The IPL 2022 is moving into its business end with all the teams having played at least 9 matches each.
We also have one team eliminated – five-time champions Mumbai Indians – and defending champions Chennai Super Kings are one more loss away from elimination from the playoff race. On the other hand, the Gujarat Titans have surprised everyone, with 16 points in 10 games, have all but sealed their playoff spot. Others continue to tussle for a coveted top-four position.
Some of the players have made memorable stories and have revived their careers through the sheer weight of their performances. These players are looking for a place back in their national side after having an ordinary last year or two.
Here are the top 3 Indian players who have made a strong comeback in the IPL 2022:
Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav has been the renaissance man in IPL 2022 and has got everyone praising him for his brilliant comeback after about two years of down-falling. Once India’s X-factor Kuldeep’s dip began in 2019 when he was dropped both from the Indian team and by Kolkata Knight Riders; he has played in just 14 matches in the last three IPL seasons.
Now, at a new franchise, Delhi Capitals, an improved Kuldeep Yadav has taken 17 wickets in 9 matches and is currently the second-leading wicket-taker in the tournament. This will help him make a claim for a return to India’s eleven in ODI and T20I cricket.
Hardik Pandya
With his show with both bat and ball in IPL 2022, Hardik Pandya has proved he is the best seam-bowling all-rounder in India. There were doubts over his place in India’s eleven last year when he wasn’t bowling much and also his form with the bat was disappointing.
Hardik didn’t play a single game after the T20 World Cup, remaining away from high-level cricket for about four months to focus on his fitness and form. He returned to the IPL 2022 stronger than ever, leading Gujarat Titans into the playoffs, shocking everyone.
Pandya, taking a promotion to number 3 and number 4, has scored 309 runs in 9 innings at 44, notching up three fifties. He had also bowled 18 overs at an economy of 7.5 before sustaining a groin injury.
Dinesh Karthik
Having last played for India in 2019, with his scintillating form and performances, Dinesh Karthik is once again knocking on the doors of the selectors. The Royal Challengers Bangalore batter has smashed 244 runs at a strike rate of 189 – his strike is the best in the tournament for any batter with over 100 runs.
He has been utterly devastating in the death overs, hammering at a strike rate of 214. With his experience and form, Karthik has made a strong contention to be on the trip to Australia for the T20 World Cup.
