IPL 2022: Aakash Chopra names 10 players who could benefit the most from the addition of two new teams

IPL 2022: Aakash Chopra names 10 players who could benefit the most from the addition of two new teams

Aakash Chopra

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra picked as many as ten cricketers who are likely to be benefitted from the addition of two new teams in IPL 2022. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently planning to host a 10-team tournament in the upcoming edition. This will definitely open up plenty of opportunities for the players who are currently getting limited chances in the cash-rich league.

In a recent video uploaded on his Youtube channel, Aakash began his list with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spinner, Kuldeep Yadav. Surprisingly, the 26-year old didn’t get any opportunity in IPL 2021. 

“The first name I am keeping in this list is Kuldeep Yadav. He has been there with KKR for so many years, has done exceedingly well in T20 cricket but is not getting the chances now. He might have asked KKR earlier also to release him as some other team might play him,” said Chopra.

At number two, Chopra placed Mumbai Indians (MI) opening batsman Chris Lynn. The swashbuckling batsman has played a solitary game for the defending champions since the last edition.

“The second name in my list is Chris Lynn. He has also not got too many opportunities. He was with KKR earlier where one year was not that good and after that went to Mumbai. Mumbai also played him a couple of matches and when Quinton de Kock was available, that was it, over and done,” observed Chopra.

Another player from Kolkata Knight Riders appeared on Aakash Chopra’s list. This time he picked New Zealand quick Lockie Ferguson who had a brilliant run during the last season but didn’t get any chance in IPL 2021.

“The third name, again a Kolkata connection, is Lockie Ferguson. He is a runaway match-winner. He is a four-over bowler in T20 cricket, who can bowl the yorkers at the death, he also has a knuckle ball and a leg-cutter,” added Chopra.

The cricketer-turned-commentator picked Kiwi spinner, Mitchell Santer, at the fourth place who’s currently placed in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad.

“Next I have kept CSK’s Mitchell Santner. He gives 3-4 overs with the ball and can play the big shots. He is an all-rounder kind of player who will give you a lot. He can get quite a few chances to play in some other franchise,” said Chopra.

One of the most successful batsmen in IPL history, Ajinkya Rahane also found a place amongst Chopra’s picks. The Indian Test team’s vice-captain has been in and out of his franchise of Delhi Capitals (DC) from the last two editions.

“Another interesting name I am bringing here is Ajinkya Rahane. He has hit a century in the IPL, he also has the record of hitting 6 fours in an over, one of the three people who have done that and now suddenly he has been put in cold storage,” pointed out Chopra.

Chopra names the remaining five players

YouTube video

Continuing with his list of players who are likely to be benefitted from the addition of two new teams in IPL 2022, Chopra took the name of young leg-spinner from Nepal, Sandeep Lamichhane. 

“After that, I am picking Sandeep Lamichhane. He does well in other T20 leagues but he is not getting a chance here at all. He was released by Delhi but no one bought him. Come to the big auction, every team needs a leg-spinner and you will not get ten Indians, even if you include two or three overseas,” said Chopra.

The 43-year old believes that attacking English opener Jason Roy could also be at an advantage ahead of IPL 2022.

“Jason Roy, when the new franchises come, the ten teams will need 27-28 openers. So he will definitely be one of the openers. He will also smash the bowlers a lot if he goes to a franchise where the pitch is good,” observed Chopra.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner Shreyas Gopal was the third and final Indian pick in this list of ten players. Gopal has done well in recent years but didn’t get consistent chances from his franchise.

“Shreyas Gopal, he is with Rajasthan but not getting the opportunities. He took 20-odd wickets one year but has not got consistent chances after that. Everyone needs a leg-spinner but when Rahul Tewatia was there, he was not being played,” added Chopra.

Aakash Chopra picked England Test team’s captain Joe Root at number nine. The Dore-born is yet to play his maiden game of this tournament. 

“Another is Joe Root. It is possible he becomes the captain of one of the teams. I agree he is not a regular member of the England T20 team but he is a good player and you don’t need all players who have a strike rate of 150 and he plays spin very well,” opined Chopra.

The former opening batsman concluded his list while picking yet another Kiwi cricketer. Wicketkeeper-batsman and T20 specialist Tim Seifert completed his list of ten players.

“I am once again going with KKR. I am thinking about Tim Seifert. He is a mini McCullum, who plays unconventional shots. He was with KKR but didn’t get the chance to play but he is likely to get more chances when there are ten teams. He can keep as well and opens the batting,” concluded Chopra.

Aakash Chopra’s list of players who might be profited in IPL 2022:

  • Kuldeep Yadav
  • Chris Lynn
  • Lockie Ferguson
  • Mitchell Santner
  • Ajinkya Rahane
  • Sandeep Lamichhane
  • Jason Roy
  • Shreyas Gopal
  • Joe Root
  • Tim Seifert

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