Of the 14 Indian Premier League editions, eight times has a foreign bowler walked away with the Purple Cap. Seven of those have been pacers. Even the charts for the best bowling averages are dominated by foreign pacers.
Ahead of the IPL 2022 auctions, let’s look at the in-demand overseas bowlers who could be valuable picks.
Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) | Base Price: INR 2 crores
In IPL: M 50 | W 76 | Ave 20.5 | Econ 8.2
Pros:
- Experienced and in form.
- Fierce with the new ball, wicket-taker in the middle overs, fantastic at the death.
- Not retained by Delhi Capitals, he will be hungrier than ever to prove himself.
- One of the best bowlers in the world, with a proven IPL record. Purple Cap winner in 2020.
Cons:
- Could not replicate the magic of 2019 and 2020 in 2021.
- Compatriot Anrich Nortje was retained by DC ahead of him.
- Will not be available for at least two weeks due to the home series against Bangladesh.
Teams that may eye Rabada: DC, Kolkata Knight Riders, Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Lucknow Super Giants, Chennai Super Kings
ALSO READ: IPL 2022 Auction: 6 foreign batters who can be valuable picks
Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand) | Base Price: INR 2 crores
In IPL: M 22 | W 24 | Ave 27 | Econ 8.1
Pros:
- Consistent ability to clock over 150kph. Pace, accuracy and a good bouncer – rare combination in a pacer.
- Ability to bowl at any time of the innings.
Cons:
- Can occasionally leak plenty of runs.
- Injury-prone.
Teams that may eye Ferguson: KKR, MI, LSG, GT, Rajasthan Royals
Trent Boult (New Zealand) | Base Price: INR 2 crores
In IPL: M 62 | W 76 | Ave 26.1 | Econ 8.4
Pros:
- Experience and ability to swing the ball at any stage.
- Knack of picking early wickets, an important skill in T20s, where most teams are top-heavy. Was critical to MI’s IPL win in 2020.
- Excellent all-round fielder.
Cons:
- Lean patches can make him look ordinary.
- Did not have a good IPL 2021.
Teams that may eye Boult: SRH, CSK, MI, KKR, GT, RR, LSG
Jofra Archer (England) | Base Price: INR 2 crores
In IPL: M 35 | W 46 | Ave 21.3 | Econ 7.1
Pros:
- One of the best white-ball bowlers in the world.
- Rare combination of pace and accuracy.
- Average of 18, economy rate of 5.3 in Powerplay overs the in IPL.
- More than a handy batter. Strike rate of over 157 in IPL.
- Considering his availability in the IPL 2022, he might not fetch big bids. He may go for a lower price.
Cons:
- Questions over his availability in IPL 2022.
- Injury-prone.
Teams that may eye Archer: Will surely be on the wish list of all the teams.
Pat Cummins (Australia) | Base Price: INR 2 crores
In IPL: M 37 | W 38 | Ave 30.1 | Econ 8.2
Pros:
- Experience, skill, wit.
- Comes to the auction with enhanced reputation of Australia’s Test captain. Can be viewed as a leadership option.
- Getting better as a T20 bowler and is more than a handy batter. Has two IPL fifties and strikes at over 140.
Cons:
- Has not replicated the red-ball magic with the white ball.
- Will not be available until the first week of April due to Australia’s historic tour of Pakistan.
Teams that may eye Cummins: RR, KKR, MI, CSK, GT
ALSO READ: IPL 2022 Auction: 20 disastrous IPL picks from auction history
Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan) | Base Price: INR 50 lakhs
In T20s: M 92 | W 108 | Ave 23.3 | Econ 7.9
Pros:
- Price tag.
- At only 22, can be viewed as a long-term option.
- Experience in leagues like CPL, LPL, T20 Blast, etc.
- Young, sharp and good at death overs. Averages under 17 at an economy of 8.7 in the slog overs.
Cons:
- Lack of IPL experience.
Teams that may eye Naveen: RR, CSK, KKR, SRH, GT
Notable mentions: Josh Hazlewood (Australia), Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan), Lungi Ngidi (South Africa), Andrew Tye (Australia), Adam Zampa (Australia)