IPL 2022 – Pre-Tournament Predictions
As the beginning of the 2022 IPL draws ever closer, Team TSZ has run through the rosters of the ten franchises and predicted the finishing order of all ten teams. Be sure to bookmark the cricket section of TSZ's official website as we’ll be bringing out IPL Power Rankings every week assessing the best (and worst) performing sides of the competition so far.
10th – SUNRISERS HYDERABAD
A team fully in transition having lost star international players Rashid Khan, David Warner and Jonny Bairstow. The batting is likely to prove an issue, whilst SRH contain no proven leg-spin-bowler. Struggled last season and should do so again this time round.
9th – GUJARAT TITANS
One of the weakest batting line-ups in the tournament on paper, compounded by the withdrawal of England white ball opener Jason Roy. Although the likes of Rashid Khan and Mohammed Shami will perform well for them with the ball, it’s easy to see the Titans being outscored by most teams across the competition.
8th – PUNJAB KINGS
The lack of experience at the highest level among the Punjab Kings bowling unit aside from South African international Kagiso Rabada could stand against them. Star overseas all-rounder Liam Livingstone, bought for huge money at auction is unproven in Indian conditions, whilst the lower middle-order lacks a world class finisher.
7th – KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS
Started poorly in last year’s IPL and will likely do so again as they adapt under new captain Shreyas Iyer, not to mention Australian bowler Pat Cummins being unavailable for the opening four matches. Feels like a potential transitional year for KKR ahead of a serious tilt at the title in 2023.
6th – ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE
As with KKR, this could prove a year of transition and re-structure for RCB under a new captain in Faf du Plessis and without the services of AB de Villiers for the first time since 2010 following the South African legend’s retirement. The finishing abilities of de Villiers, not to mention his leadership will be a big miss for the franchise renowned for the presence of Indian superstar Virat Kohli.
5th – LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS
Lucknow boasts in K.L Rahul and Quinton de Kock arguably the strongest opening pairing in the tournament and despite an injury to overseas fast bowler Mark Wood, the Super Giants can rely on Avesh Khan’s pace to take wickets following his star performances in the 2021 IPL. However, there is a question mark regarding the depth of Lucknow should injuries/fatigue hit and in a long tournament format, this could be what proves their downfall.
4th – RAJASTHAN ROYALS
Bringing in left-arm fast bowler Trent Boult and international spinner Ravichandran Ashwin at auction were brilliant pieces of business that should see Rajasthan Royals reap the rewards in 2022. Their bowling unit will be a massive improvement off the back of those two additions, whilst the explosive power of England international Jos Butter with the bat needs no explanation.
3rd – CHENNAI SUPER KINGS
The reigning champions have not deviated far from the squad who won the tournament in 2021. MS Dhoni has passed captaincy duties to long-standing teammate Ravindra Jadeja, which shouldn’t have too much of an effect on the team, which is well-balanced and full of international experience. However, the loss of Shardul Thakur to Delhi Capitals is a big one, when taking into account his 21 wickets accrued in last year’s IPL.
2nd – MUMBAI INDIANS
The five-time IPL champions come into this year’s competition well-placed with the three-pronged international Indian core of captain Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav forming the spine of their top order batting. The purchase of hard-hitting all-rounder Tim David should offset the loss of Hardik Pandya, whilst left-arm fast bowler Tymal Mills should step into the departed Trent Boult’s shoes with Jasprit Bumrah once again spearheading the bowling attack. It would be a big surprise if Mumbai Indians don’t come very close to lifting the trophy once again in 2022.
1st – DELHI CAPITALS
Following second and third-placed finishes across the last two years, 2022 looks like it could be the year Delhi Capitals finally take that decisive step and lift their maiden IPL title. Captain Rishabh Pant is arguably the most exciting wicket-keeper-batter of his generation and leads a Capitals side boosted by the arrivals of Shardul Thakur from CSK and opening batter David Warner from SRH, the latter with a huge point to prove after being dropped in 2021. Delhi looks an all-round nicely-balanced outfit suited to all conditions and under the watchful eye of head coach Ricky Ponting, there’s much to be excited about if you’re a Capitals fan.
