In the IPL, the spotlight often shines on established stars such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Surya Kumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya, as well as prominent international players. This season, however, a group of young cricketers is stepping into the limelight, outperforming these veterans with standout displays in both batting and bowling. With the T20 World Cup approaching in October, these emerging talents are staking a claim for spots on Team India. Who are these rising stars? What impact have they had this season? Explore their journeys in this special report.
Young Batsmen
Riyan Parag
While Riyan Parag is not a newcomer to the IPL, this season marks a significant turnaround in his performance. Previously subject to intense online criticism, he has become a key player in securing wins for the Rajasthan Royals this year. In the six matches he has played, Parag has notched three half-centuries and amassed a total of 284 runs, maintaining a strike rate of 155.19. Should he maintain this impressive form, sports analysts believe he is likely to secure a place in Team India.
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson, the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, is having another standout season. His excellent leadership has propelled his team to the top of the points table. The Royals have triumphed in five out of their six matches, collecting 10 points. On the batting front, Samson has hit three half-centuries this season, tallying 264 runs with an impressive average of 66.00 and a strike rate of 155.29. His consistent batting has earned him a spot as the third highest run-scorer of the season.
Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube, the dynamic all-rounder for Chennai Super Kings, is having a breakout season, making a significant impact with his powerful batting. Known for his ability to hit sixes against both spinners and pacers, Dube has compiled 242 runs in just six matches this season, boasting a strike rate of 163.51. His aggressive batting style has earned him widespread acclaim, and there is a growing consensus that his performances could very well secure him a spot in the T20 World Cup squad.
Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma has emerged as a standout performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad this season, holding his own against seasoned international batsmen like Travis Head, Aiden Markram, and Heinrich Klaasen. In just six matches, Abhishek has racked up 211 runs with a remarkable strike rate of 197.19, hitting 16 fours and 18 sixes along the way. His explosive batting has sparked predictions that his inclusion in Team India’s squad could be just around the corner if he maintains this form.
Sai Sudharsan
Sai Sudharsan of Gujarat Titans has been performing exceptionally well this season, living up to the team management’s expectations. Over the course of six matches, Sai has tallied 224 runs with a strike rate of 130.23 and an average of 37.67. As a crucial batsman for Gujarat, he is solidifying his reputation as a promising young cricketer.
Shashank Singh
Despite a challenging season for the Punjab team, young batter Shashank Singh has been a standout performer, capturing attention with his formidable hitting. Emerging as a ray of hope for Punjab, Shashank has scored 146 runs in six matches at an impressive strike rate of 184.81. His recent explosive innings of 61 runs from just 29 balls against Gujarat turned the tide, transforming a probable defeat into a victory.
Nitish Kumar Reddy
The young Telugu cricketer, Nitish Kumar Reddy, quickly rose to prominence with a single standout performance for Sunrisers Hyderabad. In a recent match against Punjab, Nitish proved his mettle when the team’s star batters faltered, scoring a warrior-like 64 runs from just 37 balls. Despite having played only three matches this season, this promising all-rounder has already accumulated 78 runs at an impressive strike rate of 173.33.
Young Bowlers Too Show Their Mettle
Mayank Yadav
Mayank Yadav is making waves as one of the standout young talents in this IPL season. Representing the Lucknow Super Giants, this express pacer has dazzled with his ability to consistently bowl over 150 km/h, along with his precise line and length. In the first three matches for LSG, Mayank took 6 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 9.00 and securing the Player of the Match award twice. Regrettably, an injury sidelined him for the subsequent three matches.
Vaibhav Arora
Another young pacer making waves in this IPL is Vaibhav Arora, representing Kolkata Knight Riders. He has played in three matches this season, taking 6 wickets at an economy of 8.09. Vaibhav has become a crucial bowler for KKR and is likely to catch the selectors’ attention if he continues to perform well in upcoming matches.
Yash Thakur
Yash Thakur, another young pacer from LSG, has also been noteworthy this season. In the five matches he played, he claimed 7 wickets and maintained an economy of 9.92. Notably, in a recent match against Delhi, Yash took three crucial wickets, playing a key role in his team’s victory.
Mayank Markande
While the Sunrisers Hyderabad have a formidable batting lineup, they initially lacked a star spinner. However, young spinner Mayank Markande has been gradually filling this gap. He has effectively contained opponents with his spin bowling. So far, in the five matches he has played, Mayank has taken 5 wickets with an economy of 11.24.
Tushar Deshpande
Chennai Super Kings bowler, Tushar Deshpande, is also making an impact this season with his bowling. He consistently takes crucial wickets at key moments. Having played six matches so far, Deshpande has taken 6 wickets with an economy rate of 7.90. He continues to improve his performance with each match, attracting everyone’s attention.
Arshdeep Singh
Young player Arshdeep Singh is in fine form this season. Representing Punjab Kings, he has played six matches and taken 9 wickets with an economy of 9.24. His economical bowling has been tightening the screws on opposing batsmen. If he continues to perform similarly in the upcoming matches and secures more wickets, his selection for Team India seems assured.
Khaleel Ahmed
Pacer Khaleel Ahmed is delivering impressive bowling spells for Delhi Capitals. So far, he has played six matches this season, taking 9 wickets with an economy rate of 8.79. As a key bowler for Delhi, Khaleel has been crucial in taking wickets at critical moments, proving his worth to the team.
