Young talents in IPL 2014 - A look at upcoming stars

IPL is all about energy and vibrancy. Youth is associated with energy and enthusiasm. This is the reason why more and more teams are looking for young talent. Teams are increasingly investing in domestic players. Ranji Trophy performances of most players have proved beneficial in opening the gate of opportunities for them.

Not many domestic players make it to the national team from Hyderabad, but IPL has given the chance to some of the players like Ricky Bhui, Chama Milind, Amit Paunikar etc.

Ricky Bhui is a confident 17-year-old Andhra boy. He has all the reasons to be confident. He scored an unbeaten 94 in his fourth match for the Indian youth team against South Africa in the quadrangular series in 2013. This stunning knock becomes special as it took place on his home ground and guided his team to victory.

Ricky Bhui

This right handed batsman bats well under pressure. According to me, he shares traits with our very own Indian captain, MS Dhoni, as both are ‘cool heads’ and like to end any victorious innings by hitting a six. He has also scored 54* and 64 in the U19 matches this year against UAE and Pakistan respectively.

On a funny note, Ricky had to lose 14 kgs to get selected for the U19 team.

He made Andhra proud by his stunning knock. Can he do it in the IPL this year for Hyderabad is the question. His coach, supporters and members of the ACA and VDCA hope for him to climb up the ladder for higher levels because they believe he can.

So, it really does take a hat-trick or a 5-wicket-haul for any bowler to get noticed. Chama Milind, a left-arm medium pace bowler, had always dreamt of making it to the Under 19 team of India. His dream came true when he took a hat-trick against Tamil Nadu in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2013 wherein his team proved to be triumphant.

Chama Milind

He has an average of 9.81 in T20s from the 114 balls that he has bowled. His average bowling speed is around 130 kmph. He enjoys bowling. He looks up to players such as Mitchell Johnson. He is a hardworking batsman as well. His confidence indicates that he is capable of scaling to great heights in the future.

Amit Paunikar, born in Maharashtra, is a wicket-keeper batsman who plays for the Vidarbha team. He played for the Rajasthan Royals in the 4th edition of IPL. He batted alongside Rahul Dravid.

Amit Paunikar

He has now, however, been picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad. This 25-year-old, scored his maiden century in the 2nd innings of his debut match. Can he make an impact in IPL 2014?

Although earning a berth in any of the IPL teams wasn’t on his mind, Milind Kumar managed to impress the selectors of Delhi Daredevils with his talent. He is an innovative right handed batsman. This Delhi born 23-year-old has an average of 28 in T20s out of the 10 matches that he has played, with his best being 48.

HS Sharath is a right-arm medium pacer from Karnataka. Getting selected for Ranji Trophy was precious for him. His 8 for 89 led to the victory of Karnataka against the defending champions, Mumbai. He has been the second highest wicket taker for Karnataka with 36 wickets in 8 matches.

It was his honour to dismiss players like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir and co-incidentally, he will be playing in the same team as the Delhi boy, Sehwag in the IPL this year. Sharath also obtained a 5 for 67 in his first class debut against Uttar Pradesh in 2012. This only motivated him to give up on his first love, Kabbadi and commit to the game of cricket instead. He has worked under legends such as Dennis Lillee and Glenn McGrath. He can achieve a lot if he continues to work diligently.

Jayant Yadav is a right-arm off-spinner from Delhi. His bowling has proved beneficial on a number of occasions. This 24-year-old plays for Haryana and his 3-wicket haul helped his team against Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy in 2013. With his variety, he will have a lot to offer Delhi in this season of the IPL.

Looks like Sachin Rana has been picked by almost all the IPL franchises so far. He is an all-rounder hailing from Haryana. He was chosen by Kolkata Knight Riders initially. Later he was part of Pune Wariors India and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Now, he is a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore. How much impact will all the adjusting have on his performance? This 29-year-old made his first class debut in 2004. His career best is 163* against Tripura. As a key bowler and lower order batsman, his role for RCB will be crucial.

Tanmay Mishra is a Kenyan Indian and an aggressive middle order batsman. This 27-year-old cricketer made his first class debut in 2004 and his ODI debut in 2006. He has played as a part of the Kenyan team for the World Cup. However, due to his Indian citizenship, he was picked by Deccan Chargers in the 5th season of IPL.

Tanmay Mishra

There was much discussion regarding his dual citizenship. Out of the 42 ODIs that he has played, his highest score is 74 with an average of 34.18. He is best remembered for his 72 against Australia. His technique and temperament may well earn him a reputation of his own in the IPL this season.

Yogesh Takawale is a wicket-keeper and a right handed batsman hailing from Pune. He got noticed when he scored a powerful, unbeaten 105 and helped his team Tripura in the Ranji Trophy match. He made his first class debut in 2006 and Twenty20 debut in 2007. His style has proved that he will be a promising player for any team that he will be a part of.

Yuzvendra Chahal is a bowler from Haryana who bowls leg-break googly. He became prominent in the National Under 19 Cooch Behar Trophy of 2009. This 23-year-old was the leading wicket taker with 32 wickets. No. The story does not end here. He also scored 300 runs in that match. This unique performance showed signs of a rising all rounder which got him selected by the Mumbai Indians as the first small town boy for IPL 2011.

Yuzvendra Chahal

While in the Mumbai team, he seeked advice from Keiron Pollard and Harbhajan Singh. One can be sure that he will learn a lot through IPL. Bangalore is lucky to have all rounders like him.

It is a positive sign for India to see such emerging young faces from all over the country. One can assure that these players will only grow to learn more about the game.

More interaction with senior players and players from all over the world through IPL will only broaden their horizon. However, in this competitive world, it is important that these players continue with their impressive performances.