Launching pad

Season II proved again what a platform it is for young, talented Indian cricketers

AHMEDABAD: Indian Cricket League’s (ICL) Season II has already proved that how effective a platform it is for young talents.

The fact is evident from the way the young Indian players have made the difference in close encounters, rubbing shoulders with, and even bettering their more illustrious foreign teammates.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Sarabjit Singh is an ideal example. A spirited display from the 21-year-old enabled Chandigarh Lions successfully chase down the target set by Mumbai Champs. He scripted victory almost single-handedly after his team seemed to be fumbling while chasing. Chris Cairns’s side were struggling at one stage at 85 for six.

Local boy Sarabjit hammered a match-winning innings of 41 runs off 22 balls including three fours and three sixes. His mighty six in the last over off Ranjit Khirid reminded one of Javed Miandad’s sixer at Sharjah against Chetan Sharma.

“We have strong talents and Sarabjit’s innings showcases it. Such performances strengthen our confidence of promoting young cricketers,” ICL tournament director Kiran More said.

Besides, players like Hyderabad Heroes’ Ambati Rayudu have matched international standards. His 58 against the Lahore Badshahs was a class act. Rayudu’s two consecutive sixes off Saqlain Mustaq were head turners and were reminders for the local cricket association who paid no importance to his abilities.

“Rayudu has always been a good cricketer and it is good to see him in great touch,” More said. Riding on his 58, Hyderabad posted a competitive total and won the power-failure-affected match.

Also, Reetinder Singh Sodhi’s creditable display during the Delhi Giants versus Ahmedabad Rockets match was enough to display India’s talent pool.

More said: “Such players had potential but never got any chance to display it. We are proud to promote them… They have not let us down.”