3 IPL stars who are yet to play for India

Even since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, it has been a stepping stone for many youngsters to move up to the international stage. Before the domestic T20 league came into being, players were solely dependent on local tournaments to prove their worth. However, the IPL has given the cricketers a major platform to catapult themselves into the limelight.

Over the last decade, a number of Indian players have made their way into the national team using the IPL as a launch pad. And they have tasted success on the international stage too; Ravichandran Ashwin (then playing for Chennai Super Kings) and Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya (from Mumbai Indians) are among the more prominent names.

In recent seasons, a few more Indians have been highly impressive in the IPL, but are yet to get an India call-up. In this feature, we take a look at three such names.

Also see - Ranji Trophy schedule

#3 Shreyas Gopal

Shreyas Gopal

A promising leg-spinner from Karnataka, Shreyas Gopal has risen in status playing for Rajasthan Royals. He was the fourth highest wicket-taker in the 2019 season, with 20 wickets from 14 games.

Even as RR floundered, Gopal stood out with his guile and googlies. The fact that he bamboozled both Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in the matches against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) stands testimony to his talent; he registered a hat-trick against the same team.

With the bat, Gopal's 13 off seven balls aided Royals in a close chase against Mumbai Indians.

Before making a name in the IPL, Gopal picked up 22 wickets at an average of 18.22 in his debut Ranji Trophy season, playing a key role in Karnataka’s title triumph. He recently claimed 5 for 19 in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Services.

Another good IPL season could put him in contention for a place in the World T20 to be held in Australia next year.

#2 Nitish Rana

Nitish Rana

An attacking left-handed batsman, Nitish Rana has scored over 300 runs in each of the last three editions of the IPL. Rana was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018 for Rs 3.4 crore on the basis of his quick scoring ability and part-time off spin. He proved worthy with 304 runs at a strike rate of 131.03.

Retained by KKR for 2019, he repaid the faith again with 344 runs, this time at a better strike rate of 146.38. Rana scored three fifties in the 2019 edition, including a career-best 85 not out from 46 balls against RCB at Eden Gardens. The valiant innings went in vain, but it was another indication of his big-hitting prowess.

Rana made his first-class debut for Delhi in 2015-16, and immediately impressed with 557 runs at an average of 50.63. With a century and three fifties, he was Delhi’s highest run-getter in the season.

In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he hit fifties against Jammu & Kashmir and Jharkhand, and picked up 4 for 17 against Maharashtra. Along with Andre Russell, KKR will again depend on Rana for big runs at a swift pace.

#1 Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav

Even as this piece is being written, Suryakumar Yadav is making waves in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Mumbai captain hammered 80 from 30 balls in a game against Punjab on Wednesday as Mumbai posted a massive 243/3.

The innings left Twitterati wondering why he isn’t in the Indian T20I squad yet. This was Yadav’s fourth fifty in the event.

In the previous match against Karnataka, Yadav blazed his way to an unbeaten 94 from 53 balls as Mumbai chased down 172. Earlier, the skipper also notched up fifties against Pudhucherry and Haryana.

Those who have seen Yadav play for Mumbai Indians would be least surprised with his consistency and big-hitting ability. Purchased by MI for Rs. 3.2 crore in 2018, Yadav was asked to open the innings - and the move proved to be a massive success.

The 29-year-old finished the season with 512 runs, including four fifties, even as Mumbai had a rare off-year. He continued the good work in 2019 with 424 runs at a strike rate of 130.86, as Mumbai became the most successful franchise in IPL history.

Yadav’s knack of coming up with the goods under pressure is his most impressive asset. It wouldn’t be wrong to say he has been unlucky not to have played for India till now.

In fact, on his impending India selection, Yadav recently told ESPNcricinfo, "I strongly feel I'm going to push the door this year." Whether Yadav’s prediction comes true remains to be seen.