Making maximum use of the powerplay is one of the important goals for a batting team in T20 cricket. Hence, investing in good openers becomes a priority of the teams. In the recent IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions, as well, a number of openers received hefty contracts. While a few teams have set up their opening partnerships, some franchisees will need to have a few discussions before freezing the slots. On that note, in this article, we predict the opening combination for each team in IPL 2022.
Chennai Super Kings – Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway
After losing out on Faf du Plessis, CSK has found their new overseas opener. Devon Conway is set to take the role. The Kiwi is a good cricketer and if he comes good, it will yet again be a solid opening combo for CSK.
Delhi Capitals – Prithvi Shaw and David Warner
Prithvi Shaw and David Warner will open the batting for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2022. Both players are aggressive cricketers and hence, it will be fun to watch them bat together. Since Shaw usually goes big at the start, when he does not begin well, Warner could afford to take some time to get into the groove.
Gujarat Titans – Jason Roy and Shubman Gill
Although Titans have two reliable candidates, considering the fragility of the middle-order, they might think of changing this combination. Wriddhiman Saha is decent in the powerplay and if GT does not want Mathew Wade in the XI, they can open with Saha and Roy. Shubman Gill can then play at No.3.
Kolkata Knight Riders – Venkatesh Iyer and Alex Hales
KKR could be tempted to play Alex Hales but that will mean that Sam Billings has to sit out. However, Hales is a better option than Ajinkya Rahane, who is struggling with bad form. Sheldon Jackson can then come in as the wicket-keeper.
Lucknow Super Giants – KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock
When it comes to the opening combination for each team in IPL 2022, Lucknow Super Giants is one franchise that will be really happy. While KL Rahul had already taken up one spot, they invested in Quinton de Kock at the auctions. With this move, LSG will have two experienced players at the top of the order. Considering the styles of both players, it appears that they will complement each other very well.
Mumbai Indians – Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan
A partnership that came to shape in the latter phase of IPL 2021, Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan will be an exciting pair at the top. However, considering one less reliable batter in the middle-order, the management might also push Tilak Varma to the top and get Kishan to operate in the middle-order. However, for now, it will be Rohit and Ishan who will open the batting for MI.
Punjab Kings – Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan
Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan will be one of the best opening combinations in IPL 2022. The duo is experienced and might complement each other very well. PBKS could also think about using Jonny Bairstow at the top and Mayank at No.3 since the latter is a better player of spin.
Rajasthan Royals – Devdutt Padikkal and Yashasvi Jaiswal
Rajasthan Royals will have a problem of dilemma regarding their opening combination. Both Jaiswal and Padikkal could find a middle-order role difficult. Hence, Jos Buttler could be unleashed as a finisher and the youngsters might open the batting.
Royal Challengers Bangalore – Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli
RCB have very few reliable options. Hence, they could resort to an experienced duo of Faf and Virat. While it looks exciting, this opening combination might weaken the middle-order. Another option will be to have Anuj Rawat instead of Virat at the top.
Sunrisers Hyderabad – Abhishek Sharma and Kane Williamson
Regarding the opening combination for each team in IPL 2022, SRH has multiple options. However, Muttiah Muralitharan has confirmed that Abhishek Sharma and captain Kane Williamson will open the batting. The other option is Aiden Markram and Rahul Tripathi.
