TATA IPL 2022 has created a buzz that is one-of-a-kind. The IPL 2022 Mega Auction is set to take place on the 13th and 14th of February in Bengaluru. 1200+ players have signed up for the same. There are several capped and uncapped players. An opening batsman is someone who puts a mark on the opposition. An opener sets the tone for the batting line-up. Over the years there have been several iconic openers. Swapnil Asnodkar in 2008, Paul Valthaty in 2010, Rohit Sharma over the years, Dwayne Smith in 2013 and 2014, Ambati in 2018, and many more. So, who are the top openers in the IPL this time? Here is a look:
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10) Aaron Finch:
Aaron Finch, the Australian white-ball captain bags a new IPL contract every season. Finch has played for many teams over the years. He has been a part of the Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Pune Warriors, and many more. Aaron Finch can hold the innings together. His attacking abilities are never in question as he holds the record for the highest individual international score in T20Is. Finch can neutralize the swing bowlers in the initial powerplay overs.
9) Faf Du Plessis is one of the best openers in TATA IPL 2022:
Faf Du Plessis comes into this auction as a pure freelancer. With no baggage of the national team, Faf has a lot to offer. Faf Du Plessis is certainly one of the top 10 openers in the TATA IPL 2022 Mega Auction. With a base price of 2 Crore Indian Rupees, Faf is worth investing. He played an incredible knock on the night of the IPL 2021 final. He is a big match player. With him aging quickly and his fitness being top-notch, Faf has at least 3 years to offer. He is a gun fielder too.
8) Ewin Lewis/ Chris Lynn:
Both the boys, Ewin and Chris have the same skill sets on offer. Chris attacks from the word go, and so does Ewin Lewis. Ewin Lewis might just have an advantage that he is a left-hander. Lewis is registered in the 2 Crore bracket and Chris Lynn is in the 1.5 Crore bracket. Both the players are experienced and, on their day, can win matches single-handedly.
7) Jason Roy is one of the best openers in TATA IPL 2022:
Jason Roy was associated with the Sunrisers Hyderabad last season. Roy has been in and out of the limelight for quite some time now. It is about time that he finds a good franchise, that backs him well. A combination of Jason Roy and Rohit Sharma to open will be great to see. Even Roy alongside Virat looks good. Jason can be said to be the pioneer of England’s slam-bang approach. He has the skills required to counter the short balls. He is in the 1.5 Crore Bracket.
6) Devdutt Padikkal:
Devdutt Padikkal would have fallen into the uncapped category if not for the Sri Lanka tour of India 2021. Devdutt showed us last season that he is meant for the greatest stage of them all. His hundred against the Rajasthan Royals cannot be forgotten. It is a treat to watch a young Indian bashing experienced overseas pros. He has an illustrious cover drive and a Yuvraj-like flick. Devdutt will rock TATA IPL 2022 with his skills. He is in the 2 Crore Bracket.
5) Quinton De Kock is one of the best openers in TATA IPL 2022:
Quinny doesn’t require any long description. He has been a part of the IPL since 2014 and has proven his mettle. Quinton was an integral part of the Mumbai Indians in 2020 and 2021. De Kock is left-handed and also provides the wicket-keeping option. This improves his portfolio. He can hold the innings together starting at run-a-ball. His attacking instincts come in one he has set his eyes. De Kock falls in the 2 Crore Indian Rupees Bracket.
4) Jonny Bairstow:
Jonny Bairstow is one hell of a player. Another product of England’s slam-bang approach, Jonny punishes the bowlers. He has great skill of playing the cut and pull shot. Jonny can form a great combination with Aaron Finch. Finch will be calm while Jonny can attack. Bairstow was associated with the Sunrisers Hyderabad but will be looking for a fresher franchise. He is one top pick in the TATA IPL 2022 Mega Auction.
3) Shikhar Dhawan:
Shikhar Dhawan is one of the top 3 openers in the TATA IPL 2022 Auction. Dhawan is a veteran of the game. He has been playing since the first edition of the tournament. One can never forget the two consecutive hundreds that Jattji made in 2020. Shikhar is known for his cut shot. He is Indian and is left-handed. Also, with Shikhar in the dressing room, a light-hearted atmosphere is maintained. He is a fun-loving guy.
2) Ishan Kishan is one of the top batsmen in TATA IPL 2022:
Ishan Kishan has cleared his intentions of playing as an opener. He was expected to be picked in the draft but it is more amazing that he is coming to the auction table in TATA IPL 2022. Ishan has three things in his favor. His age, the fact that he is left-handed, and that Ishan can keep wickets. Kishan provides a full package. He can also be groomed to take up leadership roles. He has been doing the same for the Jharkhand domestic team.
Honorable Mentions:
- 1) Alex Hales
- 2) Colin Munro
- 3) Lendl Simmons
1) David Warner:
The “Pocket Size Dynamo” from Australia is a much-awaited option in TATA IPL 2022 Mega Auction. David Warner will have several teams after him. He has leadership experience and has an aggressive nature. Warner had a dreadful season last year, but that doesn’t define the class of the player. He later was chosen as the man of the series for the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. Warner has left with a sour taste in his mouth from SRH. He will now be looking for a franchise that feels like home!
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