The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) extended IPL from eight to ten teams, the IPL 2022 mega auction certainly influenced franchises’ auction plans and strategies. As the 38th IPL match is on its way, the tournament is already bringing the best of it, to the cricketing world.
Also, it is not new that the IPL 2022 is on its way to finding a new champion, years later. While champion teams like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are failing miserably, teams like Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, and Rajasthan Royals are at their best.
The maximum purse of INR 90 crores was given for each team, while a maximum of four retentions were allowed, by the authorities. During IPL 2022 mega auction and player retentions, the fans and followers of the game saw some obvious and surprising preferences.
As IPL is on the way, some retained players are underperforming while, certain players released by their respective franchises, are at their peak, in their performance. However, considering the current stage of the tournament, let us have a look at the five cricketers who were sold for a small price but are punching above their weight in IPL 2022.
5 Cricketers who were sold for a small price but are punching above their weight
1. Tilak Verma (Mumbai Indians)
The stylish Indian all-rounder Tilak Verma is having his dream IPL run with Mumbai Indians (MI). The 19-year-old was bought by MI for a price of INR 1.7 crore. Verma represented India in the U19 World Cup 2020, South Africa. Although he didn’t have a great stint in the mega event but is lighting up the IPL stage.
Despite the team’s miserable stint in the tournament, Verma has managed to score 272 runs in eight innings, at a huge strike rate of 140.20. Besides, he has chipped in with runs under pressure whenever Mumbai needed runs after an early collapse.
Verma, the part-time off-break bowler has bowled merely two overs, conceding 13 runs, across the tournament. The left-hand batting all-rounder is certainly one of the bests Mumbai have, this season.
2. Umesh Yadav (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Veteran Umesh Yadav, who is back to his first IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is having a decent run with his team. KKR bought Yadav for the base price of INR 2 crore. The 34-year-old has taken 11 wickets in eight matches, at a reasonable economy of 7.44, including a stunning spell of 4/23, against Punjab Kings (PBKS).
His short batting cameos and Yadav’s ability to swing a new ball in power-play have turned out to be vital for KKR, as the team is struggling to carry on the momentum. If Umesh Yadav can maintain the rhythm throughout IPL 2022, he will make a strong case for himself for the T20 World Cup 2022, scheduled to take place in Australia later this year.
3. Maheesh Theekshana (Chennai Super Kings)
The right-arm off-break bowler Mahesh Theekshana from Sri Lanka was purchased by Chennai Super Kings (CSK), for a price of INR 70 lakh, 20 lakhs more than his base price. Playing for CSK, Theekshana has taken eight wickets in five matches, at a moderate economy of 7.68 runs per over.
The 21-year-old, executed his best against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), as he bagged four wickets for 33 runs. Recently debuted for his national side, Theekshana, as a spinner may play a crucial role for CSK, who now seems to be back in form, after a rough start.
4. Ayush Badoni (Lucknow Super Giants)
The young Indian all-rounder from Delhi Ayush Badoni has certainly drawn the attention of the cricketing world, by performing on the biggest stage. Bought by the newly added team Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Badoni is having a more than decent IPL run, this year.
LSG bought the 22-year-old for the base price of INR 20 Lakh. In the IPL 2022, Badoni has played eight matches for the Super Giants and has scored 134 runs in eight matches, at a huge strike rate of 139.58. Badoni announced himself in the IPL 2022 arena with a half-century, in LSG’s opening game against Gujarat Titans (GT).
He scored 54 runs in 41 deliveries, with four boundaries and three sixes. Besides, he has taken a wicket whilst bowling only an over across the tournament. Badoni, who missed out on the U19 World Cup 2018, is indeed leaving a mark with his skill of clean hitting and occasional bowling.
5. Mukesh Choudhary (Chennai Super Kings)
The left-arm medium-pacer Mukesh Choudhary is representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK), for IPL 2022. CSK bought Choudhary for the base price of INR 20 lakh at the mega auction. Choudhary had a rough IPL debut against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), as the 25-year-old struggled to gather the momentum.
But as the tournament moved on, Choudhary seemed to be on the track, as the CSK bowler got seven wickets in as many games. The best of him came against Mumbai Indians (MI), as his stellar spell of 3/19 aided CSK, to clinch their second victory of the season.
Written by Prachi Pisal
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