The IPL 2022 season will feature 2 new teams. It is the first season since the 2013 IPL that we will have more than 8 teams. The two new teams, Lucknow and Ahmedabad have picked 3 players from the drafts. Lucknow has picked KL Rahul, Marcus Stoinis, and Ravi Bishnoi. Ahmedabad has picked Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, and Shubman Gill. All 10 teams have now formed a core around which they will build their squad in the mega auctions. Quality bowlers will be high on every team’s Wishlist in the auctions.
We look at 5 non-retained bowlers who will fetch big money in the auctions:
#5 Avesh Khan
Avesh Khan was one of the top-3 bowlers on display in IPL 2021. He emerged as the 2nd highest wicket-taker. For an uncapped bowler, he was absolutely sensational. He troubled the best of the batsmen with his pace, skill, and variation. Khan is a future prospect who has the potential to play for the country across all 3 formats. He is certain to fetch a big paycheque in the mega auctions.
#4 Trent Boult
Trent Boult is one of the most improved T20 bowlers. He has always been a threat with the new ball but his growth as a death-overs specialist has been most impressive. Boult was Mumbai’s key player who set up many games for them in IPL 2020-21. He along with Mitchell Starc are the only two gun left-arm seamers who have played in the IPL. Boult being a seasoned IPL player will fetch a big draw in the auctions.
#3 Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins is Australia’s newly appointed Test captain. He is always revered in any team that he represents. Cummins possesses a cool ahead. It helps him stay in the game throughout. He is not just a gun bowler but a handy lower-order batter. Cummins will be a great fit for any team. He will be one of those overseas players who will fetch a big number in the auctions.
#2 Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel made his IPL debut in 2012 with RCB. He had a prominent season with Delhi in 2018 wherein he featured in 5 games but created an impact. RCB traded Patel from Delhi ahead of the 2021 season. Patel had a breakthrough season picking 32 wickets in just 15 games.
He then went on to make his India debut. It was widely expected that RCB will retain him but it wasn’t meant to be. Teams will be keen to draft in a player like Patel on their side. Expect him to grab a big number in the auctions.
#1 Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada singlehandedly turned around Delhi’s bowling unit into a fearsome one. He carried the bowling department on his shoulders alone especially in 2019 when he picked up 25 wickets in just 12 games. Rabada went one better in 2020 picking up 30 wickets and ended up with the purple cap.
His partnership with his South African counterpart, Anrich Nortje was a visual delight. One mixed season has cost Rabada dearly. But a proven performer like Rabada will fetch a huge number in the auctions.
