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Quality left-arm pacers make an impact on the game irrespective of formats, and the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been no exception. Good left-armers can take the ball away from batters and bring it back at an awkward angle, making life difficult, especially while bowling from over the wicket to right-handers.
Over the years, there have been many big names find the going tough against left-arm pacers in international cricket. If we take the case of India itself, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of the team’s best batters, have had their woes against Mohammad Amir. During the T20 World Cup, Shaheen Afridi stunned India with a superb spell.
Will left-arm pacers get good bids at the IPL 2022 auction?
Quite a few left-arm pacers have been part of the IPL over the years. Many of them were released by their franchises ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. On that note, here’s a look at five such bowlers, who could be in demand at the auction if they are not picked by either of the two new franchises.
#5 Chetan Sakariya
Chetan Sakariya made his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals in the 2021 season. He made a genuine impact, claiming 14 wickets in as many games. Sakariya ran in hard, and gave it his all even as his franchise struggled for consistency.
Sakariya’s finest moment in IPL 2021 came when he dismissed MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu during a game against eventual champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Bowling skills apart, he also impressed with his attitude, having a smile on the face even when things did not go his way.
The youngster even made his debut for India in the limited-overs series held in Sri Lanka earlier this year. A promising talent, Sakariya could get more than decent bids at the IPL mega auction.
#4 Mustafizur Rahman
Bangladesh’s left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman also represented RR during IPL 2021. Given his experience and reputation, he had a below-par tournament, claiming 14 wickets in as many games at an economy rate of 8.41.
It did not help that he did not get much support from the other end, barring Sakariya.
‘The Fizz’, as he is popularly called, did not have a great run in the T20 World Cup as well as Bangladesh put up an underwhelming performance. He is still searching for form in international cricket. However, there is no doubt about his quality. Mustafizur’s slower ones and cutters are extremely lethal when he gets them right.
#3 Sam Curran
England all-rounder Sam Curran had a decent run for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2020. He claimed 13 wickets in 14 games with a best of 3 for 19.
He chipped in with the bat as well, scoring 186 runs at a strike rate of 131.91, with a best of 52. His IPL 2021 campaign was cut short due to injury, though. He claimed nine wickets in as many games, although his economy rate was on the higher side.
The best aspect of Curran is that he can open the bowling, and come back at the death as well. The left-armer has quite a few variations in his kitty, but he has a tendency to go for a few runs.
Curran hasn’t played any competitive cricket since being ruled out of IPL 2021 and the T20 World Cup due to a lower back injury. However, with IPL 2022 still quite a few months away, franchises might be willing to pick Curran, considering the versatility he brings to the table.
#2 T Natarajan
Following his heroics in IPL 2020, T Natarajan was expected to be the key pacer for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) during their 2021 campaign. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury, and only managed to play a couple of games for SRH. Natarajan returned to competitive cricket following a knee surgery.
The 30-year-old seemed rusty while representing Tamil Nadu during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He was ruled out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy due to another knee niggle, and is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
While his fitness is a concern, Natarajan can be an asset to any IPL franchise when in form. He stood out for SRH during their impressive IPL 2020 campaign, picking up 16 wickets in as many games.
Natarajan’s toe-crushing yorkers unsettled some of the best, including AB de Villiers in the Eliminator. He has since gone on to play for India as well. If he proves his fitness, Natarajan could be a big draw at the IPL 2022 mega auction.
#1 Trent Boult
Had there not been a mega auction, there was no way Mumbai Indians (MI) were going to release Trent Boult. Who would want to separate yorker kings Boult and Jasprit Bumrah? The duo has turned around so many games for MI over the last couple of seasons. However, with the cap on retaining players and the fact that Mumbai were spoilt for choice, the franchise had to release Boult.
The left-arm pacer from New Zealand has one of the best block-hole deliveries in the business. He was the player of the final during MI’s title triumph in IPL 2020. During the 2021 edition as well, he claimed 13 scalps at an economy rate of under 8.
In case, he is not picked by one of the two new franchises, there is every chance of Boult being in demand during the IPL 2022 mega auction.
