The Indian Premier League’s 2022 season, which ran from March 26th to May 29th, was more than just a cricket tournament; it was a national event that captured the hearts of millions. This season was particularly special for the incredible individual performances that lit up the stage. From record-breaking bowlers to high-priced batters and rising young stars, the tournament showcased a brilliant mix of talent that defined the competition and gave fans plenty of moments to cheer about.
The Bowlers who Dominated the Season
In a format often dominated by batsmen, a few bowlers stood out with their exceptional skill and consistency. They were the game-changers who could turn a match on its head with a single over.
Harshal Patel of Royal Challengers Bangalore was a force to be reckoned with, securing the Purple Cap with an incredible 32 wickets. His performance was not just about the number of wickets but when he took them. An astonishing 19 of his wickets came in the death overs (17-20), where his variations made it extremely difficult for batters to score.
Another bowler who turned heads was Ravi Bishnoi of the Lucknow SuperGiants. Having already made a name for himself as the leading wicket-taker in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, Bishnoi continued to impress. His excellent stats and ability to take crucial wickets made him one of the most exciting bowlers to watch throughout the IPL 2022 season.
Big Buys and Batter Performances
The IPL 2022 auction saw teams spending enormous amounts to secure top talent, putting immense pressure on these players to perform. While some struggled, others managed to show glimpses of their brilliance.
Ishan Kishan became the talk of the town after Mumbai Indians bought him for a staggering ₹15.25 crores, making him the most expensive player of the auction. The wicketkeeper-batter admitted that even the best cricketers struggle sometimes, as he scored 370 runs in 13 matches, a figure that fell below the high expectations set by his price tag.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, on the other hand, continued to be a key player for Chennai Super Kings. While his 2022 season might not have reached the heights of his 2021 performance, he still finished as the team’s highest run-scorer in one match with 53 runs and accumulated 366 runs in the season. His classical cricketing shots remain a valuable asset for any team.
Here is a look at some of the most expensive players from the 2022 auction.
| Player | Team | Auction Price (2022) | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ishan Kishan | Mumbai Indians | ₹15.25 Crores | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Washington Sundar | Sunrisers Hyderabad | ₹8.75 Crores | Bowling All-rounder |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Rajasthan Royals | ₹7.75 Crores | Batter |
The Under-19 Stars who Shined Bright
The 2022 IPL also served as a launchpad for the next generation of Indian cricketers, particularly those who had just won the Under-19 World Cup. Teams were quick to invest in these young guns, and they did not disappoint.
Yash Dhull, the captain of the victorious Under-19 team, was picked up by the Delhi Capitals. He had already set the pace in the World Cup with an 82-run knock against South Africa and a century against Australia in the semi-finals, proving his mettle on the big stage.
Punjab Kings invested in another U-19 hero, Raj Bawa. This talented left-handed batter and right-arm pacer showcased his all-round ability in the World Cup final against England.
- Raj Bawa was named Player of the Match in the U-19 World Cup final for his 5-wicket haul.
- Yash Dhull became only the third Indian batter to score a century in both innings of his Ranji Trophy debut.
- Bawa also broke Shikhar Dhawan’s 18-year-old record for the highest score by an Indian in the U-19 World Cup with his 162-run innings.
All-Rounders who Changed the Game
All-rounders are worth their weight in gold in T20 cricket, and the 2022 IPL had several who made a significant impact. These players contributed with both bat and ball, often providing the balance their teams needed to win.
Rahul Tewatia earned the nickname “Iceman” from the legendary Sunil Gavaskar for his calm finishing under pressure for the Gujarat Titans. His most memorable performance came against Punjab Kings, where he hit two consecutive sixes off the last two balls to clinch an impossible victory for his team.
Sunrisers Hyderabad spent ₹8.75 crores to acquire the services of Washington Sundar, a talented bowling all-rounder. His importance was highlighted when an injury forced him to miss games. The team’s performance dipped in his absence, particularly their bowling attack, proving how crucial he was to their lineup. Venkatesh Iyer also remained a key player for the Kolkata Knight Riders, known for his ability to build long innings and revive the team’s fortunes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the most expensive player in the IPL 2022 auction?
The most expensive player was Ishan Kishan, who was bought by the Mumbai Indians for a massive price of ₹15.25 crores.
Which bowler won the Purple Cap in IPL 2022?
Harshal Patel from Royal Challengers Bangalore won the Purple Cap for being the highest wicket-taker of the season. He secured an impressive 32 wickets.
How did Rahul Tewatia earn the nickname “Iceman”?
He was given the nickname by Sunil Gavaskar after his heroic performance for Gujarat Titans against Punjab Kings, where he hit two sixes in the last two balls to win the match.
Which U-19 World Cup stars were highlighted as top talents?
Yash Dhull, the captain of the winning Indian U-19 team, and Raj Bawa, the player of the match in the final, were two of the major young talents who joined the IPL in 2022.
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