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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction is all set to be held in January. The eight existing franchises confirmed their list of retained players ahead of the auction. The two new franchises - Ahmedabad and Lucknow - are likely to do the same when their deadline ends on December 25.
The eight franchises retained a total of 27 players ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. Four franchises - Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) - utilized the maximum limit and retained four players each.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) retained three players apiece. Punjab Kings (PBKS), on the other hand, decided to retain only two players.
Ahmedabad and Lucknow can pick a maximum of three players (two Indians and one overseas) ahead of the mega auction.
IPL Auction 2022: Uncapped Indian players who can get attractive bids
All the franchises were forced to release majority of their players given the maximum retention limit of four. A number of uncapped Indian players released could be in demand at the IPL 2022 auction. We profile five such cricketers.
#1 Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh Khan was in the news recently as he played a stellar role in Tamil Nadu’s amazing triumph over Karnataka in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final. Chasing 152 for victory, Tamil Nadu seemed out of the contest after they crumbled to 130 for 6 with seven balls to spare. However, Shahrukh smashed an unbeaten 33 off 15, including a last-ball six, to lift his team to victory.
The 26-year-old hard-hitting batter also impressed in the few opportunities that he got for Punjab Kings (PBKS) during IPL 2021. Shahrukh contributed 153 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 134.21. He often came in at the death and smacked crucial boundaries. His clean striking ability could make him a hit at the IPL 2022 mega auction.
#2 Rahul Tripathi
Rahul Tripathi made his IPL debut in 2017, but it was in the 2021 season that he made a significant impact, playing a key role for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Over the last few seasons, Tripathi has played the odd impressive knock but his consistency has been missing. That is why he has not been permanent in the playing XIs of the franchises he has represented.
During IPL 2021 though, Tripathi was given a well-defined role in the middle order, that of just going out and attacking. With a clear mind, the 30-year-old went out and did the same. He ended up having his best season in the cash-rich T20 league - scoring 397 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate of 140.28. The six off Ashwin to put KKR in the final was the icing on the cake.
#3 Ravi Bishnoi
21-year-old Ravi Bishnoi was impressive in the two IPL seasons he played for Punjab Kings (PBKS) before being released. He is among the most talented young spinners in the country at present. In 23 IPL matches, the youngster has 24 wickets to his name at an average of 24.91 and an excellent economy rate of 6.95.
Apart from bowling tight lines, Bishnoi also has the ability to fox the batter with his guile. He is also a swift learner and has a good attitude since he is not afraid of being hit.
Bishnoi had an excellent 2020 Under-19 World Cup campaign, finishing as the tournament's highest wicket-taker with 17 dismissals. Definitely a bright future prospect for IPL franchises and India as well.
#4 Kartik Tyagi
Young pacer Kartik Tyagi produced, arguably, the most stunning performance of IPL 2021. Representing Rajasthan Royals (RR), he defended four runs in the final over of a contest against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Dubai. Holding his nerve in spectacular fashion, he conceded only one run and claimed two wickets to bowl RR to a famous and unexpected victory.
Tyagi only ended up playing four matches in IPL 2021 and claimed as many scalps at an economy rate of 8.85. But he has that X-factor of extra pace and can definitely be groomed.
He impressed the management with his hard work as one of the net bowlers during India’s tour to Australia. IPL franchises might be keen to pick him with one eye on the future.
#5 Mohammed Azharuddeen
Kerala’s aggressive wicketkeeper-batter Mohammed Azharuddeen was picked up by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the IPL 2021 auction for ₹20 lakh. However, he was released without being given a single game.
Azharuddeen grabbed headlines when he smashed a 37-ball hundred in the 2020–21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Mumbai. It was the second-fastest ton in the domestic T20 tournament and the joint-third fastest by an Indian batter.
Azharuddeen would have been disappointed not to have gotten a chance to prove his worth in the IPL. But franchises would be very well aware of his talent. Wicket-keepers who are aggressive hitters always make for a great combination.
Azharuddeen has shown that he has the talent to succeed. Will he get an opportunity in IPL 2022 to demonstrate the same?
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