IPL 2022 will be a historic edition of the competition as the league will have its fifteenth season. Adding to this, two new teams have joined the fray, making it a much bigger tournament. Recently, the mega-auctions were held, which resulted in a major shuffling of the composition of the teams. Hence, there would be a few events that we would witness for the very first time in the history of IPL. On that note, in this article, we take a look at five things that could happen for the first time in IPL history in IPL 2022.
1) Yuzvendra Chahal getting Virat Kohli out
Yuzvendra Chahal getting Virat Kohli out is one of the things that could happen for the first time in IPL history in IPL 2022. The leggie will turn up for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2022.
RR and RCB will meet twice in the group stage and hence, Yuzi will have a good chance to get his old skipper out. Considering Virat’s struggles against spinners, this event is something that could actually transpire.
2) David Warner scoring a century against Sunrisers Hyderabad
The association of David Warner and Sunrisers Hyderabad ended in a rather uncomfortable way at the end of IPL 2021. The Aussie opener will play for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2022.
With renewed vigour and recently discovered form, Warner could return to his peak IPL form. Hence, it would not be a surprise if he scores a hundred against SRH. Hence, this is one of the things that could happen for the first time in IPL history in IPL 2022.
3) Faf du Plessis helping RCB win a game against CSK with a solid knock
The relationship between Faf and CSK is a special one and even after they lost him at the auctions, the franchise kept showering their love for the South African. Faf will now play for RCB.
Looking at RCB’s composition, Faf is set to open the batting again and may walk alongside Virat Kohli. It would not be a surprise if Faf goes on to help RCB defeat CSK. The bowling composition of CSK is similar to that of the previous seasons. Hence, Faf will have a good idea about them and will be best placed to deliver against them.
4) Hardik Pandya smashing Mumbai bowlers at the death
It was at Mumbai Indians that Hardik Pandya found the right platform to elevate his career. In a few years, Hardik earned the reputation of becoming one of the best finishers of the batting innings. When you look at Mumbai Indians of recent years, the brand of cricket is associated with a strong finish by Hardik Pandya.
However, cut to 2022, we could see Hardik smashing the Mumbai Indians bowlers at the death. The all-rounder will lead Gujarat Titans and will hold an important role in the batting line-up. It would be hard for any batter to unleash against Jasprit Bumrah and Tymal Mills at the death but Hardik does have the skills to do that.
5) KL Rahul scoring a rapid fifty against Punjab Kings
Before the IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions, KL Rahul left Punjab Kings to join the newly formed Lucknow Super Giants. In the past few years, KL has been the best batter in IPL and PBKS helped him in his development. The player also got to captain in IPL for the first time at Punjab.
However, in IPL 2022, we could see KL score a quickfire fifty against a team for whom he scored a total of 23 half-centuries. With the likes of Quinton de Kock and a deep batting line-up with him, there will be more freedom for Rahul. Therefore, there is an expectation that a more dangerous version of the player will appear in the forthcoming campaign.