3 IPL stars who are yet to play for India

#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.