Over the years, IPL has given the world many talented cricketers who were relatively unknown prior to their debut in the cash-rich league. IPL has unearthed gems like the Pandya brothers, Rishabh Pant, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Jasprit Bumrah. Many cricket pundits credit the T20 league for India’s success at the international stage.
With the 14th edition of IPL set to begin on 9th April 2021, here is a look at 3 uncapped players with the potential to make a big impact this season –
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad emerged as the only positive for CSK in their worst ever IPL season. The right-handed opener struck 3 fifties in 6 innings and scored 204 runs at an average of 51. Gaikwad was benched after failing to score in his first couple of games. However, when given the opportunity later towards the end of the league stage, the 24-year old uncapped batsman delivered impressive performances to ensure CSK don’t finish at the bottom in the points table.
Devdutt Padikkal
A very consistent batsman in the domestic tournaments such as Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Devdutt Padikkal made a great impression in his debut season in IPL 2020. The left-handed opening batsman scored 473 runs in 15 innings that included 5 fifties. Maxwell’s presence down the order can allow Padikkal to play more freely at the top. The 20-year old batsman from Kerala scored more runs in the last season than his seniors Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.
Abdul Samad
The 19-year old batsman may not have the best numbers to speak for him but his hard-hitting ability has definitely caught everyone’s attention. He can be an integral part of the Sunriser Hyderabad batting lineup. With Warner and Bairstow taking up most of the run-scoring responsibility, the lower-middle order of SRH has been a concern for the last few seasons.
Abdul Samad can not only hit the big sixes, but also build a strong partnership alongside Kane Williamson in the middle-order. Under VVS Laxman’s mentorship, Samad can grow stronger and play a vital role in Hyderabad’s contention for the title.