Stars of Tomorrow (Part 2)

Every person is anxious about the future. A businessman is worried about the future prospects of his business, a mother is worried about the future of her child and we fans are worried about the future of the gentleman’s game. But watching the IPL gives me some relief as the future of the game is in very safe hands. The young and talented players from across the globe have made a very deep impact in this year’s IPL by playing some match winning knocks, claiming important wickets and flying around like superman to save runs for their team.

In my previous article, I had mentioned only about the Indian players who could make it big in the future. Now, here is a look at some of the young foreign players who have shown a lot of promise and should do wonders for their respective countries in the future.

Steven Smith

Now if there is one person on the cricketing field whose fielding skills can be compared to Jonty Rhodes, it’s this guy. He has left us spell bound on a number of occasions with his super human fielding skills. How can we ever forget that heroic save that he made on the boundary line (against KKR) by leaping into the air and preventing the ball from going for a six. It’s not only his fielding skills that make him a potential future superstar, it’s also his capability to come in in crunch situations and score a quick fire 20 or 30 to seal a victory for his team.

He has been tipped by many as the next Jonty, I just hope that he keeps producing those WOW moments in the field and keeps on scoring runs to emerge as a finisher for Australia. The good news is that he has received a call for the ODI’S against Ireland and England.

Faf Du Plesis

He has proved to be an amazing replacement for the mighty Mathew Hayden by scoring runs on a consistent basis and intimidating bowlers with his powerful stroke play at the top of the order. He has been a prolific scorer for the Chennai Super Kings by providing them with a solid start at the top. His three half centuries have come at a brisk pace, giving the Super Kings the much wanted start at the top.

He has had to give up his place for the more established and experienced Mike Hussey, but as we know that’s the nature of the IPL as only four overseas players can play in a team. I hope he is able to cement his place in the South African team

Sunil Narine

Say hello to the new mystery bowler of world cricket. He has taken the cricketing world by storm, performing well against India and then getting a place in the star studded KKR team. He has been the go to man for Gambhir. His variations, changes of pace, off spinners and leg spinners have completely bamboozled all the batsmen in the IPL. He has an amazing economy rate of below 5.31 along with 15 precious scalps and that too just in 9 games. At the moment, he is the most feared bowler in the IPL.

It is sad that he couldn’t make it to the West Indies test team against Australia. But once he claims his spot, I am sure he is going to make life very difficult for the opposition players in all forms of the game. Let’s hope that he does not become an ordinary bowler once the mystery is solved and finds new ways of troubling the batsmen.

Kevon Cooper

This West Indian youngster burst onto the scene in the T20 Champions League when he put up decent performances for Trinidad and Tobago, taking 5 wickets at a healthy economy of 5.29. Coming in at seven, he had a majestic strike rate of 191. All this prompted Rajasthan Royals to buy this rising star. He stole the show in his first two matches for the Royals by taking 7 wickets and tonking the opposition bowlers by coming lower down the order.

His season has been cut short due to a knee injury which has ruled him out of almost the entire IPL season, but this young lad has shown immense grit and determination and will surely climb the ladders of success. In an interview, he said that he doesn’t want to be known as a T20 specialist and wants to serve his country by playing in all forms of the game. I hope he achieves that dream.

Now, these were some players who have the potential to make it big in world cricket in a few years. Their performances in the IPL are a good example of how valuable they can be to their team. Now, the next step for all of them is to find a regular spot in their national teams and win accolades for their country

If you feel so you can add more players to the list. All suggestions are welcomed.

For part 1 of this list, click here.