IPL 2022: Five destructive batters picked during mega auctions – Explosive batters are always considered hot property in T20 cricket. The trend continued during the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction as some of the game’s destructive hitters as Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, and Tim David were brought by SRH, PBKS, and MI respectively. Follow IPL 2022 LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN.
Nicholas Pooran also managed to get a whopping amount of 10.75 crores as he brought by SRH. England opening batters Jason Roy and Alex Hales were comparatively brought by lesser prices by GT and KKR respectively.
IPL 2022: From Jonny Bairstow to Tim David, 5 MOST DESTRUCTIVE BATSMEN picked at mega auction – Check out
These batters’ ability to change the complexion of the game quickly and won games singlehandedly is what sets them apart from the rest. At InsideSport we take a look at the top five destructive batters picked at the mega auction.
1: Liam Livingstone
Punjab Kings (PBKS) broke the bank and managed to get England all-rounder Liam Livingstone for 11.5 crores. He thus became the most expensive foreign pick during this year’s mega auctions. Livingstone prominently came to the limelight when he scored a century off just 42 balls against England in a T20I game last year.
He carried that form into the inaugural edition of The Hundred and was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Naturally, his stocks reached the rooftop after his blazing performances with the bat. Livingstone can get going from ball one. If set, he can strike at close to 200. He is also pretty handy with his leg-spin.
IPL 2022: From Jonny Bairstow to Tim David, 5 MOST DESTRUCTIVE BATSMEN picked at mega auction – Check out
2: Jonny Bairstow
PBKS managed to get England wicketkeeper-batter at a steal price of 6.75 crores. One of the game’s most destructive white-ball openers, Bairstow can kill a run chase, or lay a foundation by going big at the top. The right-hand batter has an impressive record in the IPL so far. In 28 matches he has scored 1038 runs at an average of 41.52 and a strike rate of 142.19.
When on song, there is no better sight than watching the England batter going about his business. He is also adaptable and can slot in the middle order apart from opening the innings.
3: Tim David
Singapore-born Tim David grabbed eyeballs on day two of the mega auctions. He was brought Mumbai Indians for 8.25 crores. MI, who were quiet for a considerable amount of time at the start of the auctions on day two, managed to fight tooth-nail with KKR to get the explosive batter’s services. The 25-year-old is a death-over specialist and has scored the most number of runs from overs to 16-20 in 2021.
David can get off the blokes from bat one and finish games within a blink of an eye. MI would be hoping he takes IPL by storm just he took BBL and PSL.
— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) February 13, 2022
IPL 2022: From Jonny Bairstow to Tim David, 5 MOST DESTRUCTIVE BATSMEN picked at mega auction – Check out
4: David Warner
Another of those steely buys was Delhi Capitals acquiring David Warner for just 6.25 crores. It was a surprise there was no intense bidding war to get the southpaw. Warner was named the player of the tournament in the T20 World Cup 2021. In the majority of matches during the showpiece event, the seasoned campaigner set things by nicely by scoring brisk 40s and 50s.
Warner has played 150 IPL games and has a huge amount of experience. He can easily play anchor and go bang from word go.
IPL 2022: From Jonny Bairstow to Tim David, 5 MOST DESTRUCTIVE BATSMEN picked at mega auction – Check out
5: Alex Hales
England opening batter Alex Hales finally found a taker in the form of KKR. After going unsold during the first bid, Hales was picked for 1.5 crores during the accelerated bid. Hales, who is some form in, since two years in T20 competitions like BBL, PSL and CPL will now look to make a mark in IPL. He has shots all around the ground and plays pace and spin equally well.
IPL 2022: From Jonny Bairstow to Tim David, 5 MOST DESTRUCTIVE BATSMEN picked at mega auction – Check out
Editors pick
