The 12th edition of the Indian Premier League will have a few fresh names who will be hoping to set the stage alight. While most of them have already made an impression at the international level, good performances in the IPL can truly raise their stocks at the world stage.
Here we take a look at five players who will be keen to make an impact in India and possibly push their case, in some cases, for a World Cup berth.
ASHTON TURNER
Don't know about KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, but Peter Handscomb and Ashton Turner surely have booked World Cup tickets tonight. #IndvAus
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) March 10, 2019
The hard-hitting batsman had gained reputation as a bit of a finisher in the Big Bash League. And the Australian all-rounder proved he is more than capable of being a top quality match-winner at the international level in just his second ODI as he cracked a superlative 84 from just 43 balls in Mohali against India, chasing a record 359 to level the five-match series. He hit six sixes during the chase against a full-strength Indian bowling attack.
Turner’s long range and 360-degree strokeplay make him a prized asset for Rajasthan Royals. When he was bought at the IPL auction in December, Turner’s reaction was a straightforward: “I have no idea why they picked me?” Now we know. So does India and the rest of the world.
SHIMRON HETMYER
Shimron Hetmyer.
The left-handed batsman is the next big batting hope of West Indies cricket. The southpaw has Chris Gayle’s raw hitting power to go with a good technique that allows him to play spin and pace with ease.
Hetmyer stole the show with the bat during the Windies’ tour of India, smashing a hundred and a 94 in successive ODIs late last year. His fearless strokeplay and ability to clear any ground make Hetmyer a crucial member of Royal Challengers Bangalore squad, who were otherwise relying on Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers to do all the running.
SAM CURRAN
Sam Curran.
The England all-rounder was the deciding factor in India’s 4-1 Test series defeat in England last year. And more than his bowling, it was his technically sound batting that took India by surprise.
While his left-arm seamers might not be used that often, Curran offers a lot of flexibility with the bat as he can be moved up or down the order by Kings XI Punjab. However, he does go into his shell a bit against quality spin so will have cover that aspect of the game in India.
OSHANE THOMAS
The burly Windies pacer hurried up a few Indian batsmen during the limited overs encounters late last year. He disturbed the stumps of Shikhar Dhawan with 150kph thunderbolts and rattled the Englishmen with a five-for to blow them away for 113 in the fifth ODI in Gros Islet.
Thomas is arguably the quickest bowler across four overs in world cricket and his extreme pace will be a huge asset for Rajasthan. However, whether his body can hold up for the lengthy tournament needs to be seen as he been playing almost non-stop since late last year.
ANRICH NORTJE
Anrich Nortje.
The South African quick has genuine pace. That is almost the only reason he was snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders. He was supposed to play for South Africa last year itself but an ankle injury delayed his international bow.
The right-arm quick bowls a mean slower one as well and is rated very highly by Knight Riders coach Jacques Kallis. Kolkata will most likely juggle Nortje and Lockie Ferguson as the one raw pace option in the playing XI.
