5 breakout BBL stars who could earn an IPL contract

The Big Bash League was propounded mainly to support homegrown talent and to act as a feeder for Australian cricket. From economical bowlers to fiery batsmen to athletic fielders, this edition of the Big Bash has been a great platform for youngsters to showcase their talent.

The league has acted as a springboard for many superstars of the modern game - Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Chris Lynn and Adam Zampa to name a few. As the race to the BBL semi-finals heats up, we present 5 of the most promising players who might land an IPL contract for themselves at the end of the month.

Quite a few youngsters have climbed up the ranks in this year's tournament but these are the 5 who stood out with their exceptional performances.

#5 Arjun Nair

Nair made a mark early in the tournament by bagging 5 wickets in the first two matches against the Sixers and the Stars. However, as the tournament progressed, it was his economy rates which caught the public's attention. His ability to create pressure with the dots and to sneak in a couple of quiet overs has been handy for Shane Watson's men.

Barring the disastrous game against the Hurricanes, Nair has been very frugal with an economy of just 7.07. Such discipline with the ball surely puts him in a strong position for the auction.

#4 Ashton Turner

Turner celebrating his half-century

Ashton Turner has successfully replicated his performance from the last season with an equally impressive showing this year. The Australian international's 27-ball 52 against the Sixers helped his team to get their first win this season. Turner faltered in the few matches that followed but quickly found his rhythm by smashing 70 off 32 balls against a fancied Renegades bowling attack.

The Western Australian's ability to shift gears is prominent as he has 14 sixes and a strike rate of 162.60 to his name.With the semi-final spot almost cemented for the Scorchers, the team will look to Turner to bring in the necessary balance in the middle order.

Turner may fly slightly under the radar at the auction and get picked up by one of the smaller teams.

#3 Jofra Archer

Archer in his element

The charismatic player from Barbados is currently the second highest wicket-taker this season behind Andrew Tye having bagged 14 wickets from 8 matches. Archer, who has played various T20 tournaments around the globe, has gone wicketless only once this season, against the Sixers.

He has bowled the key overs to good effect for George Bailey's side, taking wickets in the death overs with his lethal variations. In addition to that, there is also his explosive batting and his agility on the field. After Bangladesh and Australia, India seems like the most obvious step for this talented all-rounder.

#2 Alex Carey

Carey (left) celebrating a wicket

Arguably the best wicket-keeper batsman this season, Carey's BBL has been nothing short of phenomenal. His batting average of 61.00, with 2 half centuries and 1 century from 8 games show his worth to his side. His recent century against the Hobart Hurricanes helped him break into the International scene as he was handed his first ODI cap in the 2nd ODI against England.

2nd in the leading run-scorers chart with 368 runs, Carey might find himself an indian franchise later this month.

#1 D'Arcy Short

Short in action against the Heat

Clean strikes and raw power are the best ways to describe Short's batting. Short is the leading run scorer in the 2018 BBL. His 122 off 69 against the Heat, 97 off 63 against the Thunder and 96 off 58 against the Strikers are testimony to his hitting ability. With a whopping 22 sixes in 8 games and a batting average of 70.43, Short's explosive batting has been an important asset for the Hobart Hurricanes.

He also doubles up as a bowling option for George Bailey and has an impressive economy rate of 7.08. Short is definitely among the front-runners for the MVP of the season and may be a top choice for many teams in the IPL.