The IPL, being the greatest academy, has been successfully scouting and producing some untapped talent in the form of local and international uncapped players. Talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravi Bishnoi and Rinku Singh are some of the best examples of those who went on making their presence felt in the international arena after continuously showcasing their talent in the IPL. The seventeenth season of the Indian Premier League is just round the corner and there is no doubt that this edition of the most decorated tournament will be brimming with talent. Here are top 5 uncapped players to keep an eye on in this year’s IPL.
1. Kumar Kushagra – Delhi Capitals
The dashing 19 year old wicket-keeper batsman was picked by the Delhi Capitals at the IPL auction for a whopping fee of INR 7.2 crore. Kumar Kushagra went on making history as he was recognised as the youngest batter smashing a 250+ run record in a first class game.
2. Sameer Rizvi – Chennai Super Kings.
CSK caught everyone’s attention when the team management bought an uncapped player with a mere 11 list A games experience, Sameer Rizvi, for a whopping INR 8.4 crores in the auction.
The defending champions, being futuristic, have looked for a perfect asset and have invested in someone who could be one of their premiere batters in the future. Notably, the 20-year-old ranked in the top 10 list of costliest auction picks for the 2024 IPL season.
3. Arshin Kulkarni – Lucknow Super Giants
An explosive batsman and useful seamer. Regarded as the Kallis fan boy, who can hit the ball long, Arshin Kulkarni scored a brilliant hundred in India’s Group match against the United States of America (USA) in the U19 World Cup 2024. No wonder that the all round sensation is tipped off to be the next big thing in Indian cricket. The all rounder is all set to be a part of the Lucknow Super Giants this season as the franchise brought him for 20 lakh.
4. Shahrukh Khan – Gujarat Titans
A very popular name. Shahrukh Khan has already had a certain amount of IPL experience. The all-rounder from Tamil Nadu had his previous stint with the Punjab Kings (2011-2023) and now is all set to play for the last season’s runner up, the Gujarat Titans. His hard hitting abilities made his value high at the IPL auction table as the Gujarat Titans roped him in for a price of INR 7.40 Crore.
5. Tom Kohlor-Cadmore – Rajasthan Royals
The inaugural IPL champions, the Rajasthan Royals roped in the hard hitting Tom Kohlor-Cadmore for a price of INR 40 Lakh. His ability to accelerate the innings lower down the order will be very much useful for the Royals, especially in the death.
The seventeenth season of the IPL starts tomorrow, Friday, 22nd of March, 2024. With more than a dozen uncapped players making their IPL debuts, this season will surely be proving as a stage for the youngsters to showcase their talent and to announce themselves to the world.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye.
