IPL 2022: In just 19 days’ time, some of the T20 World Cup hopefuls will have a big test to pass and that is IPL 2022. With a big pool of T20 players thanks to IPL, the selectors will keep a close eye on IPL. For the likes of Harshal Patel, Venkatesh Iyer, Hardik Pandya and Yuzvendra Chahal, the IPL will be a big test to prove they deserve a place in Team India for the T20 World Cup in Australia.
Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid have used India’s T20 talent pool to the fullest during the recent New Zealand, West Indies and Sri Lanka series. In fact, India have handed debuts to 27 players in the last one year, thanks to their IPL super-show. But now, they will have to cut down on the number and IPL 2022 will be the best platform to judge. InsideSport takes a look at 10 players, who will have to perform well to book their ticket to T20 World Cup.
IPL 2022: From Harshal Patel to Ravi Bishnoi, 10 players for whom IPL 2022 performance will be ticket to T20 World Cup Australia
Harshal Patel: RCB’s pacer was last edition’s Purple Cap holder and was fast-tracked to the Indian team post T20 World Cup in UAE. While he has performed well in absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, he is yet to earn the label of third-pacer as he has massive competition from India’s quality pace bowling bench. If he performs well again in IPL, a ticket to Australia will be all but confirmed.
Venkatesh Iyer: KKR’s Venkatesh Iyer was also fast-tracked to the Indian team for his all-round abilities. He was seen as a like-to-like replacement for Hardik Pandya. So far, he has done well but he is yet to confirm a place in the line-up as he hasn’t yet impressed with his bowling.
IPL 2022: From Harshal Patel to Ravi Bishnoi, 10 players for whom IPL 2022 performance will be ticket to T20 World Cup Australia
Hardik Pandya: India’s injured star will make his comeback in the IPL. He has been out of competitive cricket since the T20 World Cup. While the team management is eager to see him return as an all-rounder, it will depend on whether he returns to bowling for the new team Gujarat Titans. Hence, his international career will depend on his IPL performance.
Yuzvendra Chahal: After missing out on the T20 World Cup 2021, the IPL 2022 will be a big test for Chahal. While he has made a fine comeback, he has a lot of competition with Rahul Chahar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav fighting for a spot.
Shardul Thakur: He is all but certain to make the cut but he is yet to prove his worth as an all-rounder in T20 cricket. With Deepak Chahar also doing well, it could end up as a straight competition between the two. Hence, IPL 2022 will be very important for him to stay in the competition for T20 World Cup.
IPL 2022: From Harshal Patel to Ravi Bishnoi, 10 players for whom IPL 2022 performance will be ticket to T20 World Cup Australia
Sanju Samson: An IPL superstar but a national team flop, Sanju Samson is still in contention as a backup if the chairman of the selection committee Chetan Sharma is to be believed. With a crowded top-order, his chance of making it to the team looks slim but a great IPL could change that.
Ravi Bishnoi: He made an excellent India debut and is now a rising star. West Indies’ hard-hitter found it difficult to read his googlies and he could bowl that six times an over with precision. If he continues that form in IPL, he could be certain for the T20 World Cup.
IPL 2022: From Harshal Patel to Ravi Bishnoi, 10 players for who IPL 2022 performance will be ticket to T20 World Cup Australia
Prasidh Krishna: Another pacer who can chip in wickets with his pace. On Australian fast and bouncy pitches, he could be lethal. But he has lacked consistency and that is something he has to improve on.
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IPL 2022: From Harshal Patel to Ravi Bishnoi, 10 players for whom IPL 2022 performance will be ticket to T20 World Cup Australia
Ruturaj Gaikwad: Despite bagging the Orange Cap, he has only warmed the bench. In the limited opportunities, he has failed to shine. He could turn out to be another victim of a crowded top-order but if he continues to do well in the IPL, selectors won’t be able to keep him at bay.
Deepak Chahar: He looks all but certain to be picked in the World Cup squad. But he will need to be at his best with the bat to show why he should be picked ahead of other fast bowlers. If he proves to be a consistent all-rounder, he will be one of the first names in India’s 15-member squad.
IPL 2022: From Harshal Patel to Ravi Bishnoi, 10 players for who IPL 2022 performance will be ticket to T20 World Cup Australia
Editors pick
