IPL 2022 Mega Auction: Top 10 cricketers on franchises’ wish list – IPL 2022 Mega Auction is just one and half months away and franchises have shortlisted their targets. Amongst the two new franchises, RPSG-backed Lucknow have made the most progress with KL Rahul certain to join as the captain, CVC Capital-backed Ahmedabad have started on the backfoot. But all franchises have locked on to their targets. Follow IPL 2022 Auction on InsideSport.IN.
As the auctions will be held on February 12, 13, franchises have a very short window to prepare. The existing franchises have already made their plans retaining up to four players and are now planning for the mega auction. InsideSport takes a look at the top 10 players franchises will be targeting.
IPL 2022 Mega Auction: 10 top cricketers who will be on wish list of all 10 teams in IPL Auction this NEW-YEAR
1. Shahrukh Khan: The most exciting prospect of IPL 2022 is Tamil Nadu’s M Shahrukh Khan. His consistent performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy proved Punjab Kings made a big blunder releasing him after snapping him up for Rs 5.25 crore. All 10 franchises will be targeting him in the auction as he could prove a great addition in the middle-order.
2. Ben Stokes: After missing out on the IPL 2021 due to injury, England all-rounder Ben Stokes is all set to return, especially to get some important T20 practice before T20 World Cup. While Rajasthan Royals did not retain him due to uncertainty over his availability, it is likely that Stokes will be back and a bidding war looks imminent. He will be on many franchises’ wish list.
3. Quinton de Kock: Mumbai Indians could not retain him due to the four-players limit. But the wicketkeeper-batsman will be on MI’s wish list. He is one of the batsmen who can singled-handedly win his team a match. With him retiring from Test cricket, De Kock will be on many teams’ radar.
IPL 2022 Mega Auction: 10 top cricketers who will be on wish list of all 10 teams in IPL Auction this NEW-YEAR
4. David Warner: The former Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper had a nightmarish IPL in 2021. He lost his form, his SRH captaincy and his place in the team. But in the T20 World Cup, he proved why he is still one of the best in the business. Warner was the best player of the T20 World Cup and as he is set to return to IPL 2022, he is on many teams’ wish lists including the two new franchises’.
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5. Mohammed Shami: Punjab Kings’ other blunder was to release Mohammed Shami. The Indian pacer has proved time and again why he is one of the best multi-format seamers. His fifer against South Africa in the 1st Test was just the testament. But all 10 franchises will be eager to get his services including his own ex-franchise Punjab Kings.
6. Harshal Patel: Royal Challengers Bangalore’s biggest mistake was not to retain Purple Cap holder Harshal Patel. With 32 wickets in 15 matches, Harshal Patel was a revelation of IPL 2021. But RCB didn’t retain him. With IPL 2022 set to be played in India, his slower deliveries will be ones that will trouble the opponents the most. He is expected to be on the wish lists of many franchises in the auction.
IPL 2022 Mega Auction: 10 top cricketers who will be on wish list of all 10 teams in IPL Auction this NEW-YEAR
7. Avesh Khan: Delhi Capitals had the difficult decision to release Avesh Khan. The owners were not really keen but they had to take the decision anyway. He was the second-top wicket-taker with 24 scalps in IPL 2021. Delhi Capitals already have him wish-listed but other franchises will be looking forward to get his services as well.
8. Ravi Bishnoi: Another Punajb Kings player who will be in high demand is Ravi Bishnoi. The former India U-19 spinner has proved he could be a big match player. The leg-spinner has troubled opponent batsmen with his speed and accuracy and could be a valuable addition on Indian surface for any franchises.
IPL 2022 Mega Auction: 10 top cricketers who will be on wish list of all 10 teams in IPL Auction this NEW-YEAR
9. Rashid Khan: In all probabilities, Rashid Khan is set to join the Lucknow franchise along with KL Rahul. But as long as he is not announced officially, the best T20 spinner will be on the wish list of many franchises. With 93 wickets in 76 matches, Rashid Khan has been remarkable and his experience will be crucial for all.
10. Jonny Bairstow: Sunrisers Hyderabad’s another blunder was to let Jonny Bairstow go. The England opener has shown he could devastate the opposition bowling attack. Now that he will be in the auction, as a wicketkeeper-batsman, he will be on many franchises’ wish lists.
IPL 2022 Mega Auction: 10 top cricketers who will be on wish list of all 10 teams in IPL Auction this NEW-YEAR