IPL has always been about big names like Gayle, Kohli, Raina, Rohit, Warner, etc. However, time and again, we’ve seen some noteworthy performances from players who don’t have big names. Some of such performances include Ishan Kishan’s 99 against RCB, Ravi Bishnoi’s 3/29 vs SRH, Shahrukh Khan has played some good cameos for Punjab in last season, etc. Similarly, for this season, let us have a look at 5 underdog players with immense potential to stand out.
IPL 2022: 5 underdog players with immense potential to stand out
1. Tim David
The Singapore international has been quite popular in T20 tournaments. He has impressed with his savage hitting, and as he bats in the middle order. David has excelled in the BBL, CPL, and PSL. But this isn’t his first experience with the IPL. He has played one match for Royal Challengers Bangalore and will now look to repeat his success in the IPL after being signed by the league’s most successful club Mumbai Indians. In 89 T20s, the 26-year-old has scored 1965 runs at 33.87 with a strike rate of 159.36.
2. Abhishek Sharma
Even though Abhishek Sharma has played games for SRH, the team has terribly failed to utilize the talent of this young lad. Having played 22 games he has 241 runs at an average of 17.21 and has also picked up 7 wickets with an economy of 8.00. Hyderabad repurchased Abhishek Sharma in the mega auctions. Hopefully, this year he will play a full season and will be able to deliver his best.
3. Umran Malik
Sunrisers Hyderabad kept Umran Malik ahead of the blockbuster auction because they saw a lot of potential in the young fast bowler. In the few games he played last season, the right-arm pacer was remarkable, clocking speeds of around 150 km/h. He was soon drafted into India’s A team for the recent tour of South Africa. He needs to prove his worth in the IPL this year. So far in his career, he has played eight T20s and taken 11 wickets at an average of 24.81.
4. Anuj Rawat
RCB’s potential opener Anuj Rawat is another name to look forward to. Royal Challengers Bangalore purchased uncapped wicketkeeper Anuj Rawat for 3.4 crores, making him one of the auction’s surprise picks. He had a starting bid of 2000,000 rupees. In his first-class debut for Delhi, the left-handed batter faced Assam. He struck 71 from 147 balls in his maiden encounter, with seven fours and one six. Anuj has 954 runs with a strike rate of 30.77 in FC cricket. He has scored 573 runs at a 44.07 average in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
5. Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh, who was purchased for Rs 9 crore by Punjab Kings, is regarded as one of the best hard-hitting batters in the local circuit. The batter’s exposure at the top level, however, may be determined by his tournament batting position. Khan has 153 runs at a strike rate of 134.21 in 11 matches so far in the IPL.