The IPL is in town : Young guns who could take the leap

After an action packed auction where the teams used all their wits and strategies to finalize on the roster, it’s down to business now. The IPL may have been shrouded in controversies and it might be election time for the country, but the buzz for the competition remains strong. 

There have been some serious performances from Indian as well as International stars in the last few additions, and make no mistake but this is more than serious business for players. Names such as Shaun Marsh, David miller, David Warner, Suresh Raina and several others have ignited their international careers in the past on the basis of this tournament and this edition will be no different.

Here we take a look at 6 young stars, who could just use this tournament to springboard their careers into the next level.

Sanju Samson: This young 19 year old wicket-keeper from Kerala was retained by the Royals franchisee and not many were surprised. This guy can play. He has turned out solid performances for the under-19 team as the vice-captain in the last two years. He displayed his calmness and class in several matches, none more so then in the Champion’s trophy final against a classy Mumbai attack. Sanju can build an innings and just as well hit out when required. This next edition might just be the time when he comes of age.

Corey Anderson: Cricket pundits have gone gaga over this new sensation from New-Zealand since he broke the long standing record (of a certain Shahid Afridi) for the fastest ODI century of just 36 balls. A left-armer of skiddy pace and left-handed batsman, who can be murderous when in form and mood, is a rare commodity indeed. Mumbai Indians snapped this 23 year old for a cool 4.5 crores and the owners were thrilled to have him in the roster. He will provide the much needed balance for Mumbai as the reigning IPL champions look to defend their title. Watch out for the death over accelerometer.

Patrick Cummins: This guy is fast and this guy can generate some serious heat. He burst onto the international scene with 7 wickets on debut against South-Africa as an 18 year old. He ruffled up some of the established stars with his pace, but has since not played a single game due to injuries to his back and heel. Cummins had been snapped up by the Kolkata franchisee in the dying hours of the auction and could be one of the better deals that the management made. If he plays, expect some fire-works and just keep an eye on the pace gun. He might just announce himself to the world once again.

Glenn Maxwell: He created a lot of headlines when he was purchased for a million dollars in the last auction by the Mumbai franchisee. But limited opportunities in a star studded line up didn’t allow him to display his potential.  This year promises to be different as he is slated to get a lot of game time with Punjab. He has already shown glimpses of his skills in the world T20 as he displayed outrageous hitting against some of the best spinners in the world. He is also a capable off-spinner who could be relied on to get in some quick overs when required. Do not be surprised if this guy lights up the IPL with some fearless hitting on the Indian and Dubai featherbeds. The Big Show could make this show his own.

Ishwar Pandey: A solid domestic season for MP saw this tall right-armer top the wicket taking charts and handed him a call up to the India A squad. He was snapped up the Chennai Super Kings for 150 crores and could be a good buy for the 2 time winners. He is not express but relies on line and length for getting his wickets. IPL could just be the platform he needs to show the selectors that he can cut it with the big boys. He could be instrumental for Chennai with the new ball due to his wicket taking abilities.

Beuran Hendricks: This 23 year old South African speedster is yet another in the long line of pedigreed fast bowlers from the nation. A left-armer capable of generating good pace and bounce, he has been a revelation for his side Cape Cobras in their domestic T20 league and topped the wicket taking charts for them.  He also performed creditably in the recently concluded world T20. Hendricks was unsurprisingly gobbled up the Punjab franchisee and if given an opportunity will form a devastating opening combination with Mitchell Johnson. Look out for some thunderbolts from both ends. The only downside to him is his poor batting (he is a genuine No.11). But if he keeps picking those wickets, Punjab won’t be complaining.

There were some others who could be termed young but have already established themselves in the international arena. We have not considered them in the list (E.g. Steve smith). Other youngsters to look out for (and who narrowly missed the list) include Chris Lynn, Rishi Dhawan, Quinton de Kock and Manan Vohra.