Last Updated on 8 months ago by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: 9 players who can impact the IPL 2022 playoffs | 9 players to watch out for in the IPL 2022 playoffs
The IPL playoffs are upon us. Gujarat Titans, who were the first to be guaranteed a spot thanks to their excellent IPL performance this year, will play the impressive Rajasthan Royals.
Lucknow Super Giants will then take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator, with the latter having Mumbai Indians to thank for beating Delhi Capitals.
All four sides have a number of match-winners. After all, you need such players in your team to make the top four in a competitive 10-team league. Here 10 such players to watch.
1. Jos Buttler
In an interview with online betting platform Betway, cricketing legend Kevin Pietersen said that he hopes RR makes it into the playoffs to honour the memory of Shane Warne. Jos Buttler, who is the Orange Cap holder (629 runs), is one of the Royals’ weapons. While his form has cooled down a little, he is capable of turning it on at any moment, especially in these big games.
2. Hardik Pandya
Captaining the Gujarat Titans, who were once considered also-rans, Hardik Pandya is full of charisma and cricketing skill. His maxim is to live life to the fullest, and it’s a maxim by which he abides when it comes to his cricketing style as well. He isn’t just a mighty middle-order batsman; Pandya’s technique when it comes to seam bowling must be seen to be believed as well. He could well be the reason GT wins IPL 2022.
3. Harshal Patel
Called “India’s second-best T20 bowler” by legendary Indian opener Aakash Chopra, Harshal Patel is one of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s deadliest bowlers. His variable pace makes him hard to predict and react to, which is what led to him taking 19 wickets in the death overs during the previous season.
4. Avesh Khan
The dreaded “death overs” are always a source of dread and terror for cricket teams, but that’s where LSG’s Avesh Khan comes in. When the Lucknow Super Giants face Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator, Khan will be LSG’s death overs bowler. Along with Dushmantha Chameera, Khan could be what takes LSG to victory in these playoffs.
5. Sanju Samson
With superstar batsman Jos Buttler on his side, one could forgive Sanju Samson for resting on his laurels, but he’s far from content to do that. While Buttler’s batting is second to none, Samson is giving him a serious run for his money in this area, with 21 sixes in the tournament. It’s likely he’s going to do that again when his Rajasthan Royals face off against the Gujarat Titans.
6. Rahul Tewatia
Tewatia is well-known for smashing two consecutive sixes earlier this year, giving the Gujarat Titans their third win in a row at Brabourne. He could well repeat that performance during the playoffs, especially given how capable he is of pulling off incredible chases.
7. Ravi Bishnoi
Bishnoi is yet another young buck who can easily compete with older and more experienced players. He will be key in the middle overs, particularly with his wrong-uns. LSG will turn to him for wickets and to keep the rate down, so expect big things from him.
8. Virat Kohli
It has been an under-par season by Virat Kohli’s lofty standards. However, his match-winning fifty in his last match vs Gujarat has raised hopes of a Virat show in the playoffs. If the great man fires, watch out.
9. Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis is a big game player. The RCB captain hasn’t been at his consistent best in IPL 2022, but as last season showed, he can turn it on in the biggest games. If he fires, RCB can win their first IPL title.
