A look at eight uncapped Indian players who impressed in the first week of IPL 2021.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 has finished eight matches with all teams having played two matches each - and the excitement level has never been low.
From nail-biting thrillers to the rain of sixes and untimely wickets - the fans of the cash-rich tournament have been thoroughly entertained.
The first week of cricket’s carnival has also witnessed some impressive performances. While it is expected from the big stars to deliver but, the new and uncapped Indian players, who often go under the radar, have also managed to grab attention with their renditions.
A look at eight uncapped Indian players who impressed in the first week of IPL 2021.
1. Harshal Patel
)
Purchased by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the medium pacer Harshal Patel has been given the designated role of a death bowler.
The player from Haryana, surely grabbed his chance with both hands as he started his IPL campaign with a bang and became the first bowler in the history of the tournament to scalp a five-wicket haul against Mumbai Indians (MI).
He has impressed all with his slower delivery and accuracy to hit the blockhole consistently. Patel has thus far snared seven wickets in the two matches and is currently the Purple cap holder.
2. Nitish Rana
)
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opener Nitish Rana has been a consistent performer in the last few seasons.
The left-hander scored 80 runs off 56 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and followed it with another impressive 57 against Mumbai Indians (MI).
The batsman has scored a total of 137 runs and he is currently the Orange cap holder of the season.
3. Shahbaz Ahmed
)
Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) Shahbaz Ahmed was the game-changer in the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
The left-arm spinner was given the ball in the 17th over by Virat Kohli and turned the game with three wickets of Jonny Bairstow, Manish Pandey and Abdul Samad.
Ahmed bowled with an average of seven and played a key role in RCB's second win of two games making the side lead the points table. RCB are also the only unbeaten side currently.
4. Chetan Sakariya
)
Rajasthan Royals (RR) Chetan Sakariya made an impressive debut against Punjab Kings (PBKS) after scalping three wickets and conceding only 31 runs.
Sakariya then bowled another economic spell against Delhi Capitals (DC). The left-arm pacer from Saurashtra also can nail the yorker with consistency.
5. Arshdeep Singh
)
Punjab Kings' (PBKS) pacer Arshdeep Singh has become the sides go-to bowler especially when they have to defend a total.
In the clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab had to defend 13 runs and Singh was given the daunting task as Sanju Samson was going all guns blazing.
The left-armer from Punjab, however, was able to keep his calm and took his team over the line by four runs. Arshdeep has scalped four wickets in two matches at an average of 10.50.
6. Avesh Khan
)
Delhi Capitals' (DC) fast bowler Avesh Khan impressed all, especially after he had scalped two wickets against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), including the big one of MS Dhoni - who was dismissed for a duck.
The right-arm pacer returned with three wickets against Rajasthan Royals (RR) too and currently has snared five wickets in two matches at an average of 11.
7. Shahrukh Khan
)
Punjab Kings' (PBKS) power-hitter Shahrukh Khan impressed with his pyrotechnics as he was the lone warrior for his team against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
He scored 47 runs from 36 balls and took his team's total past 100. Khan hit the long boundaries and would most likely play a crucial role for PBKS in this season.
8. Deepak Hooda
)
Another player from Punjab Kings (PBKS) - Deepak Hooda - was at his absolute best against Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Hooda smashed 64 runs off just 28 balls and was able to hit the ground running. The right-hander impressed fans with his power-hitting.
