IPL 2022 hits and misses: youngsters and new captains impress, champions falter

We are approaching the halfway point of the Indian Premier League and so far this year's tournament has defied expectations in more ways than one.

Two new franchises, young captains and fresh squads have made for some exhilarating cricket. Some of it great, some of it forgettable.

Young guns shine

Dewald Brevis and Tilak Varma of Mumbai Indians, Ayush Badoni and Ravi Bishnoi of Lucknow Super Giants and Umran Malik of Sunrisers Hyderabad are some of the youngsters who have made a lasting impression.

Brevis, just 18, has already been anointed the next AB de Villiers, while Badoni – who had been discarded by his state Delhi for many years – has surprised everyone with his stroke play despite a diminutive frame. Fast bowler Malik has hit his stride this season after showing glimpses of his potential last year.

One exciting player waiting in the wings is Chennai Super Kings' India U19 World Cup star Rajvardhan Hangargekar. His new-ball bowling and lower-order hitting are sure to be a smash as and when it makes an appearance.

Sunrisers Hyderabad bowler Umran Malik celebrates after taking the wicket of Rahul Chahar of Punjab Kings at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai on April 17, 2022. Sportzpics for IPL

Fast and furious

There is nothing like pace. Jammu and Kashmir pacer Malik has more than enough of it. Consistently touching 95mph, Malik is easily the quickest Indian bowler on display and one of the most exciting prospects in cricket. Talk has already moved to fast-tracking him into the Indian team. When you have pace like that, time is of the essence because it rarely lasts long.

New crop of captains

A total of 10 franchises, and a fresh core of players, meant an opportunity for the next set of leaders to emerge. Hardik Pandya