The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> reached its conclusion for this season last month. Like every year, there have were several notable performances from homegrown as well as overseas players. Moreover, two new franchises were also introduced this year, with both making the playoffs and the Gujarat Titans going a step further and winning the trophy in its maiden season.

IPL is known to unearth new talents every season. An opportunity to showcase your skill on the biggest stage is what any aspiring cricketer craves. It is not just a platform for uncapped Indian players to display their potential, but we also see many upcoming overseas talents every year.

This year’s IPL was no different. Some usual suspects performed exceedingly well, a few new stars like Dewald Brevis, Tilak Varma, Mukesh Choudhary, Rajat Patidar, and Mohsin Khan are ones to look forward to the future. Some unsung heroes did their job and made small yet crucial contributions in helping their side cross the finish line in important games.

Here is a list of one such player from each franchise from this edition of the IPL:

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-640486" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Yashasvi-Jaiswal.jpg" alt="Yashasvi Jaiswal" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-640486" class="wp-caption-text">Yashasvi Jaiswal. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rr-rajasthan-royals/">RR’s</a> campaign in 2022 was all about Jos Buttler. His opening partner though made small yet crucial contributions to help his team get off to a great start in powerplays this season. However, his position in the team wasn’t a guarantee after the auction as Devdutt Padikkal was bought, providing another opening option.

Royals decided to open with Jaiswal at the start of their campaign with Padikkal in the middle-order. However, after failures against RCB and MI, he was dropped. Padikkal was inconsistent himself in the games he opened and they decided to go back to their initial opening combination.

In his comeback match against PBKS, Jaiswal smashed 68 off 41 balls to help the Royals win the crucial encounter. In the game against LSG, the southpaw was again responsible for providing a quick start in the powerplay, scoring 41 off just 29 balls. Royals were chasing a modest target of 151 against CSK in their last group game, with a win needed to ensure a top two finish on the points table.

Once again Jaiswal delivered in an important match with a half-century that ensured RR finished above Lucknow. What’s crucial to note in these performances is that they came at a time, when Buttler had a quiet string of games towards the end of group stages. His knocks ensured there was less pressure on Jos going into the playoffs, where he rediscovered his form to take them to the finals.

2. Dushmantha Chameera (LSG)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-629470" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Dushmantha-Chameera.jpg" alt="Dushmantha Chameera" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-629470" class="wp-caption-text">Dushmantha Chameera. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

It was the debut IPL season for Chameera in 2022. Known to clock 140 km/hr consistently, much was expected from the Sri Lankan pacer. LSG had an auction strategy of having a formidable pace attack this season. When Mark Wood was declared injured for this IPL, team Lucknow was hoping for Chameera to step up and lead their pace attack.

While it was a breakthrough season for Mohsin Khan, the contributions of Chameera cannot be neglected. In his very first match, the tall fast bowler returned with figures of 2/22 with crucial wickets of Shubman Gill and Vijay Shankar. However, after an expensive spell on a flat wicket against CSK, Chameera was dropped for Andrew Tye.

He came back stronger though in the game against the Royals, where he returned with figures of 0/22 at an economy of 5.5. Against RCB, Chameera knocked the top order including <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/he-went-to-his-room-started-crying-pradeep-sangwan-recalls-how-virat-kohli-got-pranked/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli</a> for a duck despite the contest being a high-scoring affair.

His ability to be lethal up top as well as being economical was once again proved when LSG defended 168 against the Mumbai Indians, where the pacer went for just 14 runs from his four overs. Overall, Chameera was able to do the job that was expected from him and was one of the reasons why LSG were able to make it to the playoffs in their debut season.

3. Shahbaz Ahmed (RCB)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-620409" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shahbaz-Ahmed.jpg" alt="Shahbaz Ahmed" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-620409" class="wp-caption-text">Shahbaz Ahmed. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

RCB made it to the playoffs for the 3rd successive season this IPL. There were some crucial roles played by bowlers like Harshal, Wanindu, and Hazelwood while finisher Dinesh Karthik was their key performer too. It was not the best IPL for Virat Kohli this time, and it required small yet crucial contributions from Shahbaz Ahmed throughout the tournament, to keep the winning momentum intact.

Shahbaz batted up the order this season for RCB. In their second game against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/kkr-kolkata-knight-riders/">KKR</a>, chasing a modest total of 128, RCB lost Kohli and Faf early. Shahbaz chipped in with a crucial contribution of 27 from 20 balls to help them stay in the run-chase and complete a narrow victory. In the very next game against the Royals, Shahbaz was once again instrumental in a run chase, scoring 45 off just 26 balls to help RCB win back-to-back games on another night, where the big guns failed.

Shahbaz kept his good form going, scoring 41 and 32 against CSK and DC at a high strike rate. Although none of his contributions were large enough to hog the limelight, his small yet crucial performances helped RCB get wins especially early in the tournament. When the big guns didn’t find it easy, knocks like these helped RCB stay on top at the start of the tournament.

4. Wriddhiman Saha (GT)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-644697" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Wriddhiman-Saha-3.jpg" alt="Wriddhiman Saha Fifty" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-644697" class="wp-caption-text">Wriddhiman Saha Fifty. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Saha was picked up by the Titans late in the auction on Day 2. Despite his IPL experience including a century in finals before, he was overlooked initially for Matthew Wade. It was only in their sixth group game that Saha got his first opportunity.

He was brought in as a direct swap for Wade and was asked to open. He didn’t have an enjoyable first few outings against CSK and KKR. However, what followed was nothing short of extraordinary, as Saha displayed his attacking mindset, making maximum use of the first six overs. He smashed a match-winning 68 off 38, chasing 195 against SRH when the entire <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/gujarat-titans/">GT</a> lineup succumbed to Umran Malik.

He backed it up with another half-century against Mumbai Indians and an unbeaten 67 against CSK to take GT into the playoffs. A settled Gujarat team had the only issue of opening during the initial phase of the tournament and it was solved by the Bengal wicketkeeper-batter.

5. Jitesh Sharma (PBKS)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-622644" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Jitesh-Sharma.jpg" alt="Jitesh Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-622644" class="wp-caption-text">Jitesh Sharma (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Jitesh Sharma is a 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Amravati, Maharashtra. He was brought in by Punjab Kings as a cover for Bairstow and Rajapaksa in case they needed to adjust their overseas combination. Jitesh wasn’t an immediate starter and had to wait to get his chance till their 3rd game against CSK.

Jitesh was the chosen wicketkeeper in a few games while Bairstow took the gloves in some others. What remained consistent was his performance as a finisher for PBKS. He displayed immense composure and match awareness in whichever situation he was put into. In his very first game, he smashed three sixes against CSK, finishing the innings with a cameo of 26 from 17 balls.

He didn’t look back and hit another quickfire knock against GT, scoring 23 from 11 balls, followed by 30 off 15 balls against MI, and 38 off 18 against the Royals. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/punjab-kings/">Punjab</a> now have a quality finisher to rely on. He also showed composure in a difficult game against DC, where PBKS lost quick wickets, to steady the innings. His contributions were never making the headlines, but he was executing his role to perfection.

6. Rinku Singh (KKR)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-646391" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Rinku-Singh-1.jpg" alt="Rinku Singh" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-646391" class="wp-caption-text">Rinku Singh. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Rinku Singh has been part of the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/kkr-kolkata-knight-riders/">KKR</a> setup for over four years now. He got limited opportunities before this season despite stellar performances in domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh. Known for his hitting ability and all-round strokeplay, Rinku is also a very good fielder. He finally got his chance in IPL 2022 for the franchise.

Rinku was once again overlooked in the initial part of KKR’s campaign. He finally got his chance when Kolkata was on the brink of elimination. In his first game, Rinku scored 35 off 28 balls against GT which they lost towards the end. He provided the finishing touches to their innings against DC and MI and won them the game against RR. scoring an unbeaten 42 off just 23 balls.

His heroic moment came in KKR&#8217;s last game against LSG. Chasing a mammoth score of 210, KKR were dead and buried when they lost Shreyas Iyer and Andre Russell. What followed was not just a display of power, but also all-round strokeplay, as Rinku scored 40 off just 15 balls. hitting four massive sixes. He almost took them to the finish line but was unfortunate to end up on the losing side.

7. Khaleel Ahmed (DC)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-639410" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Khaleel-Ahmed-1.jpg" alt="Khaleel Ahmed" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-639410" class="wp-caption-text">Khaleel Ahmed. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Khaleel was picked up in the auction along with Chetan Sakariya as covers for Mustafizur and the injured Anrich Nortje. He made crucial contributions to the franchise and ended up playing 10 games out of 14.

Khaleel helped DC win their first game taking the new ball in the absence of their overseas pros, returning with figures of 2/27 from 4 overs. He picked up two wickets against GT, followed by a match-winning spell of 3/25 against KKR to continue Delhi’s winning momentum. Khaleel picked crucial wickets in the powerplay in almost every game until he was dropped for Chetan Sakariya.

He made a return against SRH picking three vital wickets to help DC defend the target. Overall, Khaleel picked 16 wickets in the 10 games he played at an average of 19. The contributions of the 24-year-old slipped under the radar due to big names like Kuldeep, Mustafizur, and Nortje but he was instrumental in keeping DC&#8217;s playoff hopes alive till the last game.

8. Abhishek Sharma (SRH)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-648275" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Abhishek-Sharma-vs-Punjab-Kings.jpg" alt="Abhishek Sharma vs Punjab Kings" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-648275" class="wp-caption-text">Abhishek Sharma vs Punjab Kings. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Abhishek Sharma was brought back in the auction by SRH for INR 6.5 crores. He was asked to open the batting with skipper Kane Williamson and also provided an additional left-arm spinning option for the balance of the side. Abhishek is widely regarded in the domestic circles, as a player similar to his idol Yuvraj Singh and he didn’t disappoint this season.

Abhishek provided quick starts for SRH throughout their campaign. Skipper Kane Williamson failed to deliver with the bat this season and was slow in the powerplay too. That wasn’t the case though for the youngster from Punjab, as he scored 426 runs in the season at a strike rate of 133. He was instrumental in the five-match winning streak for SRH, which kept them in the hunt for the playoffs.

He put up a match-winning performance against CSK, scoring 75 off just 50 balls, and 42 off 32 balls against GT chasing 162. He scored his second fifty of the season against the Titans and played crucial cameos in the powerplay throughout. With players like Rahul Tripathi, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/nicholas-pooran-looking-forward-to-face-bangladesh-after-disappointing-series-against-pakistan/">Nicolas Pooran</a>, and Aiden Markram in the team, Abhishek’s contributions were not always in the headlines, but scoring 400 runs in an IPL season is something to be very proud of for a 21-year-old youngster.

9. Daniel Sams (MI)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-643172" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Daniel-Sams-1.jpg" alt="Daniel Sams" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-643172" class="wp-caption-text">Daniel Sams. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

With Jofra Archer unavailable for MI this season, much was expected from BBL superstar Daniel Sams. He had a forgetful first few games, particularly against KKR where Pat Cummins smashed 35 runs in his one over. Soon after he was dropped for other overseas options in the playing XI with Mumbai on the bottom of the points table.

He made a return to the starting line-up when Tymal Mills was ruled out due to an injury. In his comeback game, he picked four wickets against CSK, defending a low total of 155. He returned with economic spells against GT and KKR, as Mumbai started to register some points on the board. Sams was the Player of the Match in the return game against CSK going for 3/16 from his 4 overs.

It was indeed a forgetful campaign for the Mumbai Indians, but if they need positives for the next season, Daniel Sams was certainly one. The way he made a comeback after the initial hammerings, was a testament to his character. With uncertainty surrounding Jofra Archer for next season as well, MI has an able backup option in Sams.

10. Simarjeet Singh (CSK)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-644544" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Simarjeet-Singh-1.jpg" alt="Simarjeet Singh" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-644544" class="wp-caption-text">Simarjeet Singh. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

CSK were jolted by a massive setback even before they stepped on the field in IPL 2022 with an injury to Deepak Chahar. In his absence, they tried many bowlers like Tushar Deshpande, Adam Milne, and Chris Jordan but none were effective. Batters win games, but bowlers win championships, and it was no surprise that CSK found it difficult to defend its title this year.

While Mukesh Choudhary was the biggest positive with the ball, another young pacer showed character. He was brought into the side late in the tournament, particularly when their playoff hopes were gone. With an eye on the future, Dhoni decided to groom the young pacer and the Delhi pacer proved to be a quick learner.

Simarjeet was attacked in his first two outings by the batters and failed to pick any wickets. Dhoni decided to stick to him and he returned the favor, picking 2/27 in his four overs against DC. Defending just 97 against Mumbai, the skipper decided to bowl Simarjeet four overs on the trot and he picked up the big wicket of Rohit Sharma going for just 22 runs om his quota.

The young man continued with his positive performances with a spell of 1/18 in CSK&#8217;s last group game, dismissing the Orange Cap holder Jos Buttler. His ability to swing the ball is for everyone to see and a little bit of control can make him a quality bowler in the future.

IPL is known to unearth new talents every season.

IPL 2022: Teamwise unsung hero of the tournament

There were also some unsung heroes who did their job and made small yet crucial contributions in helping their side.