Top 10 emerging players of IPL 2022 - in pictures

Tilak Varma, Umran Malik and others who have made a big impact this year

Umran Malik (14 matches, 22 wickets, Best 5-25, Econ 9.03): The Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler is easily the quickest bowler in world cricket at the moment. His 22 wickets came in at a high economy rate, but a lot of those runs were off edges with many dropped chances. Duly rewarded with a maiden call-up to Indian team for South Africa T20s. Sportzpics for IPL

Tilak Varma (14 matches, 397 runs, Best 61, Avg 36.09, SR: 131.02): The Mumbai Indians batsman, 19, was one of the few bright spots for his franchise. The left-handed batsman showed remarkable composure for his age, and will surely form the core of Mumbai's next decade in franchise cricket. Technique and temperament should help him break into the national team. Sportzpics for IPL

Arshdeep Singh (14 matches, 10 wickets, Best 3-37, Econ 7.70): Thoroughly deserved his India call-up for the South Africa T20s. The most economical seamer in the death overs during this year's IPL, the Punjab Kings left-arm seamer has excellent control and bowled most of his overs against top batsmen during difficult overs. Sportzpics for IPL

Tim David (8 matches, 186 runs, Avg 37.20, SR 216.27): A lot was expected from the devastating batsman but he was sidelined after early failures. Mumbai Indians corrected course and brought David back in. In the second half, the Australian was in imperious form, nailing the role of the finisher by scoring at a strike rate of over 200. Has played for Singapore but should start afresh for the Aussies this year. Sportzpics for IPL

Mohsin Khan (8 matches, 13 wickets, Best 4-16, Econ 5.93): Another quality left-arm pacer to make his mark. The Lucknow Super Giants quick has been menacing with his pace, and has an economy of under six after eight games. Can move the ball and has deceptive change of pace. Seen by many as India's next Zaheer Khan. Sportzpics for IPL

Matheesha Pathirana (2 matches, 2 wickets, Econ 7.60): The Sri Lankan slinger has an even more awkward action than Lasith Malinga, if that was even possible. Introduced towards the end of the season, captain MS Dhoni seemed thoroughly impressed with his execution, which will please his national team. Sportzpics for IPL

Dewald Brevis (7 matches, 161 runs, Avg 23, SR 142.47): The young South African broke into Mumbai's playing XI at just 18 years of age. Has shades of AB de Villiers in his batting with just as many strokes. Only played seven matches, but Mumbai are expected to plan their future around him, Tilak Varma and Tim David. Sportzpics for IPL

Mukesh Choudhary (13 matches, 16 wickets, Best 4-46, Econ 9.31): A classic left-arm seamer, Choudhary showed glimpses of his talent that could prove useful in red-ball cricket - decent pace, late swing and a smooth action. The diminutive version of Trent Boult will do well to soak in all the information from captain Dhoni and continue his rise. Sportzpics for IPL

Jitesh Sharma (12 matches, 234 runs, Best 44, Avg 29.25, SRO 163.63): The wicketkeeper batsman was the most unheralded of power hitters in Punjab Kings' line-up and ended up being one of their more reliable ones. Outperformed Jonny Bairstow, and will surely be given more exposure from next season. Sportzpics for IPL

Rajat Patidar (6 matches, 163 runs, Avg 32.60, SR 133.60): Has been a breath of fresh air for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the five matches he has batted in so far. Solves a big problem facing many franchises - a reliable Indian batsman in the top order. Has taken some of the pressure off Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis. Sportzpics for IPL

The Indian Premier League has proved to be a successful pathway to top-level cricket over the years, probably more so than established domestic tournaments.

The size and duration of the IPL means it is good testing ground for players looking to step up to the next level, even in other formats. The biggest success story in that regard has been Jasprit Bumrah who became a household name with Mumbai Indians, and then rose to the top in Test cricket.

This year's IPL has been particularly memorable for the number of young players who have upstaged their more famous teammates. With 10 franchises this year, more players were going to get a chance and that has been a boon for many up-and-coming cricketers.

Also, the scouting system in IPL has evolved so that players with specific skill sets are selected for those roles, instead of them being picked based on just stats and getting shuffled around the pack.

In the picture gallery above, you can view 10 young players who have made a huge impact in IPL 2022. Stats are from the league phase of the tournament.