The IPL Mega auctions has everyone’s attention. It is arguably the most defining off-field cricketing event of the year. The auctions feature galaxies of stars. There will undoubtedly be a few high-profile signings in the mega auctions. But those names will largely be on the expected lines. There are certain unassuming players though who will eventually end up surprising in the auctions. List of Dark horses in IPL 2022.
We look at 10 such dark horses who could surprise in the auctions:
Dark horses in IPL 2022:
#10 Jason Holder
He is one of the most underrated all-rounders in world cricket. Holder is someone who gives his 100% every single game. Holder was the biggest point of difference for SRH the last season. But strangely he wasn’t even considered for retention. He is not only handy with the ball but is also brutal with the bat. His long handle has often bailed out teams from a position of disarray. It’s time a player of Holder’s class is rewarded fairly.
#9 Manish Pandey
He has tremendous numbers as captain leading the state side. His tactical acumen is quite good too. Pandey in all likelihood will be playing for RCB this season. He may be that ideal number 3 RCB has been searching for. Pandey can be a great captaincy choice as he has a knack for both the home ground and local talent.
#8 Srikar Bharat
Srikar Bharat has quickly come up the ranks. He was a proven performer in the longest format of the game in the domestic circuit. But he finally came into his own in the IPL this season. He played a couple of supporting knocks and starred with the bat in a crucial win over Delhi in the league stage. RCB banked on Bharat for solidity. He didn’t disappoint. With an Indian Test call-up expected soon, expect Bharat to rake it in big!
#7 Deepak Hooda
Deepak Hooda is one player who has often promised a lot but delivered very little. In an inspired career move, Hooda moved to Rajasthan last year. Since then he has had a pretty decent run of scores. Hooda played blistering knocks in IPL 2021 and SMAT 2021 to make everyone take notice. He is an able allrounder who chips in with his handy off-spin. Hooda couldn’t have timed his India debut better. He will surely pack in a punch in the auctions.
#6 Quinton De Kock
Quinton De Kock is a powerhouse performer. He was one of MI’s key players during their successive IPL wins [2019-20]. Kock seamlessly switches from playing an anchor to an aggressor. He is a gun wicketkeeper whose entire energy is now focused on limited-overs cricket. Teams will look to invest in him as a long-term keeper-opener option.
#5 Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan is the world’s leading allrounder across formats. He is Bangladesh’s best player ever. Hasan is a match-winner with both bat and the ball. KKR did use Hasan quite smartly using him in the powerplay where he was often hard to getaway. But they couldn’t make complete use of him as a batsman. Hasan is an enforcer at number 3. If a team uses his potential to the fullest, it will have a complete package at its disposal.
#4 Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu was in sensational batting form in the first half of IPL 2021. He averaged a brilliant 34 while his strike rate of 200 was extraordinary. Rayudu showed the world what India missed when he wasn’t picked for the World Cup in 2019. He has a good 2-3 years of cricket left in him. His pyrotechnics are here to stay. It is up to the teams to show their faith in the veteran.
#3 Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin is an IPL stalwart. He played a big part in CSK’s glory days. Ashwin was instrumental in their home dominance. He was one of India’s most innovative bowlers in this format. His recent comeback in India’s white-ball plans is an indication of the fact that Ashwin is here to stay. He brings in leadership aspects to the team too. Expect teams to push their purse for Ashwin.
#2 Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh Khan is the toast of domestic cricket right now. He smashed a brilliant last-ball six to help Tamil Nadu win the SMAT title. Khan has established himself as a gun finisher. He presented another masterclass when he spearheaded a miraculous run-chase for TN. Khan is a 3-dimensional cricketer who bowls occasional wrist-spin and is a gun fielder too. There is speculation that Khan may fetch a contract north of INR 8-10 crores.
#1 Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow was SRH’s standout batsman in the last 3 seasons. His strike rate above 150 and average nearing 40 is a testimony to that fact. Bairstow is one of those rare openers who strikes big from ball one and keeps going at it. Teams will love to have an opener like him. Bairstow may end up getting a heavy deal in the mega auctions.
These were the dark horses in ipl 2022.
