Stars of Tomorrow (Part 1)

Surprises always cheer up a person.

When you watch the IPL you always expect the stars of world cricket to blossom and win games for their sides. But when a young player rises up to the occasion and turns the game on its head by his brilliant performance, the world takes notice. It is a nice rejuvenating feeling for the viewer when new players come to the fore and take the world by surprise through their consistent match winning performances. IPL is fortunate to produce these kinds of players every year. This keeps the viewers interest in the sport and also motivates young talent to showcase their skills at the highest level

Here are some of the young Indian talents who have the potential in them to take their game to the next level. They may not be complete match winners but their contributions have played major roles in the success of their team.

1. Ajinkya Rahane

This young lad has been tipped as the next big thing in Indian cricket. His sound technique, cool temperament and immaculate timing makes him one of the top Indian batsmen in the competition. In the first match of the IPL for Rajasthan Royals Rahane scored a delightful 98 against Punjab. He displayed a perfect blend of aggressive and textbook strokes. It was a treat for the viewer. He was unlucky to be run out in the next match but then again he came up with a brisk 40 against his former team Mumbai Indians. If he continues to perform in this fashion then he can guarantee a spot for himself in the Indian XI.

2. Amit Singh

Very few would have heard about this young pacer who plays for the Rajasthan Royals. He has proved to be quite a revelation for them by taking 5 wickets in 3 matches at a good economy rate of under seven. Claiming prized scalps of Kallis, Gambhir and Gilchrist will be a huge confidence booster for him. Though he has not produced any match winning performance as of yet, his consistency is huge plus for the Royals. He is not express but he knows his limitations and stays well within them by bowling a good line.

3. Ankit Chavan

Another youngster from Rajasthan Royals who has the potential to make it big if he continues to deliver in this fashion. He is a slow left arm off spinner who is not afraid to bowl in the powerplays. The best thing is that he is ready to give the ball some air even when the batsmen are going after him. Now that needs courage. He has claimed five wickets in three games and even though he bowls in the powerplays, he has a healthy economy rate.

4. Harmeet Singh

Gilchrist has shown immense trust in this young bowler and he has always delivered for his captain. He has taken six wickets in three matches in IPL – 5 so far. Bowling wicket to wicket is his major strength and that is why he goes for less runs. Gilchrist has often trusted him with the last over and he has never shied away from the occasion. Making it to the Indian squad would be a challenge for him but being the fighter that he is, he would be glad to take up that challenge.

5. Mayank Agarwal

Here is another player who has the potential to make it large, he has even shown his mettle for RCB with handy knocks down the order and some amazing stroke play at the top. In RCB’s last match against CSK it was he who did the bulk of the scoring in the first 5 overs even when Chris Gayle was present at the other end. A fearless batsman who can take the game to the opposition.

6. Laxmi Ratan Shukla

This Bengal lad has had a successful domestic season and is a very clean striker of the ball. He is a very good finisher and also bowls medium pace for the KKR, but his area of strength is using the long handle. He is a great asset for the KKR team and they should use him wisely in order to get maximum advantage.

These were some of the Indian players who have the potential to play well in the IPL and make it big. Watch out for these youngsters because they could be the next Raina or Kohli or Ashwin.

For part 2 of this list, click here.