IPL 2022: Niall O'Brien, Nikhil Chopra choose top picks for value for money players in season

The IPL 2022 mega auction was one of the key events this year as the teams picked their fresh squads for the next couple of years. After the retention of key players, many talented youngsters, as well as experienced cricketers, marked their presence in the auction pool of players. As the season is progressing, some of them have certainly provided value for money to the franchises. The former cricketers Niall O’Brien and Nikhil Chopra chose their respective top picks for the players proving their worth in IPL 2022.

O’Brien thinks Tilak Varma has been impressive with his hitting abilities and is the leading run-scorer for the Mumbai Indians (MI) as well. He then picked Maheesh Theekshana, due to his wicket-taking abilities for CSK. O’Brien was particularly impressed with Protea national Aiden Markram’s performances in the ongoing season. He added that Markram has anchored the innings well and has never let the Sunrisers team down, with his presence at the crease.

“I went for Tilak Varma from Mumbai, because he has struck the ball well, and over 250 runs, with a strike rate of around 140. I like Theekshana from Chennai, and enjoy his bowling for Sri Lanka. What a cheap buy he was, and is a little bit like Ajantha Mendis, let’s see how long it lasts for Theekshana.”

“Then Aiden Markram was a good purchase for Sunrisers. He is a proven warrior and campaigner for South Africa, and he hasn’t let down Sunrisers, struck the ball well, his strike rate is good, and can anchor the innings,” said Niall O’Brien on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket’ Show on CricTracker.

First is Brevis of course Brevis: Nikhil Chopra

Chopra chose MI batters Dewald Brevis and Tilak Varma as his top picks. Then he chose the experienced Indian bowlers, Kuldeep Yadav and Umesh Yadav, who have gone on to become two of the finest bowlers in the ongoing season. Chopra reckoned that he was shocked after Umesh was not picked by any of the franchises in the first round, and is happy with his performances.

“First is Brevis of course Brevis, and then Tilak Varma, the way there are performing. Then [Kuldeep] Yadav and [Umesh] Yadav, and I was shocked Umesh was not picked in the first round of the auction. But I am happy, he has been doing well, and it is incredible,” Chopra said.

Niall O’Brien’s picks: Tilak Varma, Maheesh Theekshana, Aiden Markram

Nikhil Chopra’s picks: Dewald Brevis, Tilak Varma, Kuldeep Yadav, Umesh Yadav