Best from the rest: Combined XI from bottom six teams in IPL 2022

2. Abhishek Sharma

A hard-hitting lower-order batter by trade, Abhishek Sharma was an integral part of the U19 World Cup-winning Indian squad in 2018. The left-hand batter can slip in a few handy overs with the ball as well. Since his childhood days, Sharma was trained by his father, Raj Kumar Sharma, who was a state-level cricketer himself.

Sharma made his IPL debut for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2018. But the southpaw didn’t get much time on the field and was roped in by Sunrisers Hyderabad the following season. For the next three years, the Punjab-born all-rounder was restricted to utility roles at the franchise.

Sunrisers didn’t retain the youngster, but they resigned him in the IPL 2022 auction for INR 6.50 Cr. The 22-year-old was promoted up the order to accommodate the position vacated by the Australian David warner. Sharma has grabbed the opportunity with both hands as he has played some eye-catching innings for SRH in IPL 2022.

He has 423 runs to his name and his composure and fearlessness against world-class spinners like Rashid Khan and Sunil Narine showcase the talent he possesses. A call-up to the Indian side doesn’t look far away for the youngster.