IPL 2022 Auction: 5 bowlers likely to lead bidding war at the mega auction- Check out – The IPL 2022 auction is likely to be a bidding fest as franchises hit the reset button before the new three-year cycle. With teams building over from the start, many stalwarts are now back into the auction pool due to the retention rules, with teams having to make difficult choices all around. Many top bowlers have been sent back to the auction, and franchises will be keen to secure their services which could ensue in a bidding war.
Here, Insidesport.in looks at five bowlers who are likely to enjoy a bidding war for their services.
IPL 2022 Auction: 5 bowlers likely to lead bidding war at the mega auction- Check out
Kagiso Rabada
One of the finest bowlers in world cricket, Kagiso Rabada was released by the Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2022 auction as they opted to retain fellow pacer Anrich Nortje. Rabada is a stalwart of the game and an all-round bowler, with an ability to pick wickets at regular intervals and at all stages of the game. He is also a gun fielder, making him an asset for any team in the IPL. In his four seasons in the IPL, Kagiso Rabada has 76 wickets in 50 games, including a purple cap win in 2020.
Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood has come leaps and bounds as a T20 bowler and played a starring role for the Chennai Super Kings in the latter stages of the IPL 2021 title win. He then followed it up with a superb performance at the T20 World Cup, helping Australia win their maiden title. A cunning bowler, Josh Hazlewood to hold his line and hit the right length has earned him plaudits all over the world, and franchises will be keen to secure his services and will earmark him to lead their attack.
Kyle Jamieson
Kyle Jamieson fetched huge money in the IPL 2021 mini-auction, and while he won’t fetch the same fee, one can still expect some huge demand for the tall Kiwi pacer. Jamieson was sublime for RCB during the India leg of IPL 2021 and recently starred in the Test series in India. His huge frame, variations and ability to move the ball makes him a fine pick, and franchises will be keen to secure his services.
IPL 2022 Auction: 5 bowlers likely to lead bidding war at the mega auction- Check out
Harshal Patel
Now a capped Indian player, Harshal Patel had a surreal season with RCB, equalling Dwayne Bravo’s record for most wickets in an IPL season. Patel picked up 32 wickets in IPL 2021 and had a stellar start to his international career with a man of the match performance against New Zealand. His death bowling ability, packed with an ability to tank the ball later in the innings makes him one of the most desirable bowlers available in the IPL 2022 auction pool.
Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga had a short stint with RCB in IPL 2021, but the spinner could very well be in demand during the auctions next year. The Sri Lankan is constantly in the top 3 of the ICC T20 bowler’s rankings and finished as the leading wicket-taker of the T20 World Cup. He also chipped in with the bat for Sri Lanka, and could very well be a useful all-round option further adding balance to his team.