The TATA IPL 2022 Mega Auction was completed successfully on the 13th of February in Bengaluru. All the teams are settled now and most of them are looking solid. There were several domestic and lesser-known players looking who earned a whopping amount. The teams have also chosen such players who can flip the game on its head within a matter of a few overs. So, who are they? Who are the X-Factor players of the TATA IPL 2022 teams? Here’s a look:
Tim David and Tilak Verma are X-Factor for Mumbai Indians:
Mumbai Indians have broken the bank for a Singaporean all-rounder, Tim David. Tim has been smashing the ball all around the park in every franchise-based tournament. He is one of the most in-demand freelance cricketers. Mumbai too has invested in him. He is a fast-bowling all-rounder and can fill the shoes of Hardik Pandya. N Tilak Verma on the other hand has been scouted by Mumbai Indians. Like every year, this player is expected to make it big in the blue jersey.
Maheesh Teekshana/Shivam Dube can be X-Factor for Chennai Super Kings:
Maheesh Teekshana, the mystery spinner from Sri Lanka, the emerald isle, is certainly going to get a game or two. Chennai has scouted this talent. Last year, he functioned as their net bowler. Maheesh was then picked by the Sri Lankan national team as well. With the success of mystery spinners in the IPL, Maheesh can set the stage on fire. A big IPL is a long time due for Shivam Dube as well. Shivam has a Yuvrajesque game, the day on which he bats well, he rules the game.
Deepak Hooda/Ravi Bishnoi can be X-Factor for Lucknow Super Giants in TATA IPL 2022:
Deepak Hooda has made a comeback to the top level of cricket. Ever since parting his ways with the Baroda Cricket Association, he has improved his game. He is the top batter for the Rajasthan state team. With his attacking style of play, he can turn the game on its head. On the other hand, picking Ravi Bishnoi in the draft was an outstanding move. He does the job similar to Yuzi and comes at the price of an uncapped player. Ravi is made for the grand stage.
Liam Livingstone/Odean Smith can be the X-Factor for Punjab Kings in TATA IPL 2022:
Liam Livingstone, the Englishman will be fully available for IPL 2022 as he does not play red-ball cricket. Livingstone hits the ball a long mile. He is an attacking player and bats at 4 or 5. He is an ideal commodity for the shortest format of the game. On the other hand, Odean Smith bowls 140+ kmph and tonks the ball a long distance. He is a Pollard-like player but with more conviction in bowling. Punjab Kings broke the bank for both these players and will hope they give the best of returns.
Faf Du Plessis/Shahbaz Ahmed is the X-Factor for Royal Challengers Bangalores:
Faf Du Plessis is a supremely underrated T20 batter. He has smoked 2 hundreds in the Bangladesh Premier League. This genius from South Africa does not have national duties after taking retirement and will be fully available. He is also expected to take captaincy. Du Plessis has previously managed alpha males like Kohli and Maxi in the South Africa national team. Shahbaz Ahmed showed his skill last year in the game against SRH taking 2 wickets in 2 balls and winning the game. Shahbaz can bat number 3 or 4 as well.
Venkatesh Iyer/Sam Billings is X-Factor for Kolkata Knight Riders in TATA IPL 2022:
Venky has become the talk of the town after smashing the bowlers all over the park last season. But his full potential will only be seen in a complete tournament. IPL is a long tournament and to have longevity is crucial. But with the support of Shreyas Iyer and Bazz, Venky can do what he does best, entertain. Sam Billings on the other hand is expected to play as KKR does not have a special keeper except Sheldon Jackson. Sam has impressed previously with CSK and will be doing the same with KKR.
Chetan Sakariya/David Warner is X-Factor for Delhi Capitals in TATA IPL 2022:
A lion is fierce, but what is fiercer is a hungry and injured lion. The same is the case with David Warner. Warner is looking for redemption in the IPL. He wants SRH to regret not retaining him. Warner is a good short ballplayer and is experienced. He needs no introduction and every fan knows what Warner does on his day. Chetan Sakariya and his slower balls make the batsman’s life hell. This Rajasthani is a talented left-arm pacer. He got his India cap in the Sri Lanka series.
Prasidh Krishna/Trent Boult is X-Factor for Rajasthan Royals in TATA IPL 2022:
The bowling of the Rajasthan Royals looks sorted. They have found a good balance with Prasidh Krishna and Trent Boult in the mix. Trent Boult, being in the team will add value and experience to players like Saini and Krishna. Krishna himself has made a mark in the Day International circuit for India. Boult has started to bowl well in the death and Krishna hits the deck hard in the middle overs. Both have express pace and bowl well over 140 kmph.
Lockie Ferguson/Jason Roy is X-Factor for Gujarat Titans:
Lockie and Jason, both players will be readily available for the IPL as they do not have red-ball national duties. Ferguson and his toe-crushing yorkers are now known to the world. The Kiwi was supremely underrated before this IPL auction. He can give you 2 good overs at the death and 2 in the middle. Roy on the other hand will love to bat on the Ahmedabad pitches. The pitches have pace and bounce, similar to English conditions. He can use the pace of the bowlers as well.
Abhishek Sharma/Washington Sundar is X-Factor for Sunrisers Hyderabad:
Debayan Sen, the assistant senior editor on EspnCricinfo said to watch out for Abhishek Sharma. Now if a journalist of that stature says that, you need to believe him. Abhishek Sharma has a big performance long due. He bowls spin as well. He has to be backed and SRH needs to bat him up the order. Washington on the other hand showed us what he has at the Gabba and in the England series. Washi bowls 3 overs in the powerplay. He has an unreal economy of 7, in the powerplay. His batting is exceptional and needs to be backed. Washi can certainly bat number 5 or 6 for SRH.
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