IPL 2021: 5 uncapped Indians to watch out for

#3 Ruturaj Gaikwad - Chennai Super Kings

CSK's Ruturaj Gaikwad

After having a nightmarish start to his IPL career, Ruturaj Gaikwad showed great character and poise to notch up fifties in each of the Chennai Super Kings' final three league games.

Gaikwad established himself as one of the batting cornerstones around which CSK have to build for the future, but things aren't rosy in the lead-up to IPL 2020. The Maharashtra batsman has been in a rough patch in domestic cricket, with only one 50+ score (a hundred) in his last 10 innings. The arrival of Robin Uthappa, who is in pristine form, from the Rajasthan Royals has only complicated matters.

But Gaikwad has the faith of captain MS Dhoni, and should be given an extended rope at the top of the order for CSK in IPL 2021. Having impressed all with his composure and class in the final stages of the previous campaign, the 24-year-old is certainly one to watch out for.

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#2 Shreyas Gopal - Rajasthan Royals

RR's Shreyas Gopal

The Rajasthan Royals finished dead last on the IPL 2020 points table, and amidst the hullabaloo surrounding Rahul Tewatia and Ben Stokes, Shreyas Gopal's name was lost.

The leg-spinner, who surprisingly has never been close to an Indian call-up, had a disappointing campaign in which he leaked runs at an alarming rate and failed to pick up regular wickets like he usually does.

Gopal will come into this season with high expectations. He will once again be RR's lead spinner, and how new captain Sanju Samson decides to use his wicket-taking threat remains to be seen. Moreover, with India's wrist-spinners struggling in T20 cricket, it isn't a stretch to imagine Gopal getting a late call from the selectors for the T20 World Cup.

Gopal needs a strong season in IPL 2021, and he's another bowler to keep an eye on.

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#1 Abdul Samad - Sunrisers Hyderabad

SRH's Abdul Samad

The Sunrisers Hyderabad afforded opportunities to a few youngsters last season, with Abhishek Sharma and Priyam Garg being among those who featured regularly in the playing XI. But the most impressive of the lot was young Abdul Samad, who showed fearlessness and immense potential during the few minutes he spent at the crease.

Samad wasn't overawed by any situation, and even carted Jasprit Bumrah over the rope in authoritative fashion. The Jammu & Kashmir all-rounder rolled his arm over on occasion as well, although he couldn't really make an impact in that department.

Samad will probably be SRH's finisher in IPL 2021, and he'll have a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. But he's more than capable of taking up the role, and we could see him have a season to remember.