How the teams stack up after the 2022 IPL Auction – Part 2

Here are the potential strengths and weaknesses of the IPL franchises after the 2022 mega auction.

Mumbai Indians

Biggest Buys: Ishan Kishan (INR 15.25 crore), Tim David (INR 8.25 crore), Jofra Archer (INR 8.5 crore)

Mumbai brought the most intriguing strategy to the IPL auction as they completed the most expensive buy of the auction to retain the services of Ishan Kishan as a keeper-batsman. The five-time champions also kept their powder dry for most of day one before going hard during the accelerated auction on day two with the purchases of Tim David and Jofra Archer, despite the latter being unable to play in 2022. 

Weaknesses: The current Mumbai line-up lacks star power compared to previous seasons, and they are short on power-hitters after the departures of Quinton de Kock and the Pandya brothers. Rohit Sharma’s side also don’t have a quality spin option this season, while their pace battery looks a little light in 2022 with Archer unavailable.

Punjab Kings

Biggest Buys: Liam Livingstone (INR 11.25 crore), Kagiso Rabada (INR 9.25 crore), Shikhar Dhawan (INR 8.25 crore)

After a string of disappointing auctions, Punjab have one of the strongest sides on paper in 2022, with an exciting side packed with six-hitting options such as Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Shahrukh Khan and Odean Smith. Shikhar Dhawan also gives the team an experienced, reliable opener alongside Mayank Agarwal, while Kagiso Rabada is one of the best death bowlers in T20 cricket.

Weaknesses: Punjab have taken a massive gamble on Shahrukh Khan in the middle order at nine crores, and the team are also short on new-ball wicket-taking options in the powerplay.

Rajasthan Royals

Biggest Buys: Prasidh Krishna (INR 10 crore), Shimron Hetmyer (INR 8.5 crore), Devdutt Padikkal (INR 7.75 crore)

Rajasthan have done some astute business in the IPL auction and have formed a dangerous top five with the additions of Devdutt Padikkal and Shimron Hetmyer alongside their three retentions. The Royals also have arguably the best spin duo of the IPL in Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, who cost a combined 11.5 crore.

Weaknesses: Rajasthan are without any marquee Indian all-round options in the middle order, potentially forcing them to use an overseas spot and play Jimmy Neesham at number seven. The Royals have also left themselves short at the slog overs with the ball and don’t have any standout death-bowlers in the squad.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Biggest Buys: Wanindu Hasaranga (INR 10.75 crore), Harshal Patel (INR 10.75 crore), Josh Hazlewood (INR 7.75 crore)

With Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammed Siraj and Wanindu Hasaranga, RCB have one of the most potent bowling attacks in the competition that covers all bases. Bangalore also have some excellent overseas backups in Jason Behrendorff, David Willey and Finn Allen, along with some batting depth with the likes of Harshal Patel and Shahbaz Ahmed coming down the order.

Weaknesses: Virat Kohli is the only recognised Indian batter in the team, and they could be forced to field uncapped batsman Mahipal Lomror and Anuj Rawat in the middle order, adding extra responsibility on the likes of Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik to do the heavy lifting.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Biggest Buys: Nicholas Pooran (INR 10.75 crore), Washington Sundar (INR 8.75 crore), Rahul Tripathi (INR 8.5 crore) 

SRH have one of the better bowling attacks in the competition with an excellent stock of Indian pacers such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kartik Tyagi, T Natarajan that complement their promising all-rounders Marco Jansen, Washington Sundar and Romario Shepherd.

Weaknesses: While the Sunrisers have a well-rounded squad with some useful rotational pieces, Hyderabad don’t have any star players that are considered game-changers and have failed to adequately replace David Warner, Jonny Bairstow and Rashid Khan.