There's no doubting the fact how crucial an Indian Premier League (IPL) call-up means to any youngster aspiring to make it big. Brushing aside the instant paparazzi and the late night parties, the IPL still remains the prime scouting destination for national selectors despite the existence of iconic domestic tournaments. During the past few campaigns, many exciting talents have burst on to the scene and have gone on to get a national call up, while some careers have taken the wrong turn and hit a nadir. Now as we embrace the 10th edition of the IPL, these are the youngsters that are tipped to impress in the cash-rich league.
There's no doubting the fact how crucial an Indian Premier League (IPL) call-up means to any youngster aspiring to make it big. Brushing aside the instant paparazzi and the late night parties, the IPL still remains the prime scouting destination for national selectors despite the existence of iconic domestic tournaments. During the past few campaigns, many exciting talents have burst on to the scene and have gone on to get a national call up, while some careers have taken the wrong turn and hit a nadir. Now as we embrace the 10th edition of the IPL, these are the youngsters that are tipped to impress in the cash-rich league.
1. Kagiso Rabada
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Tipped as the next 'Mkhaya Ntini', South African prodigy Kagiso Rabada is one the hottest prospects amongst the current generation of pacers. Only 21-years old, the right arm seamer has displayed grit and composure in the tense situations. The Highveld Lions pacer has the ability to bowl stinging bouncers and pinpoint yorkers during death overs. Rabada can prove to be valuable for the Daredevils who are in search for their maiden IPL trophy.
Image courtesy: Getty
2. Sarfaraz Khan
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Despite exciting knocks in the domestic circuit, Sarfaraz Khan's breakthrough performance came in IPL 8 with RCB, and that earned him a lot of plaudits. Accused of being a little slow on field, Khan was only selected in RCB's first XI for five matches in IPL 9. The suspense looms over his participation as the 19-year-old sustained a leg injury during a practice session on Monday.
Image courtesy: File photo
3. Rishabh Pant
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After a splendid show as an opener in India's U-19 World Cup campaign in 2016, Rishabh Pant became the 'man to fight for' for every IPL franchise. Delhi Daredevils acquired him and then under mentor Rahul Dravid, the left-hander honed his skills and even earned a national cap for a T20I against England. The Daredevils have already suffered a huge setback with the withdrawals of JP Duminy and Quinton de Kock, but this augurs well for Pant, who will definitely get quality time in the middle.
Image courtesy: AFP
4. Adam Zampa
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No one really took Australian leg spinner Adam Zampa seriously until he made the headlines with a first five-wicket haul for Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the last edition. The youngster then went on to become a permanent member of Australia's ODI and T20 squads and now under the captaincy of his country mate, Steve Smith, he is poised to take the league by storm
Image courtesy: File photo
5. Mustafizur Rahman
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Mustafizur Rahman was a valuable acquisition by SRH in IPL 9 and the move paid dividends as they went on to win the title. The presence of the 'cutter master' alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Trent Boult, transformed SRH into one of the most threatening bowling attacks. Rahman scalped 16 wickets in 17 matches with an impressive economy on 6.9. Currently busy on national duty with Bangladesh, the defending champions will be itching to get the star bowler back in their ranks.
Image courtesy: PTI
6. Sanju Samson
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The Keralite came into limelight, while playing under the guidance of Rahul Dravid for Rajasthan Royals (RR). An orthodox textbook player, Samson was even considered as MS Dhoni's successor but then he had a disastrous IPL campaign with Delhi Daredevils last year. However, the talent which he possesses makes Samson a vital member of Delhi.
Image courtesy: AFP
7. Ishan Kishan
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Pant's opening partner in the 2016 U-19 World Cup was Ishan Kishan. He played some matches for Gujarat Lions last season but the left-hander couldn't impress and lost his place in the team. But things changed and he had a stellar Ranji Trophy season (2016-17) with the bat, scoring 799 runs, including a thumping 273 against Delhi, the highest ever by a Jharkhand player. Being a regular wicket-keeper also helps Kishan's cause and with more experience in his bag, he can steal the show in IPL 10.
Image courtesy: AFP
8. Mohammed Siraj
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Mohammed Siraj is the perfect example of 'rags to riches' story of IPL. The autorickshaw driver's son, who once played tennis ball cricket, hogged the attention of all and sundry delivery eye-catching performances for Hyderabad in the latest Ranji season, where he picked up 41 wickets in 9 matches. SRH then came calling for him in the auction placing a bid of a whopping Rs 2.6 crore. There's a reason behind such mad spending as SRH management hopes that the local talent can be a perfect replacement for Trent Boult, who has been picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Image courtesy: File photo (Mohammed Siraj is pictured with his parents)
9. Deepak Hooda
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Deepak Hooda never quite managed to match up to his exploits in Rajasthan Royals' jersey for SRH last season. But the defending champions have kept their faith on the Baroda lad and if his latest domestic performances are anything to go by, then we are in for a treat.
Image courtesy: Deepak Hooda's Facebook account
10. Nathu Singh
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The young pacer made the headlines after Mumbai Indians spent a jaw-dropping Rs 3.2 crore on him in IPL 9. But destiny showed its cruel side as Nathu Singh injured his shoulder and couldn't feature for the Rohit Sharma captained side. However, he impressed in the Duleep Trophy in 2016, picking up eight wickets including a six-wicket haul. The 2016-17 Ranji season was not phenomenal but his style of bowling caught the eyes of Gujarat Lions owners who bought him for Rs 50 lakhs in the recent auction. Known to trouble the batsmen with sheer pace, this Rajasthan lad can finally live up to people's expectations.
Image courtesy: Nathu Singh Facebook
