The IPL 2022 Mega Auction was one hell of a ride. Many teams bought many players. The banks were broken for several names. A few unestablished names also took home a lot of money. Many players were such that they were bought by the teams only based on the “name” that they have created. Over the years we have seen many established players struggle in the IPL. The cases of D’Arcy Short, Jhye Richardson, Dirk Nannes, Cameron White, and many more players can never be forgotten. So, who are the risky players in which the teams have invested their money? Here’s a look:
1) Tim David:
The tall and strong Singaporean has taken a whopping 8.25 Crores for his services. Will he justify the amount is still a question! He has the big shoes of Hardik Pandya to fill. He has to compliment Kieron Pollard in the middle-order. The void left by Hardik is difficult to fill but Tim has shown the abilities as well. His recent heroics in the PSL, speak volumes of his skill with the bat.
2) Robin Uthappa is a Risky Buy at IPL 2022 Mega Auction:
Robin Uthappa of today is a good player, but he is certainly not the Robin Uthappa of 2007 or 2014. Last time, Chennai Super Kings played Robin Uthappa only when Suresh Raina failed to make a mark and in the playoffs. But does Robin still have the fire left in him in question? With an aging body, even fitness becomes a big obstacle. With all due respect to this domestic legend, Robin is certainly not in his prime.
3) Liam Livingstone:
Liam Livingstone has been in and around the IPL for 2 years now. Last season he was given several opportunities by the Rajasthan Royals. It is however questionable if he was managed well because players of this stature, do need to be dealt with with precaution. Liam must be allowed to bat up the order. In Rajasthan, he never got the time as the team was top-heavy with many match winners. Livingstone can feel himself in the Punjab Kings dressing room and hopefully, he justifies the price tag.
4) Krunal Pandya is a Risky Buy at IPL 2022 Mega Auction:
Krunal Pandya to the Lucknow Super Giants is another risky choice. Krunal was bought for 8.25 Crores. What makes the choice risky is the recent performances of Pandya in the IPL. He has been exceptional for the Baroda domestic team but not for MI. Conditions were such that he was dropped in the last few games. The left-arm batter has to be given a chance to bat up the order consistently to do wonders for the team.
5) Riyan Parag to Rajasthan Royals is a Risky Buy:
Why Riyan Parag was playing ahead of Shreyas Gopal and Mayank Markande in IPL 2021 is a mystery in itself. The all-rounder from the northeast is a good player. But playing him as a full-time spin-bowling all-rounder wasn’t justified. He was leaking runs. Rajasthan has bought him once again. They have invested 3.8 Crores this time. How does Riyan fit in the 11? That’s a big task.
6) Wanindu Hasaranga to the Royal Challengers Bangalore is a Risky Buy:
Wanindu Hasaranga for 10.75 Crores was a jaw-dropping decision. Hasaranga is certainly one of the top leg spinners in the world. He also bats well but still is 10.75 Crores justified? The Royal Challengers Bangalore management have seen something in the spinner from the emerald isle and have backed him. Hasaranga was associated with the franchise last season. They will be looking to beat him at 6 or 7, if he goes below that, then RCB will be missing a trick.
7) Umran Malik/ Nicholas Pooran:
The Sunrisers Hyderabad retained pace sensation, Umran Malik, ahead of the IPL auction. We had got a glimpse of this star last season bowling at 150 clicks. But his recent SMAT 2021 performances do not justify the retention. Apart from 1 game in which he got 4 wickets, Umran leaked runs. Nicholas Pooran on the other hand has been on a rise. The boy from Trinidad has always done well at the international level. But his last IPL stint wasn’t the ideal one. He has been bought for 10.75 Crores too.
8) Rahul Tewatia to the Gujarat Titans is a Risky Buy for IPL 2022:
Rahul Tewatia, the lefty all-rounder is another risky buy for the Gujarat Titans. He tends to either make it or break it. Apart from that one game against the Punjab Kings, Rahul has done nothing very significant. His bowling too has been mediocre. How Gujarat makes use of him is a question to ponder upon!
9) Andre Russell to the Kolkata Knight Riders is a Risky Buy at IPL 2022 Mega Auction:
Kolkata Knight Riders should have gotten an insurance policy for Andre Russell! Jokes apart Russell is a risky choice as his injuries are always a concern. The kind of muscle that Dre Russ puts in his game makes him vulnerable to injuries. In his absence, they do not have someone who can fill that big void. And even if fit, it is always a “make it or break it” situation with Andre.
10) Rovman Powell is a Risky Choice at the IPL 2022 Mega Auction:
Rovman Powell is the talk of the town after the India series. Rovman on his day will win you big games. Delhi has invested in players like Prithvi, Warner, Rishabh, and Mitchell Marsh. All these 4 players play well at the top of the order. But Rovamn too is his bashing best when he bats at number 4. So, how is Rovman Powell going to be used is a big question for the Capitals.
For more details go to the official website of the IPL.