From Dhull to Tendulkar: Five Players Who Could Steal IPL 2023 With A Breakthrough Performance
The Indian Premier League set to begin from 31st March (Twitter)
The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to kick off on March 31, with Chennai Super Kings taking on Gujarat Giants at the Narendra Modi Stadium in the opening game. This highly anticipated event has become the biggest extravaganza in Indian cricket, attracting not only Team India superstars and big international names but also young Indian talents looking to showcase their skills on the biggest stage.
Over the years, the IPL has provided a platform for young Indian talents to shine and establish themselves as mainstays and big names in Indian cricket at the international level. Some of the most well-known players in the Indian cricket team, such as Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, came into the limelight with their impressive performances in the IPL.
While the focus is often on the star players, the IPL has also brought attention to lesser-known players who have gone on to achieve great success. This tournament provides a unique opportunity for young cricketers to demonstrate their abilities and potentially earn a spot on the national team, showcasing the depth of talent in Indian cricket. This season could undoubtedly prove to be a breakthrough season for some players. Here's our take at it:
1) Yash Dhull
Delhi Capitals player, Yash Dhull (Twitter)
It's always exciting to see young talents perform well in the domestic circuit, and it seems like Yash Dhull is one such player who has been making waves in Indian cricket. His impressive record in T20s, coupled with his double century and century in the Irani Cup, suggest that he has the potential to do well in the IPL.
Despite being the worst affected by the symptoms among the five players who tested positive prior to India's second U-19 World Cup game against Ireland, the 19-year-old cricketer from the bustling Janakpuri area in West Delhi has been performing exceptionally well.
He is currently a member of the Delhi Capitals(DC) team and has scored 363 runs in eight T20 games this season with a strike rate of 131. Despite not making his debut in the IPL 2022 season, his current form justifies his inclusion in the starting lineup for the DC in the upcoming matches.
However, it's also important to keep in mind that the IPL is a different ball game altogether. The level of competition is much higher, and the pressure of performing in front of large crowds can be daunting for young players. Nonetheless, if Yash Dhull can carry his form into the IPL and maintain his composure in high-pressure situations, he could be a valuable addition to the team.
2) Suyash Prabhudessai
Royal Challengers Bangalore player, Suyash Prabhudessai (Twitter)
Suyash Prabhudessai, who started his cricket journey as a middle-order batsman representing Goa in India's domestic matches, has been fortunate enough to be selected by his childhood favorite team, RCB in IPL. Prabhudessai's selection in the tournament makes him the fourth player from Goa to achieve this feat, which is visibly a rare opportunity that only a few players get to experience.
Additionally, after his selection, Suyash received a text message from his cricketing idol, Virat Kohli, which he described as a "dream come true" moment in his life.
Suyash had made his debut for the Goa team in the 2016-17 Vijay Hazare Trophy. He also became one of the rare seven batters from Goa to hit a double century in Ranji Trophy. However, his remarkable accomplishment did not receive much attention or hype from fans and critics alike.
3) Rajvardhan Hangargekar
Chennai Super Kings player, Rajvardhan Hangargekar (Twitter)
During the 2022 IPL mega-auction, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made a smart move by acquiring the talented Rajvardhan Hangargekar for a sum of ₹1.5 crore. Hangargekar, who had recently won the 2022 U-19 World Cup in the Caribbean, was highly sought after for his abilities as an all-rounder with raw pace and powerful hitting skills. Despite interest from other franchises, CSK managed to win the bidding war and sign him for the future.
However, to the surprise of many, Hangargekar did not get a single opportunity to play in his debut season for CSK. Despite the team struggling with injuries and finding the right team combination, he remained on the bench throughout the season.
As CSK returns to the MA Chidambaram Stadium for IPL 2023, the focus will primarily be on spin bowling. However, it is important to remember that the team will also be playing away games that require a strong pace bowling unit. Franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals already have potent pace bowlers like Umran Malik, Lockie Ferguson, Kagiso Rabada, and Jofra Archer in their ranks.
Rajvardhan Hangargekar may not be a regular 150 kmph bowler, but he can still provide raw pace to the CSK unit. He is arguably the fastest bowler that CSK has and can use his energy to bowl intense spells. In addition to his pace bowling abilities, Hangargekar is also known for his skill in hitting big shots. Although his batting statistics may not necessarily reflect this aspect of his game, he gained recognition for his powerful slogging during the U-19 World Cup 2022 in the West Indies.
4) Arjun Tendulkar
Mumbai Indians player, Arjun Tendulkar (Twitter)
Arjun Tendulkar, son of legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, was bought by Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2021 auction, but he has yet to make his debut for the franchise. However, with the absence of Jasprit Bumrah due to injury and no replacement named for the Indian pacer, Arjun may finally get his chance to play this season.
Arjun has been struggling to establish his own identity in the field of cricket, away from the shadow of his famous father. Despite his efforts in Mumbai, he eventually moved to Goa. However, he recently achieved a significant milestone by scoring a century in his debut Ranji Trophy match. His journey so far has been challenging, as his surname might have granted him certain advantages but also placed a weight of expectation on him.
5) Riyan Parag
Rajasthan Royals player, Riyan Parag (Twitter)
The Rajasthan Royals have placed their trust in young cricketer Parag after Sanju Samson. Despite an unremarkable performance in his previous four IPL seasons, the 21-year-old from Guwahati will be participating in his fifth IPL this year.
The team management is hopeful that he will step up, especially after an impressive domestic season with Assam. Parag was one of the top scorers in the 2022-23 Vijay Hazare Trophy, having amassed 552 runs with an average of 69 in nine games, including three centuries and a half-century. He also performed well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, scoring 253 runs with a strike rate of 165.35 and two half-centuries.
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