Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction, a total of 1,214 players have registered. However, the IPL has shortlisted 590 players based on the wishlist of the 10 teams. Also, 44 new names were registered upon the request of these franchises. There are 10 players who have been registered in the marquee list (Rs. 2 crore base price).
Out of the 590 players, 228 are capped, and 355 are uncapped. When the auction arrives, the focus for teams will be on several Indian players, who are on the list waiting to be picked by franchises. There are some big names there whom their previous employers released after the IPL extended to 10 teams and the retention policy. Here we analyse 10 such Indian players who can rake in the moolah.
Ishan Kishan
Flamboyant Indian cricketer Ishan Kishan has established himself as a quality player with his effortless shot-making and aggression in place. Kishan, who is part of India’s limited-overs squad, played for the Mumbai Indians, making his debut in 2016. He has played 61 matches to date, scoring 1,452 runs at 28.47. He has hit nine fifties with a best of 99. Kishan’s ability to play at the top or as a floater will keep teams interested.
Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan is on the marquee list, and given a base price of Rs. 2 crore, the price is only set to go high. Dhawan has been a champion performer in the IPL of late. After achieving success with Sunrisers Hyderabad, the senior Indian cricketer was a crux of the Delhi Capitals outfit before being released. Dhawan has amassed 5,784 runs at 34.84. He has hit two tons and 44 fifties. Since 2016, Dhawan has been a consistent force, amassing scores of 501, 479, 497, 521, 618, and 587. He is a genuine box office success.
Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer was a vital cog of the Delhi Capitals outfit and led them to the final in 2020. However, an injury last season saw a change in fortunes as DC chose Rishabh Pant as their new captain and then retained him ahead of the new season. Iyer, who is part of India’s Test and limited-overs squad, is a solid customer in the middle-order. He is highly versatile and can hit the big shots. In 87 matches, Iyer has scored 2,375 runs at 31.66. He has hit 16 fifties with a best of 96.
Rahul Tripathi
Former KKR cricketer Rahul Tripathi became a mainstay for the side over the last two seasons. His exploits and cheeky style of play will attract teams in terms of accelerating in the PP overs. The former Pune Supergiants man is a terrific outfielder and is known for his athleticism. Tripathi can be a huge success in the auction. The uncapped Indian player has scored 1,385 runs at 26.13. He has smashed seven fifties and has a strike rate of 136.31.
Yuzvendra Chahal
The Royal Challengers Bangalore stunned one and all by deciding against Yuzvendra Chahal while retaining players. Chahal has been highly successful for RCB, claiming 100-plus wickets and being their main spinner over the years. The wrist-spinner has been a constant menace for teams and picks up wickets regularly. In 114 matches, he has claimed 139 scalps at 22.28. In addition, he has two four-wicket hauls.
Harshal Patel
Another name that was released during the IPL retention was Harshal Patel. The right-arm pacer won the prestigious Purple Cap last season and impressed with his bowling at the death both in India and the UAE. Harshal was a part of a trade deal and switched alliances from DC to RCB. He will be a genuine hot pick. In 63 matches, he has 78 scalps. Notably, 32 of these wickets came in a single season in 2021. He has an average of 23.17.
Avesh Khan
Another pacer who could be in huge demand is Avesh Khan. He impressed largely in IPL 2021, and the performances helped him earn a place in India’s T20I squad. Avesh has a genuine pace and variations up his sleeves. He will be a quality option for any side looking to build in the pace department. Unfortunately, Avesh didn’t get many chances before the 2021 season. However, the breakthrough campaign saw him take 24 wickets at 18.75.
Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur has established himself as a sound option across formats for Team India. Last month, the gritty cricketer showed everyone his batting abilities in the Test series versus South Africa. He is also a good performer with the ball, showing his wicket-taking skills. Shardul was an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings side before being released. There will be many teams wanting to add Thakur to their ranks. He has plenty of experience under his belt. In 61 matches, he has claimed 67 wickets at 27.86. He played a key role for CSK last season, claiming 21 wickets.
Deepak Chahar
Like Thakur, Indian pacer Deepak Chahar can be highly significant. He is a specialist with the white ball, and his ability to make the new ball talk in the powerplay overs will help him in the auction. Chahar was part of CSK and enjoyed bowling for the Men in Yellow. He has done a decent job for Team India as well. Chahar has so far taken 59 wickets at 29.18. Since 2017, he has consistently taken 10-plus wickets.
Devdutt Padikkal
The stylish Devdutt Padikkal resembles a top talent, and it came as a surprise when RCB decided against retaining him. Padikkal was phenomenal in the last two seasons. He is someone who can take the mantle and play some gorgeous strokes. Padikkal will be a key figure in the auction as he can walk into any side and open the batting. The southpaw has 884 runs since making his IPL debut in 2020. He has an average of 31.57. He has one century in the IPL.