IPL 2022: 3 Teams that are favorites to win the trophy this season
In IPL's last four-year cycle, giants like MI and CSK have won two titles each.
The mega auction of IPL 2022 has painted admirable squads for all teams. Even the new entrants- LSG and GT have shopped quality players. However, the extended arrangement of 10 franchises has raised question marks regarding each team’s playing XI.
Because of the limited availability of high calibre players, no team is free of voids or shortcomings. Even the giants like MI and CSK are experiencing loopholes despite their strong retentions. Overall also because of the erratic auction dynamics, every franchise has a chink in its armour.
Perhaps amidst all this, the experts have started picking the favourites of the 2022 season. Hence in this list, let’s check out the three franchises that can win IPL 2022.
1. Chennai Super Kings
CSK in IPL 2022 looks similar to the previous season. The team management has tried hard to bag players who are identical for their playing template. Just like IPL 2021, the yellow army is brimmed with depth and resources. In total, they carry a profusion of 8 all-rounders.
Starting with their batting department, the likes of Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad restore their old opening combination. Below them, even floaters like Moeen Ali and Ambati Rayudu are tailor-made for the middle passage of play. In the lower middle-order, the likes of Jadeja and Shivam Dube add extra firepower.
Even beneath them, the bowling all-rounders like Deepak Chahar and DJ Bravo elongate their entire batting. In general, the defending champions have stitched a dynamic batting order much like the last season.
However, with regards to bowling, the franchise has done adequate shopping. Regulars like Deepak Chahar and DJ Bravo are expected to helm at the start and bowl in death overs. In the spin department, Mitchell Santner as well as the mystery spin of Mahesh Theekshana is also available. In their overseas spearheads, there’s an extra pace of Adam Milne and even Chris Jordan is an interesting backup Bravo.
Overall, both in terms of the team balance and resources, CSK is well occupied. However, the current injury to Deepak Chahar might put them in shambles, especially with regards to the backup of local pacers. Otherwise, the defending champions do contain a similar pedigree to win their fifth title.
2. Lucknow Super Giants
Undoubtedly, the Super Giants have surprised everyone with their apt signings. The franchise with the help of its experienced support staff has built a robust squad. Unlike the others teams, their lower-middle order is meticulously well stacked. Like CSK, Lucknow has a presence of a total of 8 all-rounders.
In terms of their batting, the opening pair of KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock looks befitting. Even Manish Pandey at number three looks like a solid brick. Barring them, the likes of Stoinis, Hooda and Krunal Pandya can dwell themselves as per the situation. At number 7, the tall Jason Holder then becomes the cherry on top. Comprehensively, this batting lineup can fancy their chances to chase any IPL target.
However bowling wise, there isn’t quite a depth beyond their frontline players. Especially with regards to the Indian pace attack, Avesh Khan doesn’t have a sturdy backup. Comprehensively, the likes of Holder, Ravi Bishnoi, Mark Wood and Avesh Khan will be the vital cogs. Overall, if LSG enjoys full availability of its front-line players then conclusively IPL 2022 can be their maiden glory.
3. Rajasthan Royals
Fortunately in IPL 2022, the Royals have built a very settled squad. Unlike before, their lower middle-order looks very competent. The franchise in the mega auction has also strengthened its spin bowling. However, with regards to all-rounders, RR has just five of them.
In terms of the team combination, both young guns- Padikkal and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the two openers. Below them, the pink army can then have its two giant stars- Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler. Even in the lower middle-order, there are solid explosive options like Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag and Jimmy Neesham. However, the only shortcoming they might face will be the fifth bowling option of Neesham and Parag combined.
Moving on to the bowling department, the pink army contains a cluster of experienced candidates. Especially in terms of spinners, the franchise will enjoy veterans like Yuzi Chahal and R Ashwin. Perhaps with regards to pace, the likes of Trent Boult and Prasidth Krishna will hunt in tandem. Interestingly, there’s also the availability of Navdeep Saini to join as either a third pacer or a replacement.
Barring its vital cogs, RR will also have additional cricketers like Rassie van der Dussen, Daryl Mitchell and Obed McCoy as reserves. All in all, after many years, the RR family looks well-equipped to hunt its second IPL title.
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