IPL 2019: Top 5 U19 players to look forward to

Just a day more of waiting before the cricketing enthusiasts enjoy a renewed edition of the annual Indian cricketing extravaganza, the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League. Like every other year, this year's IPL has got its share of promising youngsters who will fight against the veteran war horses to make a name for themselves.

From the Pandya brothers to Kul-Cha spin duo, the tournament has unearthed many hidden gems of Indian cricket, and fans are hoping this tradition to continue. Amidst the Dhonis and Gayles, who are enjoying the dusk of their career, there will be many cricketers who have just seen the first rays of dawn.

Let us have a look at the top 5 U19 cricketers who can take us all by surprise.

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#5 Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals)

Parag was a member of Prithvi Shaw's India U19 squad

Prithvi Shaw's ICC U19 World Cup winning India team was arguably one of the better Indian U19 sides. Owing to their amazing performances, some players have already made a name for themselves in the international circuit.

While the skipper is now a member of the national side, Shubman Gill and Shivam Mavi proved their mettle while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders last year. Kamlesh Nagarkoti, another member of that scintillating squad, was also picked up by KKR last year. However, he had his share of bad luck as injury ruled him out for two consecutive seasons.

One member who failed to come into spotlight last year is Riyan Parag. The 17-year-old from Assam failed to find a team last year, but was picked by Rajasthan Royals for this edition's IPL. With 175 runs in 10 T20s with a steady average of 25, Parag might prove handful if the Royals management instill some faith in him.

#4 Prayas Ray Barman (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Barman was sold for INR 1.5 crores

Virat Kohli's side, Royal Challengers Bangalore always had quality batting options at their disposal but neglected the other side of the coin - bowling. To strengthen their bowling attack, the Challengers' management spent INR 1.5 crores on an unknown commodity from Bengal.

However, it will be foolish to belittle 16-year-old Prayas Ray Barman's abilities. At this tender age, he has already grabbed some eyeballs with his legbreak bowling. He has picked up 11 wickets in 9 List A matches and 4 wickets in as many T20s.

But what's more impressive is his economy, which is around 7 runs per over in T20s. If needed, Barman can also provide some runs with the bat. Besides Barman, Bangalore's spinning option includes Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar and Pawan Negi. In terms of overseas spinning alternatives, English all-rounder Moeen Ali is the only option.

#3 Prabhsimran Singh (Kings XI Punjab)

Singh made his list A debut last year

Not much was known about Prabhsimran Singh before the IPL auction, except the fact that he was a member of the India Emerging Team that played in the 2018 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup. For obvious reasons, many questioned Kings XI Punjab's management's decision to spend as many as INR 4.8 crores on an untested 17-year-old wicket-keeper batsman from Patiala.

If we have a look at his stats, we will see that he has scored 92 runs in 6 T20s at an average of 15. But what's astonishing is his strike rate of over 190. KXIP fans will be hoping to see Singh's fireworks in the IPL, as he embarks on a journey to justify his mammoth price tag.

KL Rahul had to stand behind the stumps last season, but he is unlikely to do the same this year. Punjab also have an overseas hard-hitting wicket-keeper in Nicholas Pooran.

#2 Sandeep Lamichhane (Delhi Capitals)

Lamichhane got 3 opportunities for Delhi Daredevils last year

The mystery spinner from Nepal was not a known name when he was picked by Delhi Daredevils last year. However, a lot has changed over the course of a year. Sandeep Lamichhane has plied his trade for T20 franchises all over the world, and has excelled in anywhere and everywhere he has been, thereby making himself a household name.

He got only 3 chances in last year's IPL, where he took 5 wickets and conceded 82 runs at an economy rate of less than 7 runs per over, in perfect synchronization with his T20 career's economy rate.

Now at a re-branded and revamped as the Delhi Capitals, the 18-year-old will hope to utilize all the experience he has gather in a year to bring out the best in this IPL. The lone overseas spinner for their team, Lamichhane has Indian veteran Amit Mishra and all-rounder Rahul Tewatia and Axar Patel to complete DC's spin unit.

#1 Mujeeb ur Rahman (Kings XI Punjab)

Zadran was KXIP's trump card last year

Unlike the previous mentions in this list, the Afghan off-spinner is already an international superstar at the tender age of 17. Kings XI Punjab were clever enough to gain his services for INR 4 crores last year, and there has not been any looking back ever since.

Rahman played 11 matches for Ravichandran Ashwin's team in IPL 11, in which he picked up 14 wickets. Moreover, he conceded runs at an impressive economy rate of under 7 runs per over.

Having played for teams like Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League and for Comilla Victorians Bangladesh Premier League, Rahman has only got better and will be ready to reproduce his magic this year.

Alongside his skipper, the Rahman-Ashwin duo might prove deadly for the batters. KXIP's other spinning options include Varun Chakravarthy and Murugan Ashwin.