10 former Indian players we would have loved to see playing in the IPL

40 years ago, who would’ve dreamed that India would be at the forefront of world cricket?It cannot be affirmed, but even the World-Cup-winning squad of ‘83 would have probably called it a long shot. And yet, here it is; Indian cricket – all limited-over titles conquered, a satisfactory latest World Cup soundly archived, and in its full festive swing with cricket’s premier event. Which begs the question – how would the generation from 40 years ago have fared in the vaunted spotlight of the IPL?Who would have been the stars? Who would take to the glamour, who would shy away from it like from a Caribbean bouncer? Here’s an ambitious shot at answering some of these questions. Ten players we would have loved to see in the IPL:Note: The list is in no particular order.

#1 Kris Srikkanth

India’s first certified crowd puller, Kris Srikkanth, by nature, was and remains a maverick. He had a penchant for going after fast bowlers from the go-get that many would have called reckless during his time but would be lauded far and wide in this generation.

A natural limited-overs cricketer, Srikkanth would be a prized asset in the IPL, where he presently sets backroom meetings on fire for the Sunrisers.

#2 Navjot Singh Sidhu

This was a tough entry. The possibility that Navjot Sidhu could jump on to the pitch in the near future and send the ball over a bowler’s head, one metaphor attached, cannot be dismissed altogether. But what a welcome sight that would be.

‘Sixer Sidhu’ might not have been as flamboyant on the pitch as he is in the studios, but if there ever was a swashbuckling top-order batsman, it was him. Sidhu would bring tremendous value to most teams.

#3 Sandeep Patil

Sandeep Patil would be another natural, and another delight to watch. Patil was an aggressive batsman, his style studded with flair which he carried off the field as well. Patil also dallied in the occasional medium-pace and was a valuable one-day cricketer.

He wasn’t averse to Bollywood either - a factor that comes undeniably attached with the IPL – and would feel no trouble fitting in with the pulse of the IPL.

#4 Mohammad Azharuddin

The IPL is big on captains with outstanding batting ability, and it’s safe to say Azharuddin would be as revered as Dhoni in the IPL. There was never a need to wax poetic about Azharuddin’s batting because it saved us the effort.

Throw in the fact that he was India’s finest fielder at the time, and you can’t help but imagine what a spectacle this man would have been in the IPL.

#5 Madan Lal

One of the heroes of ‘83 World Cup win, Madan Lal was a very useful one-day player. He could strike a few – with both bat and ball. Madan Lal would fit the archetype of the understated utility player perfectly and would be a very important player in the IPL, where high regard is placed on players of his mould.

This one’s for those who could appreciate a Joginder Sharma or a Rajat Bhatia – Madan Lal is undoubtedly the origin of that invaluable brand.

#6 Ravi Shastri

Admit it, you’d rather have Ravi Shastri on the field than in the commentary box!

That aside, Shastri is one of the better all-rounders India has produced. Shastri was versatile and ready to put the team’s needs ahead of everything else. He could do his share of big-hitting as well, and follow it up with tight left-arm-orthodox bowling. Shastri could go about his business quietly and resiliently, a vital skill in the hustle of the IPL. Shastri would definitely be one of the stars.

#7 Bishan Singh Bedi

T20 is slowly taking to orthodox spin bowling, and that would make Bishan Bedi a proud man. Up there as one of India’s best spinners ever, Bedi was menacing and meticulous. The hallmarks to his bowling were loop and turn, skills that are slowly diminishing from modern cricket, despite obvious evdience of their potency.

Bishan Bedi’s spells would have shown us a lot of batsmen walking aimlessly past the ball. What better sight is there?

#8 BS Chandrasekhar

BS Chandraekhar was probably the first mystery spinner of them all. Chandrasekhar’s defining characteristics were quick, hissing leg-spinners that seldom got appropriate responses. A master of variation abetted by a polio-affected arm, he brought the cruel gift of paradox to spin bowling.

One wonders how many, or indeed, how few, would have figured him out.

#9 Javagal Srinath

Javagal Srinath will go down in history as the man who gave express bowling an identity in India. Starting off as a gangling young pacer with a bit of nip, Srinath escalated into one of India’s greatest bowlers of all time.

He is not India’s fastest ever any more, but Srinath was a supreme aggressor and would have ruffled a few batsmen – and their careers – in the IPL.

#10 Kapil Dev

A real no-brainer. Take any format, in any country, under any constraints of duration – Kapil Dev would be an automatic pick. Kapil Dev will always be credited for putting India on the map in world cricket; the ultimate all-rounder, there wasn’t too much that Kapil couldn’t do on the field.

In a tournament marked by aggression, tact, natural skill, positive leadership, and cult heroes, Kapil Dev would struggle not to belong.