IPL auction is always a huge event in the cricketing calendar. It was no different in the 2022 IPL mega auction as 204 players including 67 overseas recruits were sold to the ten participating teams. While there were surprise picks and bargain buys, few trends suggested the changing narrative about the importance of quality bowlers in this format. A lot of teams looked at the IPL Auction 2022 as an opportunity to build a team for the future.
MI and CSK emphasized a lot on the youngsters in order to prepare a strong core for the future. Teams like Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals, who had a handsome auction purse, could afford to break the bank for a few targeted players. At the end of the two-day mega event, most teams were happy with their picks and the squad ahead of what promises to be an exciting IPL 2022 season.
What went down in the IPL Auction 2022: 5 Highlights Recapped
1. Avesh Khan becomes the highest-paid Uncapped Indian in IPL history
Indian uncapped fast bowler Avesh Khan created history when he was picked by the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL auction 2022. Former Delhi Capitals pacer reaped rewards for his stupendous performance in the last couple of IPL seasons. The Lucknow-based franchise showed keen interest in the youngster's capability in choosing him as their lead pacer in the bowling attack.
With a winning bid of INR 10 Crores, Avesh became the highest uncapped Indian player in the IPL auction history. He overhauled Krishanappa Gowtham for the highest bid of INR 9.75 Crores claimed by an uncapped Indian in IPL 2021. Lucknow will expect the Indore-born pacer can continue his rich vein of form even in the next few years in the IPL.
आ रहे हैं, लखनऊ की शान में चार चाँद लगाने, आवेश खान 🤩@Avesh_6 #TATAIPLAuction #IPLAuction #LucknowSuperGiants pic.twitter.com/Bm2ymkYU76
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) February 13, 2022
2. Mumbai Indians' auction strategy
A lot of Mumbai Indians' fans were perplexed after their favorite team didn't make many moves at the auction table on Day 1. However, the MI think-tank wasn't bothered even as other teams continued to bid to make hey at the auction. Mumbai broke the back for Ishan Kishan and retained him for a whopping price of INR 15.25 Crores. The franchise surprised everyone when they went on a shopping spree in the second half of the auction on Day 2.
Mumbai Indians' winning bid for Jofra Archer and Tim David created a huge buzz on various social media platforms,. The prospects of Bumrah-Archer pairing in the bowling attack excited a lot of MI fans. Mumbai spent INR 8 Crores for Archer which proved to be a masterstroke and justified their cautious approach on Day 1 of the IPL auction 2022.
𝗝𝗼𝗳𝗿𝗮 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿. #MumbaiIndians bowler. 🔥
That's it. That's the post. 😎💙#OneFamily #AalaRe #IPLAuction @JofraArcher pic.twitter.com/CyeFKnKbyr
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 14, 2022
3. Indian bowlers fetch big bucks
The 2022 IPL mega auction indicated a recently developing trend in T20 cricket. A lot of Indian bowlers including uncapped recruits claimed some of the highest bids in the auction. This once again reflected the importance of bowlers in the shortest format of the game. Even in the past, teams with the best bowling attacks have managed to reach the IPL playoffs more often.
The likes of Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, were some of the most expensive players bought in the auction. Most of these bowlers bring varied skillsets which has become a primary requirement in T20s these days. Each franchise realized the need for a quality bowler and hence went on to bid for the best options from the available pool.
4. CSK yet again manage to retain their core
Chennai Super Kings once again paid emphasis on retaining the majority of their core for IPL 2022. The franchise has always followed the motto of persisting with their players. It was no different even in the mega auction as they made the winning bid for the likes of Deepak Chahar, Ambati Rayudu, and DJ Bravo.
While they couldn't retain Faf du Plessis and Shardul Thakur, the disappointment was palpable at the CSK auction table. They ensured that they covered all the bases with an eye on the future. Chennai franchise even included a few U-19 players to create a blend of youth and experience in their IPL squad.
5. Prominent names go Unsold – Raina, Morgan, Finch included
The IPL auction 2022 indicated merrier times ahead for a lot of youngsters. However, a lot of experienced pros didn't find any buyer at the auction table. A major disappointment surfaced the social media users when Suresh Raina went unsold in the mega auction. The former CSK player didn't find any takers which led to an outburst of disbelief among his fans.
Eoin Morgan, who led KKR to IPL final in 2021, didn't interest any of the franchises with his abilities for the upcoming season. Australia T20 World Cup-winning skipper Aaron Finch too failed to fit into any teams' scheme of things for IPL 2022. The experience of Shakib Al Hasan, Imran Tahir, Steve Smith, couldn't motivate franchisees to bid for these experienced campaigners.
