One of the primary reasons why IPL commenced was to give a platform for the young and budding stars to rise and shine and share a platform with the legends, which can be of a great learning to them. Many players like Jasprit Bumrah, Y Chahal, Hardik Pandya, and Jadeja got the opportunity to play for the nation on the basis of their IPL performances. With the new season set to commence from the 19th of September, it will be interesting to see a new set of players from each team who can make it big. Here we list down players to look out for from each of the eight teams.
Abhishek Sharma- Sunrisers Hyderabad
The skipper of the U-19 side which won the Asia Cup in 2016, Abhishek is a very potent all-rounder He was a part of the India squad which lifted the World Cup in 2018, he was bagged by Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) in 2018. Despite getting a delayed opportunity in the season, he did not waste any time in displaying his capabilities. With 19-ball-46, Abhishek caught everyone’s attention. Prior to the 2019 auctions, he was traded in by Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, he did not get many opportunities for SRH.
Devdutt Padikkal- Royal Challengers Bangalore
Devdutt Padikkal came into limelight last year because of his extra-ordinary performance in Ranji trophy tournament. His amazing campaign bought him a Royal Challengers Bangalore contract, though he didn’t played any match last year, he still is an important cog for the team, which can be put to use anytime the Challengers want. With the kind of performance he has displayed this year, it will be hard to ignore him for a place in the playing eleven. If given opportunities, Padikkal will be one of the uncapped players to watch out for in the tournament.
Riyan Parag- Rajasthan Royals
Hailing from Assam, Riyan Parag became one of the teenage sensation during 2019 IPL when he was bagged by Rajasthan Royals, which was his maiden call for IPL. He was a vital player in India’s success during the 2018 U-19 world cup. Despite playing only 7 games in ILP so far, Parag has displayed immense potential and a perfect temperament that is needed to succeed at a higher level. This season, he is expected to make another return with more experience and backing of the management. What makes this opportunity worth seizing for this youngster is sharing the pitch with cricket stalwarts like Ben stokes and Smith in the middle order.
Ravi Bishnoi- Kings XI Punjab
Ravi Bishnoi- the name is quite fresh for people who follow cricket religiously. One of the shining star during the U-19 World cup held in South Africa later this year wad Ravi Bishnoi. He is all set to make a debut in this IPL, as Kings XI Punjab bagged him during the auctions held. Hailing from Rajasthan, Bishnoi has proved his grit in the domestic circuit and has aced that phase remarkably. One of the best bowlers in the U-19 World Cup, Bishnoi’s wicket-taking ability makes him a valuable asset. The accuracy and variations he carries with himself makes him one of the winning cards for his side. What makes him more worthy is he can be of service with the bat too. Not a considerable level of an all-rounder but a decent one to provide anchoring.
Rishabh Pant- Delhi Capitals
Last year wasn’t easy for Rishabh Pant. From being compared to and levelled as MS Dhoni’s replacement to being side-lined in the white-ball formats Pant is always in the limelight irrespective if he does well or not, his form has always been in question in the entire year. However, the Delhi wicket-keeper batsman has been in blazing fire in the last couple of IPL seasons. He’s been considered as Delhi’s premier batsmen. He has scored 1172 runs at an average of 45.08 and a strike-rate of 168.88 in the IPL since 2018 and has smashed 64 sixes which is the second-most as well in the same time frame.
Ruturaj Gaikwad- Chennai Super Kings
Ruturaj Gaikwad is both technically and temperamentally a strong opener. He was bagged in by CSK during the 2018 auctions. Although he is yet to play a game for the Super Kings, this might be the year when he makes his IPL debut, courtesy his exceptional performance in the domestic circuit over the past 3 years or so, Gaikwad has been in great form coming into the tournament. Having the ability to play with good technique and also score at a brisk pace, Gaikwad is just the kind of opener CSK should be looking for.
Suryakumar Yadav- Mumbai Indians
Suryakumar Yadav is one of the best T20 players in the domestic circuit currently. Having played a few seasons for Mumbai Indians, he has been known for his consistency and the ability to play improvised shots with proper techniques. His versatility makes him fit at any position in the top 7 of the batting line-up. Going into the tournament with great form and with two consecutive seasons amassing 400-plus runs, the Mumbai-based Suryakumar will be expected to make a worth yet again and finally claim for a national spot.
Nitish Rana- Kolkata Knight Riders
The Middle-order batsman stunned many during his Mumbai Indians Stint before he was picked by KKR. The left-hander is a perfect T20 batsman, having the exact techniques needed to dominate the middle overs. Rana has so far played exceptionally well for KKR, with scoring 300-plus runs in both the seasons. A part-time spinner, Rana has the ability of destroying crucial partnerships as well. With the upcoming season will see KKR an absence of Chris Lynn this will be a great opportunity and responsibility on Nitish Rana.
It will be interesting to witness the brand new season of the much awaited cricket festival and some new record makers and breakers.
