IPL 2014: 5 players who have put themselves back on the Indian radar

IPL is not just about cash and entertainment. Every season presents a new opportunity for the fringe players to make a mark in the IPL and go on to grab their much sought-after Indian cap. Though the selectors have time and again mentioned that IPL form is not the only criteria for Indian selection, many have benefitted largely from their success on this stage. Let us take a look at 5 players who have put themselves on the radar of the Indian selectors with their stellar performances in IPL 2014.

#1 Robin Uthappa

After doing the hard yards in domestic cricket helping Karnatakawin 3 domestic titles in a year Robin Uthappa, representing Kolkata Knight Riders,has followed it up with a terrific IPL season which includes a record-breaking effort of scoring the most 40+ scores in this format of the game (9 and counting), beating HD Ackermans previous best of6 consecutive 40+ scores backin2006.

With 613 runs in the 2014 IPL season, he is currently the holder of Orange Cap,as well. The move to make him play as an opener has worked wonders both for him and the Knight Riders, who have qualified to the play-offs by virtue of finishing second in the points table.

#2 Sandeep Sharma

The right-arm swing bowler who has been a revelationwith Kings XI Punjab this season has scalped 17 wickets from just 10 matches so far at aphenomenal strike rate of 13.11. The 21-year-old has the ability toswing the ball both ways,and the selectors can look at him as the back-up for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a similar-type bowler.

The Punjab seamer has 83 wickets at an average of 22.78in 20 First-class matches,proving he is no one-season wonder.

#3 Yuvraj Singh

The aggressive left-hander was widely critized for his lack of application during the recently concluded World T20, but the 2-time world cup winner, representing Royal Challengers Bangalore this IPL season, has put his hard days behind finding form with a change in approach in his stance.

With 351 runs from 13 innings, he has three half-centuries to his name at an average of more than 35, which might force the selectors to reconsider him for the ODI side, as well.

#4 Varun Aaron

The Jharkand bowler who operates at good pace has been in and out of the Indian side, and, with 16 wickets from 10 matches this season, he has shown that he can be consistent in getting wickets despite being on the expensive side.

As he operates at a higher pace, even if he slightly misses his mark he can easily go for runs. However, the 24-year-old should not be confined to just domestic cricket.

#5 Pravin Tambe

Why not? At least in the T20s. There is absolutely no doubt over the bowler’s capability and temperament, and, if his body co-operates, he could very well be playing T20s for India for the next 2 years.

With 15 wickets this season and a personal best of 4-20, he can surely make some world class batsmen struggle with his leg-spinners and googlies.