By Kushan Sarkar
New Delhi, March26
Young talents Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre grabbed attention in their debut IPL season last year, and the upcoming edition is set to spotlight several more rookies eager to live up to the league’s tagline, “Where Talent Meets Opportunity.”
Here’s a look at one uncapped or relatively inexperienced player from each of the 10 franchises who could make a mark in the coming weeks:
Prashant Veer (Chennai Super Kings):
The 20-year-old left-arm spinner from Amethi has been entrusted with a big role, with the franchise investing Rs 14.20 crore in him. With nine SMAT games, an economy of 6.45, and a strike rate above 167, he is seen as a long-term prospect capable of filling the void left by Ravindra Jadeja.
Auqib Nabi (Delhi Capitals):
Despite being 29, Nabi’s IPL debut is highly anticipated after a stellar domestic season, where he picked up over 60 wickets for Jammu and Kashmir. Known as the ‘Baramullah Express’, his ability in powerplays stands out, though his pace in the early 130s could be tested at the top level.
Ashok Sharma (Gujarat Titans):
A tearaway pacer capable of touching 150 kmph, Ashok is among the fastest young bowlers in the country. While competition is stiff with the likes of Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada, he remains a strong backup option.
Tejasvi Dahiya (Kolkata Knight Riders):
The Delhi batter impressed with a half-century in SMAT and a strike rate of 168. Though Angkrish Raghuvanshi is ahead in the pecking order, Dahiya is viewed as a promising middle-order option.
Naman Tiwari (Lucknow Super Giants):
A left-arm pacer from the 2024 U-19 World Cup batch, Tiwari regularly clocks over 140 kmph. His ability to seam the ball into right-handers makes him a valuable backup option.
Allah Ghazanfar (Mumbai Indians):
The 20-year-old Afghan mystery spinner has generated significant buzz. Having impressed in franchise cricket, he could be among the overseas picks under coach Mahela Jayawardene.
Mitchell Owen (Punjab Kings):
The hard-hitting Tasmanian all-rounder boasts a strike rate of 187 in the Big Bash League. Apart from his power-hitting, he can chip in with medium pace, making him a useful T20 asset.
Ravi Singh (Rajasthan Royals):
The Railways batter scored 218 runs at a strike rate of 173 in SMAT last year, including a match-winning 68 against Vidarbha. His performances earned him a Rs 95 lakh IPL contract.
Jacob Bethell (Royal Challengers Bengaluru):
The England youngster comes into the tournament on the back of a T20 World Cup semi-final century. Alongside Jitesh Sharma, he could be a key attacking option on batting-friendly pitches.
Shivang Kumar (Sunrisers Hyderabad):
A rare left-arm wrist spinner, Shivang also contributes with the bat. It remains to be seen how coach Daniel Vettori utilises his skill set this season.
