In previous years, before a mega-auction, BCCI used to allow teams to retain uncapped players at a lower price. However, as per the latest reports, this rule is set to be scrapped for the IPL 2022 mega auction. Yet, we could see a few franchises betting big on some uncapped cricketers. In this article, we take a look at five uncapped players who might be retained ahead of IPL 2022 Auctions.
1) Venkatesh Iyer
The Power Player of the Season award winner of the recently concluded campaign, Venkatesh Iyer had not played a single game in the first phase. He made his debut only in the UAE leg and was one of the main reasons behind KKR’s turnaround.
Iyer’s impact has been so enormous that KKR could retain him before the next season. In 10 games, the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder scored 370 runs, apart from collecting three wickets. He falls into the rare category of Indian medium-pace bowling all-rounders. If released to the auctions, he is likely to command a big bid. Since he is still relatively young, KKR might rather retain him and give him a more responsible role from next season.
2) Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel is one of the uncapped players who might be retained ahead of IPL 2022 Auctions. The Haryana cricketer won the Purple Cap in IPL 2021 after collecting 32 wickets at an average of 14.34. He especially did well at the death, consistently utilizing his slower deliveries to pick scalps.
Royal Challengers Bangalore is one team that has always had a thin bowling attack. However, in IPL 2021, thanks to Harshal’s emergence, RCB did well in the bowling department. Hence, RCB could retain the player and plan to build their bowling line-up around him for the future seasons.
3) Kartik Tyagi
Kartik Tyagi has only played 14 games in IPL so far but has already shown that he has great potential. In the UAE leg, he defended just four runs of the last over against Punjab Kings and clinched a remarkable win for Rajasthan.
Both at the death and in the powerplay, Kartik is looking promising with his variations. Rajasthan Royals could target to retain the player, who definitely has the skill to lead the bowling attack in the future.
4) Ravi Bishnoi
The highest wicket-taker in the 2020 edition of the U19 World Cup, Ravi Bishnoi is touted to be the future of India’s spin-bowling attack. Ravi is a modern T20 leg-spinner, with plenty of variations and a deadly googly up his sleeve.
In 23 games for the Punjab Kings so far, Ravi has collected 24 wickets. His economy of 6.97 despite being a youngster is phenomenal. Punjab Kings have very few options of retainment if KL Rahul leaves the franchise, and Ravi Bishnoi is certainly one of them.
5) Arshdeep Singh
Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh is one of the uncapped players who might be retained ahead of IPL 2022 Auctions. The left-arm seamer had a terrific IPL 2021, taking 18 wickets at an average of 19 and an economy of 8.27. Along with Mohammed Shami, he was one of the mainstays of PBKS’ bowling line-up throughout the campaign.
In recent years, India has struggled to produce quality left-arm pacers. However, Arshdeep looks like a talented cricketer, and he has already proved himself by showing great temperament and skillset. He is also a home grown cricketer, and Punjab would want to improve their fanbase by having one of their local boys.
