5 players who can trigger bidding wars in the IPL 2022 mega auction after impressive stints in 2021

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the biggest platform where the youngsters get a chance to rub shoulders with the best in business. Also, throughout the 14 years of the high-octane T20 tournament, we have seen new talent emerge and break records for fun. One can’t forget Swapnil Asnodkar and Graeme Smith opening for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008.

Also, Ravindra Jadeja had made a mark for RR under the inspiring leadership of Shane Warne. Besides that, Jasprit Bumrah’s grand entry in 2013 IPL where he dismissed current Indian skipper Virat Kohli after getting hit for a few fours and a few other moments in the T20 league stand out.

During the past two years of the IPL, quite a few youngsters such as Devdutt Padikkal, Basil Thampi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, and Shivam Mavi have gone to make an impact for the respective franchises with bat and ball.

Ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, here are a few youngsters who could fetch some big numbers

1. Venkatesh Iyer

‘Typical South Indian’ is how Venkatesh Iyer’s coaches at Madhya Pradesh described the latest Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batting star. Iyer, as described by his coaches, likes to study his dismissals deeply and try to rectify his errors.

After waiting patiently during the first half of the IPL, Iyer was finally handed his debut cap against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He didn’t disappoint the management as he scored a breezy unbeaten 41 and helped KKR chase a mediocre target of 90 odd runs with relative ease. There was audacity and authority in his stroke-play. Also, there was a touch of nonchalance in the way he timed the ball.

Later he scored 53 against a quality Mumbai Indians (MI) attack and announced to the world that he is here to stay. Iyer’s blistering knocks have already given KKR three wins. Needless to say, the sky is the limit for the studious youngster from Madhya Pradesh.

2. Lockie Ferguson

New Zealand speedster Lockie Ferguson might not have gotten to play for KKR had Pat Cummins made himself available for the UAE leg of the IPL. But with the Australian pacer missing, Ferguson grabbed his opportunities with both hands and has provided wickets at the powerplay and death overs for KKR. He has picked up seven wickets in the four IPL games so far.

His pace, coupled with great control, has been an asset for Eoin Morgan on the slow and low UAE pitches. Ferguson was not brought for a huge price, but he hasn’t let his team down after Cummins pulled out. He has pretty much been effective for the team. With KKR looking set to retain, Andre Russell, Shubman Gill, and Sunil Narine, Ferguson can fetch big bucks in the IPL auction due to his impressive performance.

Few teams like MI, RCB, and PBKS might target him and pay him a big amount. Also, teams may want to add a bit of extra pace up their sleeves.

3. Arshdeep Singh

PBKS young pacer Arshdeep Singh has been one of the biggest shining stars in the IPL. Also, at the ripe age of 22, he has led the attack by delivering wickets at crucial junctures of the game. So far, the left-arm bowler has taken 25 wickets at an impressive average of 22.4. His economy rate is touch at a higher side but that not be a cause of concern as long as he is getting wickets.

During the UAE leg of the IPL, PBKS had their two Australian pacers Riley Meredith, and Jhye Richardson unavailable. But Arshdeep has stood up and delivered the goods for the team. The angle which he bowls at makes it difficult for the batters to him straight.

Also, the youngster is unfazed by the big-hitting batters at the other end and goes about his business in a calm and composed manner. Due to his stupendous rise in just a short span of time, Arshdeep can surely fetch some big numbers if not being retained by PBKS.

4. Avesh Khan

You give him the ball in the power-play, and he will get you wickets. You give him the ball in the middle-overs he will provide the team breakthroughs. Needless to say, he will also be effective in the death overs. Avesh Khan, the young pacer of Delhi Capitals (DC) is having a dream run in the IPL so far. During this season’s IPL, Avesh has picked up 18 wickets at a jaw-dropping average of 16.67.

DC skipper Rishabh Pant has also used him smartly and has given him license to go for wickets rather than containing runs. That has largely helped the young pacer to think with more clarity. Hence Avesh has been such a handful for the opposition teams. During the last match against KKR, the pacer was brought back into the attack, and he immediately provided a breakthrough for DC.

Avesh’s rise as a bowler has made other teams take note of this precautious young talent. Whether or not DC retains him, his stupendous success in the IPL will surely fetch him higher numbers in the next year’s mega auction.

5. Anrich Nortje

That how much DC missed Nortje during the first half of the IPL was evident when the pacer bowled a hostile spell of an over to SRH opener David Warner. He clocked speeds of above 150, and the southpaw was eventfully dismissed due to sheer pace. Apart from pace, Nortje has also shows great control and that is what makes him such a dangerous customer.

DC’s success last year was largely due to Nortje and Kagiso Rabada’s hostile and accurate bowling. Nortje picked 18 wickets in last year’s IPL and this year too he is not doing that bad. Rishabh Pant’s leadership should be given credit as he has used the South African pacer effectively. In short bursts, he has given license to Nortje to go all-out.

Other franchises or DC too might have to go all the way to try to get the services of the Proteas pacer for the next year’s IPL auction.