IPL Auction 2018: Five under-19 Indian players to keep an eye on

In the ongoing Under Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, the Indian team has qualified for the quarter-finals after topping their group. Not only did they win all their group matches, but also won them convincingly.

They completely dominated the Australian team in their first match by beating them by a huge margin of 100 runs. The young team coached by the legend Rahul Dravid ran through Papua New Guinea and Zimbabwe in the next two matches. They won both the matches by ten wickets.

India are not only one of the favourites to lift the youth World Cup, but some of the main players are also close to winning an IPL contract this year. With the IPL auction less than a week away, many of them will be under the radar of all the franchises.

Today we will look at five players who might make it to the IPL this year:

#5 Shivam Mavi

Mavi has impressed one and all with his consistent performances in the three games

Role - Bowler

Performance in U19 World Cup - 6 wickets in 3 innings

This tall fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh has impressed everyone with his pace in the ongoing tournament. He has bowled with the new ball and has proved to be a wicket-taking option for the captain.

He has consistently bowled above 140 kmph and has troubled the opposition batsmen with his pace and bounce. Teams like to have options in the fast bowling department, more so because seam bowlers are prone to injuries.

Mavi might provide that option to the franchises.

#4 Abhishek Sharma

He has played his role quite well in the under-19 World Cup so far

Role - All-rounder

Performance in U19 World Cup - 3 wickets (3 innings), 23 runs in 8 balls (1 inning)

All-rounders are always an asset for any T20 side and Abhishek Sharma fits that role perfectly in franchise cricket.

The youngster has been excellent with his left arm spin and has used the long handle with good effect for the U19 side. He was especially brilliant in the game against Australia U19.

He is also an excellent fielder and can prove to be a good buy for any IPL team. He has played in Ranji trophy for his home side Punjab and has had a good start to his Ranji career.

#3 Shubman Gill

He is a reliable option at the top of the order

Role - Batsman

Performance in U19 World Cup - 153 runs (2 innings)

The Indian U19 vice-captain has been in terrific touch off late and has taken it into the ongoing U19 World Cup.

In the three matches that India has played so far, Shubman has made 153 runs with a strike rate of 148.54, getting dismissed only once. Like his teammate, Abhishek Sharma, he too has played in Ranji Trophy for Punjab and has a pretty impressive domestic record.

He can provide a good option to the franchises at the top of the order and will surely set the stage on fire at the auctions.

#2 Kamlesh Nagarkoti

Nagarkoti bowls with raw pace and aggression

Role - Bowling all-rounder

Performance in U19 World Cup - 4 wickets (3 innings)

The Rajasthan all-rounder is one of the most talked about players in the U19 World cup.

Nagarkoti has been able to bowl above 140 kmph consistently and has beaten every batsman he has played against in the tournament so far.

Even though he has only 3 wickets in three matches, his accuracy, pace, and swing have impressed every cricket pundit following the tournament. He is surely one for the future.

Apart from bowling, Nagarkoti is also a handy lower order batsman. His all-round talent can fetch him big bucks at the auction.

#1 Prithvi Shaw

The Indian skipper is a great catch for any IPL franchise

Role - Batsman

Performance in U19 World Cup - 151 runs (2 innings)

The India U19 captain has already earned a name for himself in the domestic circuit. Playing for Mumbai, he averages more than 56 and has already struck five centuries.

Apart from scoring 151 runs in three matches, he has also led the side well in the under-19 world cup. His technique and temperament have been the standout features of his batting.

The 18-year-old is touted to be the next big thing in Indian cricket, and there is no doubt that most franchises will enter a bidding war to get him on board in the IPL auction.