Over the years, the Indian Premier League has been instrumental in unearthing hidden talents and providing such players with a platform from which many have gone on to represent the Indian national team.
On May 4, IPL 2021 has been postponed because of India’s worsening COVID 19 situation and many players testing positive inside the bio-secure bubble. BCCI is looking into possible alternative venues. The UK has emerged as one option to complete the remaining portion of the tournament later this year. More clarity is expected on this in the coming days.
However, the 29 matches that were played before the postponement happened provided a glimpse into the talent of some fresh faces, some of whom may well go on to represent India in the coming years. Here, we look at three players who were on their way to breakthrough IPL seasons before everything came to a halt.
Harshal Patel: The death bowling sensation
Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, the 30-year-old was the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 17 scalps in 7 matches and the purple cap holder at the time of postponement.
What made Harshal stand out was that he was given the responsibility to bowl exclusively in the second half of the innings, and he performed this role remarkably well.
Avesh Khan: The one who makes things happen
That Delhi Capitals decided to play Khan ahead of Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma from the beginning of the tournament is enough to tell you how much he must have impressed the team management during the pre-season preparation.
With 14 wickets from 8 games at the time of postponement, he more than justified the confidence of the team management. He bowled well in all phases of the innings, be it with the new ball, in the middle overs, or at the death.
Chetan Sakariya: The exuberance of youth
Rajasthan Royals gave the responsibility of bowling the tough overs, both during the powerplay and at the death, to this left-arm medium-pacer.
He was able to pick only 7 wickets in the 7 games that he played, but he was able to impress with his variations and discipline and the ability and confidence to bowl yorkers under pressure at the death. He also brought smiles to many faces with his youthful innocence and his unique celebrations after taking some good catches.
