10 talented youngsters who could play for India seniors in the near future

The future of any country depends on the quality of the younger crop of players. Nishad Pai Vaidya picks 10 youngsters who have given rise to optimism that they could play for the India senior side at some point of time in the future.

1.  Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer’s performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015 won him many laurels as he was a picture of correctness, confidence and consistency against international class bowlers. Making his debut for Mumbai in 2014-15, Shreyas became one of their main batsmen, rising up the ranks to bat at No 3. In 10 games, he hit 809 runs at an average of 50.56 with two tons and six fifties — fantastic numbers for someone playing a maiden season.

2.  Kuldeep Yadav

Though he did not play in the IPL 2015, Kuldeep Yadav remains one of the most promising spinners’ in the country. In the Champions League T20 (CLT20) last year, he was a sensation, building his credentials after a good under-19 World Cup campaign. What makes Kuldeep different is that is one of the few chinamen bowlers going around. His performances in the CLT20 won him an India call-up, even before he had made his Ranji debut. Though he did not play for India, it was clear that the selectors have high expectation in him.

3.  Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson may had a below par IPL 2015, but there is no doubting his talent. There was a time when India did not have those dashing wicketkeeper-batsmen until MS Dhoni arrived. Now they have quite a few, with Sanju being the youngest of the lot. Last year, he was picked for the one-day leg of the England tour after a good run for India A. A good season or two may fast-track his progress to the top as it isn’t clear how long Dhoni can go on. In the IPL, Sanju has shown the temperament for the big stage, which sets him apart from the rest.

4.  Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav is maverick. He can play some unbelievable shots, but he lives by the sword and dies by it. However, his potential is unmistakable. And an average of over 45 in First-Class cricket is proof of it. He had captained Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy for a few games last year, and later became an important cog in the Kolkata Knight Riders team.

5.  Deepak Hooda

During the ICC under-19 World Cup 2014, Deepak Hooda was one of the Indians who made an impression. A year down the line, he made a bigger name for himself when Rajasthan Royals put faith in him and handed him a good run in the side. Hooda can hit the ball a long way and bowls useful off-spin. Though his stroke-making is a bit audacious at times, he is one dangerous batsman. India will want him to mature as he can be a good spin-bowling all-rounder.

6.  Sandeep Sharma

Sandeep Sharma is in the Bhuvneshwar Kumar mould. He lacks pace, but makes up for it with some prodigious movement in the air. Sandeep is a wily customer with the new ball and can make the ball talk. He was a part of the India under-19 side that won the 2012 World Cup. Sandeep has done well in domestic cricket and in the IPL, but may need some time to develop into a better bowler for the highest level.

7.  Karun Nair

A solid right-handed batsman, Karun Nair is an important batsman for Karnataka in domestic cricket. Since his First-Class debut in 2013-14, he has become one of the leading batsmen in the country, playing crucial roles in Karnataka’s dominance across formats. Who can forget his triple ton in the 2014-14 Ranji final! In the IPL, he has impressed with his compact style and technically correct methods of scoring runs. His solidity could make him a candidate for all formats.

8.  Shardul Thakur

The pacer from Mumbai is yet to make a mark in the IPL, but has proven his credentials in the Ranji Trophy. Last season, he took 48 wickets in 10 matches, sharing the top spot with Vinay Kumar of Karnataka. Thakur has worked on his pace and has been making inroads for Mumbai. India have many pace bowling options and Thakur may have to bide his time for his chance.

9.  Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan has been one of the best performers for India under-19s since 2013. The talent is obvious going by the way he can craft shots. The mark of a good batsman is when he has different shots for the same delivery. Sarfaraz has shown a wide range during his IPL knocks recently. But those who have watched him play in the maidans of Mumbai and for the India under-19s would vouch for the fact that he has the mettle to go all the way.

10.  Shreyas Gopal

Shreyas Gopal rose through the ranks as a batsman, but the dearth of spinners in Karnataka meant that he had to come in as a leggie. In his first season in 2013-14, he made a mark as a leg-spinner and helped Karnataka dominate domestic cricket. In the second year, he only improved upon his performances, this time coming to the party with the bat as well. Shreyas can be a good all-round option if nurtured well and given enough exposure at the right time.

(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Mumbai-based cricket journalist and one of the youngest to cover the three major cricketing events — ICC World Cup, World T20 and under-19 World Cup. He tweets as @nishad_45)