The IPL auction, which served as an appetizer ahead of the premier T20 extravaganza, opened the doors for as many as 62 players out of a possible 332 that went under the hammer. The Indian Premier League, known for fostering players and acting as a springboard to glory, is set to throw a host of starlets to the center of the platform, alongside and against the best in the business.
While Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell robbed the headlines for their hefty purchases and salary caps, more than half of the sold players happened to be budding cricketers yearning to reach the pinnacle of the game’s horizon.
Without further ado, we look at five lesser-known players who are more than capable of setting the field ablaze in the forthcoming edition of the IPL.
5. Tom Banton
Over the years, the shortest version of the game has paved way for unconventional techniques and approaches on all fronts, much to the benefit of many cricketers. Hard-hitting England batsman Tom Banton belongs to the same breed, owing to his ruthless muscle power, innovation and fearlessness at the crease.
Capsuling the modern-day batsman, Banton lit up the recently concluded T20 Vitality Blast with a staggering 549 runs at a deadly strike rate of over 160. A mere 56 runs in three international matches for the Three Lions speaks little of how destructive the Somerset better can be.
His rise from the U-19 stage has been meteoric, to say the least, as he’s now a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (Rs 1.00 Cr), Brisbane Heat and Peshawar Zalmi. A semi-professional hockey player by trade, Banton has a number of scoops and switch-hit in his wide radar. Impeccable improvisation, ability to pick gaps and accelerate at an alarming rate make up for a player proficient enough to be a match-winner.
4. Kartik Tyagi
Kartik Tyagi, all set to launch his pacy deliveries in the U-19 World Cup, owns a real frame with all the skillsets as a 19-year-old. Bought by the Rajasthan Royals for Rs 1.30 Cr, Tyagi was initially a worker in his hometown in Uttar Pradesh during his early teens.
However, the lanky fast-bowler has gone from strength to strength since, working his way up the order to make a case for himself in his state’s Ranji Trophy squad. Earlier in England this year, the pacer also amassed nine wickets in just five matches.
Tyagi can bowl a sharp bouncer, but most prominently, his frightening pace and ability to swing the ball both ways makes him a complete package. There’s a long way to go for the fast bowler, but he could prove to be a surprise package for the Royals, who are known to depend on young guns for their results.
3. Yashaswi Jaswal
Yashaswi Jaswal forms another one of those mind-blowing stories that revolve around a theme of rags to riches, as the Mumbai batsman was a panipuri seller back in the day. His inspirational narrative has been heavily circulated across households, but there’s more to the teenager’s game.
Jaiswal is a controlled stroke-maker; someone who can shift gears at will and anchor an innings with maturity beyond his years. His otherworldly innings of 200 of just 149 in the Vijay Hazare trophy speaks volumes of what the boy can do, and the Royals knew it best when they scooped him for a massive Rs 2.40 Cr.
Jaswal may not be needed at the start of the season, but as the marathon progresses, RR may well need his services. For now, though, he’s focused on helping the young Blues retain their World Cup title, with the likes of Tyagi, Priyam Garg (SRH – Rs 1.90 Cr) and Ravi Bishnoi. (KXIP – Rs 2.00 Cr)
2. Chris Green
A stunning six-year deal with the Thunder Nation in the Big Bash just proved how valuable and handy Chris Green is, as an all-rounder. A wily off-spinner by trade, Green is known for his clever slow bowling during various phases of the game.
The 26-year-old has progressed through the ranks as a T20 specialist after initial failures, and perhaps, that’s what makes him suited to opening the bowling or finishing the innings. His versatility, all-round prowess and ability to control the flow of runs makes him a serious contender for KKR, who purchased him for just Rs 20 Lakh.
Not to mention, Green can provide a flourish at the back-end of an innings with the bat as well, and is also a smart fieldsman. A brilliant economy rate of 6.7 in T20s, alongside an economy of just over 6 in the powerplay, make Green a handy option as a replacement for someone such as Piyush Chawla.
Green can slot into various roles but is much more than a utility outlet. He’s a player with a game-changer’s pedigree.
1. Josh Philippe
Josh Philippe is the talk of the town Down Under. Chasing a meager 132, the Sydney Sixers’ batsman dazzled with 81 off just 44, glittering his knock with 11 fours and three maximums. Although not been in the scheme of matters for Western Australia of late, the gloveman has taken to the Big Bash stage to bill his worth.
He starred in last season’s semi-final and took no time to take off, a couple of days back. RCB snapped him up for the base price value of Rs 20 Lakh, and although he may not receive the minutes he desires, the blistering opener provides a unique balance to the side.
The Challengers, now better equipped in terms of their departments, can chop and change should Parthiv Patel not perform to his expectations. Of course, Philippe offers a completely different aptitude at the top. He can break free in the powerplay overs and flex those muscles at will in contrast to the Indian wicket-keeper, who is not known for hitting huge sixes.
Related Reading:
- Vitality T20 Blast 2020 Points Table and Match Results
- Vitality T20 Blast 2020 All Teams & Full Squads
- IPL 2020 All Teams, Players, Full Squads, Complete Schedule, Past Winners
- Vitality T20 Blast 2020 Full Match Schedule & Past Winners
- CPL 2020 – Where to watch? (TV / Livestream Options)
- CPL 2020 Points Table, Match Schedule & Results, All Past Winners
Leave a Reply