Teams recently announced the list of players who have been retained ahead of the auctions. The focus now shifts to the two new teams, who can make three picks each ahead of the bidding event. All the superstars who were released by their franchises might not feature in the auctions as they could get selected by the new teams. Hence, there could be surprises with regards to the costliest players at the auctions. In this article, we take a look at five players who might be the costliest at the IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions.
1) Shikhar Dhawan
Since 2016, close to 500 runs have been coming off the bat of Shikhar Dhawan in every campaign. He has also added strike rate to one of his strengths in recent years. Although he is on the wrong side of his thirties, teams might still be willing to invest in an experienced player who is fit enough to carry on for a couple more years.
An anchor is a must for any T20 XI. Dhawan is one of the best in the business right now. Therefore, multiple teams could target the Delhi opener. Hence, he is one of the players who might be the costliest at the IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions.
2) Shubman Gill
As mentioned earlier with Shikhar, every team needs at least one anchor type of batsman in the roster. In Shubman Gill, franchises will get more than just that. He has smashed above 400 runs in the last two seasons, and hence, consistency does not seem to be a problem.
Shubman is still young and has the potential to improve himself in the T20 format. He will also turn out to be a good captaincy choice in future. If Shubman realizes his potential, his marketability will improve, which will further help the franchise. Hence, many teams might target the youngster.
3) Jofra Archer
Jofra Archer is one of the players who might be the costliest at the IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions. It is only a matter of whether the English pacer would be available for IPL or not.
In recent months, Jofra missed a lot of cricket action due to injury. He was also not part of IPL 2021. This is one of the main reasons why Rajasthan Royals released him. That said, at his best, Jofra is one of the best pacers in the game. Hence, teams will go hard after him if news comes out that he is fit and available.
4) Shahrukh Khan
Power-hitters in the middle-order is turning out to be a rare attribute with regards to Indian cricket. Only players such as Hardik Pandya have stepped up in recent years. Shahrukh Khan is one cricketer who has already proved himself in the profile.
In the final of the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shahrukh helped his team cross the line with a brilliant knock. He had shown glimpses of it in IPL 2021, as well. The Tamil Nadu man is still young, and there is potential to develop further. Hence, quite a few franchises could eye him.
5) Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel exceeded expectations by winning the Purple Cap in IPL 2021. He exhibited fine bowling at the death and showed his knack for collecting wickets. Harshal also made his debut for India recently and even won the Man of the Match award.
Although he did not get a lot of chances in IPL 2021, Harshal is also a decent batter. He can be a fine investment for cameos in the lower order. This attribute might make franchises go all the way for the Haryana all-rounder.
