The internationally acclaimed domestic limited overs competition returns to our screens once more, with cricket fans around the world waiting in excited anticipation for the explosive tournament to get underway.
The likes of cricket legends MS Dhoni and Kieron Pollard will feature at this cash-rich tournament, along with international stars from all around the world.
The England and Wales Cricket Board will be represented by ten of their players at this year’s IPL, after some made the shock decision to withdraw themselves from the tournament.
Alex Hales and Jason Roy are two English stars who will not be participating in the competition, citing bubble fatigue and mental-well-being for their absence.
Roy was set to be part of the Gujarat Titans’ inaugural tournament, a new franchise which will be captained by Indian fast bowler Hardik Pandya.
The IPL will also welcome the Lucknow SuperGiants into the tournament, who will be captained by the Indian batter KL Rahul.
Cricketers from around the world have often used the IPL as an important stepping stone into the international circuit.
The pomp and ceremony that often comes with this competition helps prepare players in a way that domestic tournaments often cannot.
Over the years, there have been some incredible and iconic moments that have risen out of the IPL and with only three days to go until the 2022 tournament starts, here are some key players to watch out for throughout the competition.
1. Liam Livingstone - Punjab Kings
Livingstone has been around the cricketing block for a while but suddenly shot back into everyone’s favour during ‘The Hundred’ tournament last summer. He scored 100 more runs than any other batter and was a part of England’s T20 World Cup squad last autumn. The Punjab Kings paid £1.1million on the second day of the IPL auction and Livingstone will not be one to let his side down.
2. Raj Bawa - Punjab Kings
Bawa is a rising Indian star and was a vital all-rounder in his country’s successful efforts at the Under-19 ICC World Cup. In his youth ODI career, Bawa has played 10 matches and scored 343, giving him an impressive average of 57.13. He has also taken 17 wickets at an unbelievable average of 18.88.
3. Rashid Khan - Gujarat Titans
The Afghanistan all-rounder is always an immense threat for any opposition he faces and his former team, the Sunrisers of Hyderabad will be sorry to have lost their spinner to Pandya’s new team. In last year’s The Hundred tournament, Khan won himself joint highest wicket-taker, taking 12.
4. Pat Cummins - Kolkata Knight Riders
The Australian Test captain was quickly snapped up by his side at this year’s auction and will be one on whom KKR will rely heavily to lead the pace attack. In 25 matches for his side, Cummins has taken 23 wickets at an average of 34 and economy of 8.32. With the captaincy now added to his resume, Cummins will be able to offer a level of authority and experience crucial to this IPL side.