IPL 2018: 'Emerging Player of the Year' award contenders

#5 Akshdeep Nath

He could surprisingly become KXIP's wicket-keeper ahead of KL Rahul

In the list of some well-known and trending names in this slideshow, Akshdeep Nath could come to the scene as a dark horse to win the 'Emerging player of the year' award.

He was observed, quite a few times in the last season, fielding as a substitute for Gujarat Lions. He was given a few scattered opportunities but couldn't grab them as he managed to score only a handful of runs in four innings.

The tables turned in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for the 24-year-old after he scored 127 runs at an healthy average of 63.50, striking at ominous 156.79 runs per 100 balls and got rewarded with a ₹1 crore IPL contract by Kings XI Punjab.

Furthermore, he is an electric fielder and more than handy behind the stumps with the gloves, which further strengthens his case on the list.