The IPL retentions threw up plenty of surprises. Loyalty was damned and only the last season’s performance was counted. Even a team like CSK were forced to choose a player like Moeen Ali over Faf du Plessis and Dwayne Bravo. Here is all about IPL 2022 Retentions.
The retentions saw few players receive major pay hikes. Not many had expected them to bag such rich contracts but that is the nature of the game.
We look at 5 players who received major pay jumps as compared to last year:
#5 Mayank Agarwal (+1200%)
Punjab Kings had bought Mayank Agarwal in 2018 mega auctions. They had got him for a steal at just INR 1 crore. Agarwal had a forgettable season in 2018 but he has been sensational since then. In the last 3 seasons, he has amassed 1197 runs at an average of 34.2 with a strike rate of 145.66.
Agarwal and KL Rahul were the force that kept Punjab driving. His retention was always on the cards but people were curious about the amount he would be paid. The Kings stunned everyone when they offered him a package of INR 12 crores. It marked a 1200% increase in his annual IPL salary.
#4 Abdul Samad (+2000%)
Abdul Samad caught everyone’s attention when he made his IPL debut in 2020. He had a fantastic first season where he smashed high-profile bowlers for fun. Samad took down Kagiso Rabada, Jasprit Bumrah, and Pat Cummins in different games.
He didn’t get enough chances this season to build on his dream first season. But SRH have shown great faith in the youngster. They have retained uncapped Samad for INR 4 crores. This marks a jump of 2000% in his annual IPL contract.
#3 Arshdeep Singh (+2000%)
Arshdeep Singh remains one of the finds of the IPL. He formed a potent combination with Mohammad Shami. Singh often always delivered for his team. He is someone who loves to counter challenges head-on.
The franchise believes he is very close to making his national debut. Punjab had no qualms in retaining Singh and offer him an annual contract of INR 4 crores. His salary too saw a spike of 2000%.
#2 Ruturaj Gaikwad (+3000%)
Ruturaj Gaikwad showed tremendous class and temperament in CSK’s title-winning run this year. He was the winner of the orange cap. Gaikwad was the youngest to achieve this milestone.
There is very little doubt in anyone’s mind that Gaikwad is a future India prospect. He was one of those rare CSK players who didn’t have much international experience but he defied all odds to become the franchise’s number 1 match-winner. CSK duly awarded him with a fat paycheque of INR 6 crores. Gaikwad’s salary witnessed a hike of 3000%.
#1 Venkatesh Iyer (+4000%)
Venkatesh Iyer is well and truly living his dream. He made his IPL debut in just the 2nd phase. Iyer made an instant impression scoring attacking innings against IPL heavyweights, RCB and MI. He was consistent right throughout showcasing his skills with the ball too.
Iyer soon earned the national cap against New Zealand. KKR have now awarded him with an annual contract of INR 8 crores. His salary jump is the biggest amongst the lot. It stands at an unimaginable 4000%!
Also read: IPL 2022: We Have ‘Gun Players’, Release Them Is ‘Heart-Breaking’- Rohit
