Uncapped youngsters show their mettle in IPL 2021

Avesh Khan, Chetan Sakariya and Harshal Patel impress in the disrupted IPL

Hyderabad: The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League, which was abruptly stopped because of rise in Covid-19 cases and the subsequent breach in bio-bubble in three teams, did provide chances for the youngsters to show their talent.

While Prithvi Shaw, Devdutt Padikkal, who were in sublime form during the Vijay Hazare tournament, showed their mettle, the unheralded uncapped youngsters like Rajasthan Royals’ Chetan Sakariya, Dehli Capitals’ Avesh Khan and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Harshal Patel caught the attention with impressive performances.

Sakariya’s show was a story of pure grit and determination. His family didn’t let Sakariya know of his brother’s death during the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, showing how important cricket was for the youngsters. Playing his first IPL season, the 19-year-old left-arm seamer caught the eye with his variations and accurate yorkers.

With Jofra Archer ruled out of the tournament with injury, the Royals were dependent on Indian bowling talent. Sakariya didn’t disappoint as he returned with 3/31 in his first match which was a high-scoring game. He picked up seven wickets from seven matches. His ability to deliver yorkers and decent overs under pressure earned high praises from everyone.

Delhi Capitals’ Avesh Khan has been warming the benches for the best part of his career. But with South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje joining the squad late, the Capitals handed over the new-ball responsibility to the talented pacer. Avesh Khan grabbed the opportunity with both hands. His success forced DC to persist with him with the new ball even after Rabada, Nortje joined the team. He also got the nod ahead of experienced Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav in the side.

With 14 wickets from eight matches, Avesh is the leading wicket-taker for the Rishabh Pant-led side ahead of Rabada. His economy rate of 7.70 in the highly-competitive league will push his case for the national team.

The purple cap holder Harshal Patel from the Royal Challengers Bangalore did play a crucial part for the Virat Kohli-led side’s fortunes in the league. With Mohammed Siraj taking care of the new ball, Harshal emerged a good death-over bowler, which they lacked so far.

Though Chennai Super Kings’ Ravindra Jadeja hit the 30-year-old Haryana bowler for 37 runs in an over in a match, Harshal has been impressive with his wicket-taking ability. He has 17 wickets to his name from seven matches, albeit at a higher economy rate. His variations and slower ones at the death bowling and a clarity on his role in the team worked well for the bowler.

Meanwhile, the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad (196 runs), Devdutt Padikkal (195) did get starts but failed to make it big. In the bowling, Punjab Kings’ Harpreet Brar (4 wkts from 2 matches), Ravi Bishnoi, Capitals’ Lalit Yadav did well in the limited chances they got.

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