IPL that excites fans other than the matches themselves is the grand auctions. People tune in to see which player is sold to which team. Next year we shall witness the mega-auctions where all teams would have to build their teams from scratch. We look at 5 players that the franchises can target from the uncapped pool in the 2022 auctions.
1. KS Bharat
He is definitely the find for Royal Challengers Bangalore this season. No one imagined that an unknown and uncapped wicket-keeper batsman will become RCB’s key man at no. 3. His domestic record sure proves his achievements but 2021 IPL was the breakout year for him. He scored 191 at an average close to 40 and won RCB a match with a final ball six against Delhi Capitals.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
The Rajasthan Royals opener is another uncapped batsman who impressed with his overall batting performance in this year’s IPL. He made a stunning redemption after the poor run in 2020. He scored 249 runs this season but it was the innings against CSK that set him apart. He made a mockery of CSK’s total and took the bowlers to the cleaners. His strike rate of close to 150 is evidence of his range hitting.
3. Rahul Tripathi
Rahul Tripathi may be uncapped but has proven himself to be an experienced campaigner in the IPL. He was KKR’s most consistent and prolific batsman. He played 16 games and scored close to 400 runs this season with the highest score of 74. At one point the entire middle order and tail centered around him. With nearly 1400 runs in IPL, he shall be a favorite for franchises for the vast experience he brings to the table.
4. Arshdeep Singh
One of the positives for Punjab Kings who had a lukewarm tournament otherwise was finding talent like Arshdeep Singh. Off the 12 games he played for the franchise, he picked a mammoth 18 scalps. His performance is even more commendable since he bowls in the middle overs when the batsman is looking to log him out of the field. His economy over the course of the tournament was incredibly attractive under such circumstances. He shall be keenly looked at by the scouts in various franchises.
5. Avesh Khan
The paceman had a rollicking 2021 IPL season. In a star-studded Delhi Capitals side, not many expected him to games or leave a mark. However, he shocked fans and critics alike by 24 wickets in 16 games that he played. He was fast and very disciplined with his line and length. He perfectly complimented Rabada and Nortje in the squad. He could be next game changer for India as well as in the IPL.
