Kisma feature: How players auctioned for INR 10 Crore and above justified their teams

While some players were quite good with their performance, they proved again why they are here. At the same time, some players seemed relatively underperforming for this season. Let's look at the performances of five players who were bought for hefty prices in mega-auctions.

KL Rahul: The 30-year-old right-handed Indian batsman is considered one of the best cricketers as an Indian team member and in IPL. He was signed by a newly formed team Lucknow Super Giants, for INR 17 Crore before auctions. We can say he is in the best career phase watching his recent performances. So far this season, KL Rahul has performed outstandingly in the 14 matches played. He scored 537 runs consisting of 3 half-centuries and two centuries, justifying his worth. He scored his highest score of 103 twice this season and against Mumbai Indians. Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina praised his positive mindset and attitude while playing on the field. After witnessing his impressive performance this season, former Indian cricketers Irfan Pathan and Mohammed kaif have equally praised the batter.

Hardik Pandya: This season, Hardik Pandya is playing as a team member and as a captain on the newly formed team Gujarat Titans. This 28-year-old, right-handed all-rounder has proved his skills and talent through his brilliant performance. He has signed for INR 15 Crore in an auction. After the auction, it was believed that this team would suffer due to the batsman's less experience. But as they say," believe in your actions, and let them say", this team has utilized all the resources well and managed to win 10 out of 14 games in the league stage of the tournament. They are right now at the top of the table and have become one of two finalists of this season. The all-rounder captain has kept and realized his worth and has given a praiseworthy performance with 453 runs consisting of 4 half-centuries and taking five wickets.

Shardul Thakur: Shardul Thakur is known as "Lord Shardul" after getting two consecutive wickets against England in Australia. This season, he was signed for INR 10.75 Crore by Delhi Capitals. So far, he has taken 15 wickets in 14 matches. This 30-year-old bowler registered his best IPL figure of 4/36 of this season in the 64th match against Punjab Kings. He also won man of the match and game-changer award against Punjab Kings for his much-deserved innings. Getting selected in the IPL 2022 player list is one thing and maintaining your position on the leader's board is another. His performance made him a deserving contender for IPL Player 2022 list inviting heavy bids from many teams; however, his performance looked underperformed considering the hefty price tag.

Ishan Kishan: This young cricketer was repurchased at INR 15.25 Crore by five-time champions Mumbai Indians. This 23-year-old Indian batsman has scored 418 runs in 14 matches with three half-centuries and no complete century. He registered the highest score of 81 runs and has played with a strike rate of 120.11 this season. He is not only a great left-handed batsman but an excellent wicketkeeper too. One of the expensive buys of Mumbai Indians struggled with his form this season and failed to score in essential matches. However, he still turned out to be the second-highest run-getter in this IPL from Mumbai Indians.

Shreyas Iyer: Shreyas Iyer is the highest run-scorer for the Kolkata franchise. This Mumbai based cricketer was purchased for INR 12.25 Cr by Kolkata Knight Riders at IPL 2022 Mega auctions and fared pretty well according to his price tag. The Kolkata Knight Rider player has scored 401 runs in 14 matches. He has played well as a player and captain. In this season, he scored three half-centuries with the Highest score of 85 runs and maintained a strike rate of 134.56. As a captain, the new season started well with back-to-back wins but failed to carry forward the momentum and qualify for the playoffs. They ended up in the eighth position in the points table.

Harshal Patel: Harshal Patel won a bid by RCB for INR 10.75 Crore at Mega auctions of IPL 2022. The right-arm bowler has played 13 matches this season and taken about 18 wickets. He won his maiden IPL 2022 'Player of the match' recently and registered his best performance of the season against Chennai Super Kings. Right now, with his brilliant performance on the ground and skills, he is the eighth highest wicket-taker in IPL 2022. With an economy rate of 7.75 and a strike rate of 15, he has been playing IPL for a decade now. He is the only bowler with 32 or more wickets in an IPL season. Recently legendary former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has stated him as one of the leading bowlers in India at death overs.