The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL</a> 2022 mega auction saw 600 players go under the hammer earlier this year. Out of the 217 maximum slots available, 204 players were sold. The team management spent extravagantly on the marquee players, with the highest successful bid of the mega auction being INR 15.25 crores for Ishan Kishan of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2022.

However, many players were sold way below their worth and had the potential to win matches on any given day. A couple of them have already punched above their weight with exciting performances so far in the 15th edition of the cash-rich league. Let us review the top 10 players from the mega auction who were sold way below their actual worth and are now punching above their ranks with match-winning performances.

10 players who are turning out to be bargain picks for their teams in IPL 2022

10. Tilak Varma &#8211; Mumbai Indians ( INR 1.7 crores)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-631988" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Tilak-Varma-2.jpg" alt="Tilak Varma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-631988" class="wp-caption-text">Tilak Varma. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The 19-year-old India U19 all-rounder, Tilak Varma, was sold for a mere 1.7 crore in the auction to the Mumbai Indians. Coming to bat at crucial stages and under a lot of pressure in the batting order, the youngster has scored 272 runs in eight innings at an average of 45.33 with a blistering strike rate of 140.20, smacking 13 sixes and 19 boundaries in the matches played so far. In a team with stalwarts like Rohit, Surya, and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-feel-this-reaction-was-over-the-top-parthiv-patel-on-krunal-pandyas-send-off-to-kieron-pollard/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pollard</a>, Tilak has hands down been the best batter for MI this season so far.

Tilak, who was unknown before joining the Mumbai Indians, has emerged as a star all-rounder and dependable batter. More than the runs he scored, Tilak has impressed everyone with the way he has scored those runs. Tilak has bailed Mumbai out of many difficult situations already in the eight games played so far, scoring two crucial fifties when the chips were down.

In a season where the five-time IPL champions aren’t doing anything outstanding, Tilak is one of the positives coming out for Mumbai. Tilak also stands tall and is currently among the top 5 highest run-scorers in the tournament.

9.  Rahul Chahar – Punjab Kings (INR 5.25 crores)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-622567" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Rahul-Chahar-1.jpg" alt="Rahul Chahar" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-622567" class="wp-caption-text">Rahul Chahar. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Rahul Chahar, a product of the Mumbai Indians and a streak smart leg spinner with a knack for breaking partnerships, was sold for just INR 5.25 crores to the Punjab Kings. He has continued his rich vein of form, picking up wickets and breaking partnerships when needed the most for the Punjab Kings. Rahul has so far picked up 10 wickets at an average of 19.40 in the seven matches that he has played.

Chahar currently stands at 10th in the Purple Cap ranking and is currently the highest wicket-taker for the Punjab Kings. Rahul is Punjab&#8217;s sole full-time spinner, and he has done an excellent job of applying breaks in the middle overs. The leg-spinner has bowled 26.3 overs so far, giving away just 194 runs in total with a splendid economy of just 7.32 in the seven matches.

Rahul’s economy of 7.32 is also the lowest amongst all the eight bowlers that Punjab has so far used in the IPL. In the match against CSK, when Chennai was cruising at one point, Chahar broke CSK’s momentum with three timely wickets and gave just 25 runs in his quota of four overs, which is also his best figures in this edition of IPL.

8. Umesh Yadav – Kolkata Knight Riders (INR 2 crores)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-618214" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Umesh-Yadav-1.jpg" alt="Umesh Yadav" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-618214" class="wp-caption-text">Umesh Yadav. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The Indian veteran pacer, who is known for his pace and swing, was bought for his base price of INR 2 crores by the Kolkata Knight Riders. Umesh, who is most potent in the power play overs, has been optimally used by the Knight Riders management. KKR has used Yadav’s pace and swing to good effect, bowling his 90% quota of overs inside the powerplay when the new ball is helping the seamers.

Umesh currently stands in the fifth position in the Purple Cap race with 11 wickets from eight innings. Umesh troubled all the opening batters with his raw pace inside the powerplay and almost seemed unplayable with his deadly outswingers with the new ball. Yadav has bowled 32 overs so far, giving away just 238 runs at a more than a decent economy rate of 7.43. Umesh’s 4/23 against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-match-38-predicted-punjab-kings-playing-xi-vs-chennai-super-kings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Punjab Kings</a> is his best bowling figure so far in the tournament.

Umesh, who had always been a strong contender for the Indian National Team as well, has been an underachiever in recent times. The performances made Yadav go unsold in the 2021 edition, and he just played two matches for RCB in the 2020 edition. With Umesh firing all cylinders, many teams struggling to pick wickets in the power play must be reconsidering their auction strategy of not bidding for Yadav.

7. Kuldeep Yadav – Delhi Capitals (INR 2 crores)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-618602" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kuldeep-Yadav.jpg" alt="Kuldeep Yadav" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-618602" class="wp-caption-text">Kuldeep Yadav. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The leg-spinner from India has been struggling recently to find his rhythm post-MS Dhoni era. Kuldeep, who was neglected by KKR and just played five matches for KKR in the 2020 season, was bought by the Delhi Capitals for his base price of INR 2 crores. Kuldeep was always known for his mystery googly and was rated highly till the time Dhoni guided him from behind the wickets.

The Capitals used the mystery bowler in some fashion in the seven matches that they have played so far. The wristy left-arm spinner is currently at No. 3 in the Purple Cap race with 13 wickets in seven innings. Kuldeep is also the highest wicket-taker for Delhi. Bowling with a decent economy rate of 8.47, Kuldeep has a staggering strike rate of 12.30, meaning the youngster picks at least one wicket in a minimum of 12 balls.

Kuldeep has shown the world why he is considered highly regarded in the Indian spin bowling circuit. Taking four wickets against his former team <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-3-benched-kkr-players-who-deserve-a-chance-in-the-playing-xi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KKR</a>, which was a match-winning performance, he proved the Kolkata management wrong for not trusting in his abilities. Kuldeep has not just picked wickets in the middle overs but has been able to deceive the batters with his wrong ones and the top spinners.

6. Robin Uthappa &#8211; Chennai Super Kings (INR 2 crores)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-627331" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Robin-Uthappa2.jpg" alt="Robin Uthappa" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-627331" class="wp-caption-text">Robin Uthappa. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The walking assassin was re-purchased by CSK in the mega auction for a base price of INR 2 crores. The 37-year-old was experimental and played crucial match-winning knocks for Chennai in the last season. The CSK management again backed Uthappa to fire for them as an opener, this time in the 2022 season.

Playing at a fiery strike rate of 147.40, the veteran batter has scored 227 runs in seven innings. With two 50+ scores, Uthappa has lived up to his reputation as a match-winner and has delivered whenever CSK needed him. Robin is currently averaging 32.43 in the seven innings that he has played so far for the Chennai Super Kings.

He has brought his experience to the table and has shown the world why he is regarded highly as an opener. As Ruturaj has been out of form this season, Robin had to do the bulk of the scoring in the powerplay for Chennai. Also, in the absence of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/one-of-the-best-white-ball-overs-ive-bowled-marco-jansen-on-picking-faf-du-plessis-and-virat-kohlis-wickets-in-a-single-over-vs-rcb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Faf du Plessis</a>, Robin has taken over as Chennai&#8217;s opener and is currently the team&#8217;s second-highest run-scorer, demonstrating why he deserved more than his base price of 2 crores.

5. Ayush Badoni – Lucknow Super Giants (INR 20 lakhs)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-619387" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ayush-Badoni.jpg" alt="Ayush Badoni" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-619387" class="wp-caption-text">Ayush Badoni. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

&#8220;Don’t judge a book by its cover.&#8221; We have heard this all our lives, but due to his small stature and not so muscular build, not many would have backed Ayush Badoni to deliver punches above his weight. But Badoni had some different plans for this season. After being picked by Lucknow Super Giants for just INR 20 lakhs, Ayush was mostly picked in the squad as a backup rather than a regular in the playing 11.

From being an unsold player the previous two seasons to walking into pressure situations for LSG, Ayush Badoni has shown nerves of steel to win it for his franchise. Accumulating 134 runs in eight innings, more than the total score, Badoni has impressed the cricket pundits with his cool and composed nature when his team is down and out. In a team with stalwarts like Manish Pandey, Evin Lewis, and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/lsg-vs-rcb-kl-rahul-fined-for-breaching-code-of-conduct-marcus-stoinis-also-reprimanded/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marcus Stoinis</a>, Badoni is standing tall, being the fourth-highest run-scorer for the Super Giants.

Badoni is already establishing himself as a worthy candidate to wear the blue jersey for India soon. The Delhi capitals would be pinching themselves as they didn’t bid on Badoni even after calling him for trials where he smashed a quick-fire 20-ball 51. Finally, Gambhir recognized his talent and gave him a chance in playing XI for LSG, and now he is striking at 139.58 against the international bowlers in the IPL.

4. Quinton De Kock &#8211; Lucknow Super Giants (INR 6.75 crores)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-620892" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Quinton-de-Kock.jpg" alt="Quinton de Kock" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-620892" class="wp-caption-text">Quinton de Kock. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The South African wicket-keeper batter, Quinton De Kock, is one of the best keeper-batters going around in this era. Known for his quick and fast hands behind the wickets, the South African cricketer has the potential to take the game away from the opposition in a matter of a few overs. Being sold for just INR 6.75 crores, De Kock raised a few eyebrows after the auction.

The left-hander has been experimental in giving quick starts to LSG this season, striking at 133.13. Quinton has scored 225 runs so far in eight innings that he has appeared for his new franchise. Averaging 28.13, De Kock has scored two match-winning fifties so far, with his highest being 80 against the Delhi Capitals.

Quinton, being an international overseas player with experience of winning titles with his previous franchise, has been a valuable addition to the side who are looking to make a mark in IPL 2022. The keeper-batter is also an asset from behind the wicket for any captain. He is seen assisting the fielding captain with DRS decisions and setting the correct angles for the bowlers when <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-lsg-skipper-kl-rahul-fined-inr-24-lakh-for-second-slow-over-rate-offence-this-season/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KL Rahul</a> is fielding beyond the 30-yard mark.

3. David Warner – Delhi Capitals ( INR 6.25 crores)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-626149" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/David-Warner-1.jpg" alt="David Warner" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-626149" class="wp-caption-text">David Warner. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

David Warner, the fiery Australian, returned to the franchise where it all began for him in the IPL, the Delhi Capitals. After a bidding war, Warner was sold for INR 6.25 crores. Delhi secured a like-for-like replacement for Dhawan in the form of another aggressive left-handed opener Warner.

The only overseas player to score more than 5,000 runs in the IPL was left high and dry by Sunrisers Hyderabad last year and was dethroned from the captain’s position. Looking for redemption this year, David has already scored three match-winning innings for Delhi. Scoring at a fiery strike rate of 157.55, the pocket dynamo has scored 219 runs so far in the five innings that he has played. Warner has also scored three back-to-back fifties for the Capitals with scores of 66, 61*, and 60.

Warner brings not only his fearless batting but also his decision-making experience to the table in this year&#8217;s IPL. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rishabh-pant-is-showing-glimpses-of-ms-dhonis-leadership-characteristics-kuldeep-yadav/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rishabh Pant </a>has been seen consulting David Warner before making any important decisions. Young Indian bowlers look to David at mid-on and mid-off for guidance and strategies against the international blokes.

2. Dinesh Karthik – Royal Challengers Bangalore ( INR 5.50 crore)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-629638" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Dinesh-Karthik-3.jpg" alt="Dinesh Karthik IPL" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-629638" class="wp-caption-text">Dinesh Karthik. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The Indian veteran wicketkeeper, who has reinvented himself ever since the Asia Cup finals against Bangladesh, was bought by RCB for INR 5.50 crores in search of a finisher. Dinesh Karthik didn’t disappoint his former team either. He has been playing some innovative shots, saving RCB’s ship from sinking after an early loss of wickets and taking the game away from the opposition match after match in the 15th edition of IPL.

Roaring at a strike rate of 200, Karthik has scored 210 runs and has been devastating in the death overs, smacking 18 fours and 15 sixes so far in eight innings. Karthik is also the second-highest run-scorer for Royal Challengers Bangalore this season. With the likes of Faf du Plessis, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/virat-kohli-is-always-up-for-a-battle-he-will-find-that-switch-shane-watson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli</a>, and Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik has been the MVP with the bat so far for RCB.

Karthik, who usually walks into bat after the 12th or the 13th over, has been a revelation for Bangalore. He has been scoring boundaries in an unorthodox fashion, with 360-degree shots, Karthik has not let RCB miss Ab De Villiers by any means. Karthik has been experimental in taking RCB home from situations where it was done and dusted for them, showing the world why he is still not done yet!

1.  Yuzvendra Chahal – Rajasthan Royals ( INR 6.5 crores)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-630664" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Yuzvendra-Chahal-2.jpg" alt="Yuzvendra Chahal" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-630664" class="wp-caption-text">Yuzvendra Chahal. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The proud owner of the Purple Cap, Yuzvendra Chahal has been sensational this year. After not being retained by RCB, Chahal was expected to go for big bucks in the mega auction by the cricketing pundits. However, he was purchased by the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/trent-boult-is-looking-to-lead-rajasthan-royals-from-the-front-nikhil-chopra/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rajasthan Royals</a> for a pittance of INR 6.5 crores.

Striking after almost every 9th ball, Chahal has picked up 18 wickets so far with an economy of 7.28 runs per over. He has played a huge role in Rajasthan being at the top three of the points table. The 31-year-old cricketer also became the first player to take a hattrick in the 15th edition of IPL. Chahal just didn’t take a hattrick and stop there, he also went on to pick the first five-for in this season and ended with match-winning bowling figures of 5/40.

The leg-spinner has picked wickets at regular intervals in the middle overs for Rajasthan. Though the state-level chess champion went for far less than his actual worth in the mega auction, Chahal, with his skill set and knack for smart bowling, has proved to everyone that he deserved way more than those mere six and a half crores. RCB, who retained three players and had room for one more, would have to pinch themselves for not retaining the IPL 2022&#8217;s leading wicket-taker.

Written by Kannan Nair

The 15th edition of the cash-rich league have been a grand success so far

IPL 2022: 10 players who are turning out to be bargain picks for their teams

Many players have already proved that they deserve more money that what they got at the IPL auction with their impressive performances.