IPL 2022 auction: 5 released opening batters who could be in demand

Opening the innings is unarguably one of the most significant tasks for players in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With the tournament being a 20-overs-per-side contest, openers get a chance to play the maximum number of deliveries if they stay in.

If a team’s opening pair does well, the franchise invariably puts up impressive performances. In IPL 2021, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ’s title triumph had a lot to do with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis’ success as an opening combination. Individually as well, they were the top two run-getters in IPL 2021.

Runners-up Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) also had a successful opening combination in Venkatesh Iyer and Shubman Gill. Of course, there are exceptions as well. Punjab Kings (PBKS) faltered despite Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul’s brilliance.

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IPL 2022 auction: Will openers go for big bucks?

With the IPL 2022 auction set to be held in January, here’s a look at five openers who could be in demand if they are not purchased by any of the two new franchises.

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#5 Evin Lewis

Evin Lewis batting for Rajasthan Royals (RR). Pic: IPLT20.COM

West Indies’ Evin Lewis might not be in the same league as some of the other openers in T20 cricket. However, on his day, he can be the most explosive batter on a cricket field. He has the aggressive strokes to unsettle bowlers, and can go over the top with ease in the powerplay.

With Jos Buttler unavailable for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the second half of IPL 2021, Lewis came in and did a more than decent job. He smashed 151 runs in five game at a strike rate of 162.36, with a best of 58.

Lewis was the second-leading run-scorer for West Indies during their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign.

He scored 105 runs in five games at a strike rate of 129.63. Having played over 190 T20 games, the 29-year-old has a strike rate of 145.32, and has scored five hundreds as well. IPL franchises might be willing to capitalise on his talent.

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#4 Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal has impressed for RCB. Pic: IPLT20.COM

Devdutt Padikkal, 21, is considered among the most talented young Indian batters at the moment. He has already proved what he is capable of in the two seasons he has represented Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL.

Padikkal was named the emerging player for his impressive IPL debut in the 2020 season. He hammered 473 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 124.8, crossing the half-century mark as many as five times.

In IPL 2021, the big-hitting left-hander contributed 411 runs in 14 games at a strike rate of 125.3. He also notched up his maiden IPL ton during the season.

The left-hander’s strike rate might be slightly on the slower side, but he possesses the skill to work on it and improve this facet of his game. IPL franchises can look at Padikkal as a long-term investment.

#3 Shikhar Dhawan

IPL Eliminator Delhi vs Sunrisers

One of IPL’s most prolific run-getters, veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan has been woefully out of form for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

The 36-year-old has managed a highest score of 18 from five games so far. However, with Dhawan, it is only a matter of one innings, and all his failures are forgotten. He has proven the same numerous times during his international career.

Dhawan had two excellent IPL campaigns with Delhi Capitals (DC). In IPL 2020, he was the second leading run-getter, smashing 618 runs in 17 games at a strike rate of 144.73.

During this season, he also created the record of becoming the first batter to score consecutive hundreds in the IPL. Dhawan continued his good form in IPL 2021, scoring 587 runs in 16 games, although the big scores dried up for him in the second half.

It was understandable why DC retained Prithvi Shaw ahead of Dhawan. The long-term perspective could have come into the picture. Nevertheless, Dhawan could be a big draw at the IPL 2022 auction if his name goes under the hammer.

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#2 Faf du Plessis

2019 IPL Final Mumbai vs Chennai

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) would have released Faf du Plessis with a heavy heart. After all, he was the player of the match in the IPL 2021 final.

Du Plessis’ 86 off 59, which featured seven fours and three sixes, was a top-quality knock. The former South African captain was also the second-leading run-getter in IPL 2021. He hammered 633 runs in 16 games at a strike rate of 138.2 and an average of 45.21.

CSK, though, retained Gaikwad ahead of Du Plessis. The IPL 2021 Orange Cap winner amassed 635 runs last season. The age factor could have played a key role in tilting the scales in the Maharashtra batter’s favour. While Gaikwad is 24, Du Plessis is 37. However, the latter’s fitness remains impressive despite his years.

It is not rare to see cricketers continuing to play past the age of 40 in T20 cricket. Moreover, if he maintains his fitness, there is no reason why Du Plessis cannot do it. IPL franchises will be well aware of the same.

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#1 David Warner

Australia Nets Session

It is an irony that the Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup has not been retained by his IPL franchise.

However, the relations between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and David Warner had soured much before that. Struggling for rhythm with the bat, Warner was sacked as captain just before the first half of IPL 2021 was indefinitely suspended.

Warner played a few games for SRH as a batter in the second half. However, once he was dropped for the last few games, it was clear there was no way back for the Australian with regard to his future with the franchise. Questions were being asked over whether Warner was past his prime.

The 35-year-old answered all his critics in befitting style, hammering 289 runs in seven games at a strike rate of 146.7 and an average of 48.17 in the T20 World Cup 2021. He was pivotal to Australia’s title triumph.

There is a decent chance of Warner getting picked by one of the two new franchises. If not, expect him to be a big draw at the IPL 2022 auction.