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CSK Emerging Star And? Ravi Shastri Picks Four IPL Youngsters Destined For Bigger Things

Jatin

Ravi Shastri [Source: @ravishastriofficial/instagram.com]Ravi Shastri [Source: @ravishastriofficial/instagram.com]

There is something special brewing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season and Ravi Shastri has got his eyes locked on it. The former India coach, never one to mince his words, has tipped four uncapped youngsters who could soon make the big leap to international cricket.

Speaking on the latest episode of The ICC Review with Sanjana Ganesan, Ravi Shastri couldn’t hide his excitement about the fearless young guns lighting up the tournament.

The four names he threw into the ring are Ayush Mhatre, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh. Each of them, he said, has shown the kind of guts and raw talent that could take them to the next level if handled with care.

Ayush Mhatre: The Teen Prodigy

At just 17 years old, Ayush Mhatre has made sure nobody forgets his name in a hurry.

Thrown into the deep end as a replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mhatre thrived. Against a star-studded Mumbai Indians bowling attack, he smashed 32 off just 15 balls, including four sweetly timed boundaries and a couple of big ones into the crowd.

Shastri, who’s seen it all from the dressing room and the commentary box, was bowled over.

“The shots, the three shots this Ayush Mhatre played against the Mumbai Indians the other night in Mumbai... The way he took off, unbelievable shots for a 17-year-old, against a star-studded Mumbai Indians line-up to come out and express himself in that fashion caught everyone's eye."

He added:

“I think Ayush Mhatre has got a future. When I look at him, some of the shots he played, I think this guy, if he's handled properly and is with the right kind of people, he is someone who can go a long way."

Vaibhav Suryavanshi Steals Hearts At 14

If Mhatre impressed, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, all of 14 years old, downright stunned everyone. Opening for Rajasthan Royals, the young prodigy smashed Shardul Thakur for a six off his very first ball in the IPL. He went on to smash 34 off 20 balls, batting with the kind of freedom that only teenagers seem to have.

Shastri admitted he was blown away:

“I think the first shot he played, that would have taken everyone's breath away."

Punjab’s Opening Duo Of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh

Shastri also gave a big nod to Punjab Kings’ dynamic duo, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh. The pair has been smashing bowling attacks to bits inside the powerplay, setting games up for Punjab right at the top.

Speaking about them, Shastri said:

“The two Punjab openers (Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh) as well, they give it a smack. It's as if these youngsters who have come in now, they're 14 years, 17 years of age and it's see it, hit it in the first six overs."

Priyansh Arya, in particular, has been in the form of his life, cracking 254 runs in 8 innings at a mind-boggling strike rate of 201.58, including a blistering century against CSK that had the crowd eating out of his hand.

Shastri’s Gentle Warning

While he praised the youngsters, Shastri also kept it real, reminding everyone that the path ahead isn’t all rosy. He added that the bowlers will come hard, throwing plenty of short balls their way, testing their technique and temperament.