IPL 2022: Star player of the ten teams

Cricketers display an insane amount of brilliance in the tournament stretched over two months in 74 matches in this edition. 

With fifty per cent of the matches over, we have seen so many impressive performances by certain players. Irrespective of the franchise, fans have got a favourite player in each franchisee who has been a star performer. Let's take a look at the star performers of each team.

Gujarat Titans- Hardik Pandya

Before the tournament's commencement, almost everyone had a question about the captain chosen by the franchise for their team in the form of Hardik Pandya. He had been having a woeful year after his injury. However, with half of the league completed, Gujarat Titans are placed at the top of the points table. Hardik Pandya has led the team phenomenally. He has scored 295 runs in 6 matches with a strike rate of 136.57 and an average of 73.75. Apart from the bat, he has been fierce with the ball, claimed four wickets in 5 innings and carried an economy of 7.57. He's indeed the best find for the team acing all his roles: captaincy, batter, bowler or fielder.

Sunrisers Hyderabad- T Natarajan

After overcoming injury, T Nataraja, the left-arm pacer, has been bubbling with confidence in IPL 2022. He is in 2nd place in the race for Purple Cap in the current season. The pacer has claimed 15 wickets in 7 innings at a commendable average of 14.53 and an economy of 14.53. This is by far his best average score for striking wickets. In 2021, he was taking wickets at an average of 34.50. He is the best player for his team, helping Sunrisers Hyderabad take control over the opponents by restricting their batters. 

"It's good to have him back in contention. I am pretty sure, with the way he bowls between the 16th and the 20th over, he will be very much in contention [for World Cup]," Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.

Rajasthan Royals- Jos Buttler

The Rajasthan Royals' star player Jos Buttler is in the best form of his career. The batter is not just the best player of RR, but a ruling player amongst all teams in IPL 2022. He has been phenomenal with his willow, smashing three centuries in 7 matches. He has amassed 491 runs in 7 innings at a strike rate of 161.51 and an average of 81.83, the highest being 116. He has smashed 41 boundaries and 32 sixes in 7 innings. He is currently leading the charts of Orange Cap holders and surprising everyone with his performances in every match to come. With nearly half of the games remaining, we will see many such scintillating performances from the star player.

Royal Challengers Bangalore- Dinesh Karthik

Batting at 6th or 7th place in the innings, Dinesh Karthik has amassed 210 runs in eight at a commendable strike rate of 200 and an average of 105. Keeping the numbers aside, the player has played impactful knocks for the team in the time of need. In this edition, he has made a comeback and showcased his importance as a wicket-keeper batter and an ultimate finisher. Royal Challengers Bangalore, which lost Ab de Villiers in the form of a finisher, has found another Mr 360 in the form of Dinesh Karthik.

Lucknow Super Giants- KL Rahul

Lucknow Super Giants have their best and key player in the form of their skipper KL Rahul. The skipper has been brilliant with his bat so far. Apart from his bat, he has been leading his side quite well, striking the correct balance between experienced and new talents. He has been stunning with his on-field decisions of choosing bowlers and setting fields. The player has scored 368 runs in 8 matches at an average of 61.33 and strike rate of 147.79, the highest score being 103 not out. He has been leading his side from the front and is just behind Jos Buttler in the race for Orange Cap.

Delhi Capitals- Kuldeep Yadav

The chinaman spinner has made a comeback in the most intimidating avatar. After not getting a single match to play, the bowler has displayed the best of his spins in this edition. In seven games played, he has taken 13 wickets at an average of 17.38 and an economy of 8.48 runs. He has been the most impactful and best player that Delhi Capitals has in their camp. He has not just made a comeback but now stands third in the race of Purple cap holder, after Yuzvendra Chahal and T Natarajan.

Kolkata Knight Riders- Andre Russell

Kolkata Knight Riders started well in the tournament, sailing on the back of early wickets taken by Umesh Yadav in the powerplay. However, it seems that they have lost the game's plot lately. While initially, it was Umesh Yadav, later it turned out Andre Russell to be the saviour for the team owing to his all-around capabilities. The power-hitter has gathered 227 runs in 7 innings at a strike rate of 180.16 and an average of 45.40 despite coming to bat down the order. His highest score came as 70, not out till now. Apart from the bat, the player has also shone with the ball. He has struck ten wickets in 8 matches at an average of 15.30 and an economy of 10.43. His best came against Gujarat Titans, taking four wickets by giving away just five runs in the final over. 

Punjab Kings- Liam Livingstone

The most expensive purchase of Punjab Kings, the English all-rounder, has been the most intimidating one. From being bought at INR 75 lacs in 2021 by Rajasthan to being picked by Punjab in 2022 for INR 11.50 crore speaks volumes of his importance to the team. The all-rounder has been the best with his bat compared to the ball. In the eight matches played, the player has scored 245 runs at a strike rate of 187.02 and an average of 30.63. The power-hitter has scored 18 sixes and 19 boundaries so far. As a bowler, he has carried an economy of 11.16 and scalped two wickets in 9.3 overs bowled in 7 innings.