IPL 2022: 5 Players who were picked at their base price but impressed with their performances

The success of an Indian Premier League (IPL) team is largely dependent on the strategy it adopts in the auction. Every year, we witness some interesting picks at the auction, which instead turn out to be the players who deliver standout performances. A handful of players pocket huge sums of money, as several franchises are involved in the bidding war. However, the real battle is won in the area of bargain picks, as these kinds of players not only help the franchises to save their action purse but also add value to the squad.

The IPL 2022 Mega Auction was a grand affair, as the 15th edition of the tournament saw the addition of two new franchises. There was expectedly a lot of hassle for the star players, who earned themselves a huge sum of money. A few franchises also got their scouting done right, as they picked a few players at their base prices. These bargain picks have gone on to become consistent performers for their side this season. In this article, we will have a look at the 5 players who were picked at their base price but impressed with their performances.

5 players who were picked at their base price but impressed with their performances in IPL 2022

1) Bhanuka Rajapaksa

Bhanuka Rajapaksa got his fair share of the limelight after his eye-catching displays in the T20I World Cup with Sri Lanka. The left-handed batter carries a reputation of scoring runs at a blistering pace and given his base price of just INR. 50 lakhs, several franchises were expected to be in the hunt for his services.

However, Punjab Kings were the only bidders, who caught hold of the Sri Lankan batter for his base price. So far, Bhanuka Rajapaksa has put on some exceptional displays with the bat and has certainly turned out to become a valuable pick. In seven innings so far, he has scored 201 runs at an average of 28.71.

He bats at a strike rate of just over 165 and is unafraid to take on the opposition bowlers. The left-hander was dropped by Punjab Kings after Jonny Bairstow‘s arrival but was drafted back into the playing 11 after just a few games. Punjab is still very much in the hunt for a playoff spot, and Rajapaksa will play a key role in helping his side to sneak into the top four.