Each year the IPL throws up some exciting names that one hears of and wonders: Can this bundle of talent play for India someday?
No matter how promising a player might seem on the IPL stage, there’s often the case of not being able to transition into international cricket better. And then there’s the scenario in which very few unknown names get a shot against top sides. In a jam packed cricketing calendar and in a highly competitive environment, it has seldom been that India has experimented by pushing young IPL stars to face the big boys of world cricket.
But in some years, like the current one, the situation is slightly different, as Indian cricket’s next assignment is a low profile one-day tour to Zimbabwe. While India did tour Zimbabwe last year, the biggest take away was the spotting of Manish Pandey’s talent in finishing games. Can something similar happen his year as well?
We take a look at five young players from the ongoing edition of the IPL who can expect a call up to the Indian one-day side based on their current performances.
1. MANAN VOHRA
Manan Vohra in action during IPL 2016 (Courtesy: Getty)
For the past couple of seasons, if there’s one name that has shown bright in the Kings XI Punjab squad, it’s been that of Manan Vohra.
Vohra, a shy short of 23, is one of the most promising top order batsmen going around and it is about time that the selectors take a look at him. In the ongoing season, while he hasn’t been able to set the stage on fire with big knocks, he has shown what he is capable of by playing some impressive innings at the top and has managed to stand out amidst the ruins.
The batsman from Punjab also boasts of a superior First Class record and can definitely be someone who can take over the mantle from India’s current openers, especially considering that he too is flamboyant and prefers attacking straight away just like Shikhar Dhawan.
2. SURYAKUMAR YADAV
Suryakumar celebrates a wicket (Courtesy: Getty)
At the peak of his batting prowess, Suryakumar Yadav is the ideal choice to solve India’s lower middle order woes and will be much talked about when the selectors sit down to assemble the squad for Zimbabwe.
After a stellar Ranji Trophy season, Yadav was rewarded with the Vice Captaincy of the Kolkata Knight Riders team and he hasn’t disappointed whatsoever. The 25-year old, in the limited opportunities he has got, has played an important role for his side.
The half-century against MS Dhoni’s Rising Pune Super Giants is a case in point, where Yadav’s efforts took the Knight Riders home in a tricky chase.
3. KRUNAL PANDYA
Can Krunal Pandya leapfrog his brother?
(Courtesy: Getty)
A few weeks back, one could call Hardik Pandya the best all-rounder in the country. But a month into the IPL, there are serious doubts about whether he is at all the best all-rounder even in his family – such has been the rise of his younger sibling, Krunal.
Krunal, the other Pandya, has shot into the limelight with some delightful performances for the Mumbai Indians. He has amassed 111 runs for his side in five innings, and sits pretty with three not outs and a mid-fifty batting average. Most importantly, it is his strike-rate that has impressed everyone.
In addition to his batting, Pandya junior has been able to establish himself as one of the better left-arm spin bowlers in the competition, putting forward more than handy performances with the ball.
If he carries on in the manner in which he is playing currently, he could soon be Ravindra Jadeja’s like for like replacement in the Indian team.
4. SARFARAZ KHAN
Sarfaraz Khan: always innovative (Courtesy: Getty)
There’s little to talk about a batsman who can smash 35 off 10 deliveries, apart from the fact that he is one to watch out for.
After impressing everyone in age-group cricket, followed by meaty performances in the Under 19 World Cup, young Sarfaraz’s rise in the IPL has been meteoric. From being just another uncapped player, he has become captain Virat Kohli’s go to person as the explosive option towards the end of the innings.
In the current competition, Sarfaraz has the second highest strike-rate for those who have faced more than thirty deliveries, and might very well end up being the game changer for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
5. MURUGAN ASHWIN
IPL’s latest spin sensation – Murugan Ashwin
Murugan Ashwin has picked up 7 wickets in this edition of the IPL at an average of 24. But it is beyond the numbers that he has impressed the most.
Replacing his namesake as MS Dhoni’s go to bowler, Ashwin hasn’t shied away from bowling at different parts of the innings. In fact he has bowled well in the first six overs and has never thought twice about attacking batsman – a rarity in the world of defensive spin bowlers.
The nuances in his release and grip add a certain amount of mystery to his bowling style. With the right encouragement and support, he can keep contributing for years to come and is worth investing in for the tour to Zimbabwe.
[interaction id=”5724cf40f070832f106968f8″]
