The 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) would be a grand affair with two new teams coming into the picture. Hence, for the very first time since 2011, IPLinfo-icon will be a 10-team event and fans can't keep calm. Meanwhile, a mega auction is also in the schedule which would see several existing teams going under revamps. 

The bidding event will take place on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru. It must be noted that the eight existing teams were allowed to retain a maximum of four players ahead of the IPL auction. As far as the two new sides are concerned, they picked three players apiece from the list of non-retained players. 

Meanwhile, let's look at best XI of retained and picked players ahead of IPL 2022 mega auction: 

KL Rahul 

The dashing opener will lead Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming tournament and many eyes will be on him. Rahul piled up a mountain of runs for Punjab Kings in the last four seasons. Hence, the Super Giants bagged his services for a whopping INR 17 crore. 

Rohit Sharma (C)

With five IPL trophies in the cabinet, Rohit Sharma is the most successful captain in IPL historyinfo-icon. The Mumbaiinfo-icon Indians dasher has also played many match-winning knocks in the tournament. Owing to the same, he's the captain of this elite team. 

Virat Kohli 

The only player to have represented a single franchise since the inception of IPL, Virat Kohli has tormented many bowlers in Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) colours. Although he will not lead the team anymore, the 33-year-old will continue to be a vital part of the line-up. 

Rishabh Pant (WK)

The dashing wicketkeeper has emerged as a vital cog of the national team across formats. His IPL record is also nothing short of phenomenal. Hence, Delhi Capitals must have high hopes from their skipper. 

Moeen Ali 

When it comes to T20 cricketinfo-icon, Moeen Ali is nothing short of a captain's delight. The southpaw can bat anywhere in the order and his economical bowling makes him an even greater asset. Owing to the same, Chennai Super Kings retained him. 

Kieron Pollard 

The West Indies dasher has been instrumental in MI's success over the years. Alongside playing those big shots towards the end, Pollard can also make a mark with the ball in hand. 

Hardik Pandya 

Having served Mumbai Indians since his IPL debut in 2015, Hardik Pandya will lead the new Ahmedabad team this year. Although fitness issues have troubled him lately, a fully-fit Pandya is nothing but a match-winner. 

Rashid Khan 

Arguably the best T20 bowler going around, Rashid Khan served Sunrisers Hyderabad since his IPL debut in 2017. However, the leg-spinner will now play for the Ahmedabad team. Not to forget, Rashid can make his bat talk as well. 

Sunil Narine 

The mystery off-spinner has been a vital cog of Kolkata Knight Riders' bowling attack. Alongside foxing the batters, the southpaw can also play some big shots. 

Jasprit Bumrah 

Another Mumbai Indians star to find a place in this list is Jasprit Bumrah. Like the previous seasons, the speedster would like to continue tormenting batters with his vicious deliveries. 

Anrich Nortje 

South African pacer Anrich Nortje can certainly breathe fire with the ball. Alongside speed, the Proteas star also has the control as he won several games for Delhi Capitals in the last couple of seasons.