IPL 2014: The Uncapped XI

The Indian Premier League has provided a platform to faces who would have otherwise easily stayed obscure all through their life playing club cricket and domestic matches. Whatever bitter-sweet opinion one has got about this ‘ludicrous’ league (as many call it), it has been a catalyst in giving national careers to the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane and Yusuf Pathan.So, I thought it would be fun to create a T20 squad of uncapped players who have not played for the senior national outfit but have shown that they have got the potential to represent the side someday down the line. The players are listed in their batting order.

#1 Manan Vohra

A talented youngster from Punjab, Manan Vohra has been a part of Punjab’s Under-16, Under-19 and Under-22 teams as well as India’s U-19 team. He has led Punjab U-19 to title triumph in Vinod Mankad Trophy.

He showed glimpses of his ability in the Ranji trophy, and, then after being bought by Kings XI, he showed his worth with 161 runs from 12 matches last season and 197 runs this season from just 5 matches at a strike rate that crosses 150. His shots, positive attitude on the field and his opening stands with Virender Sehwag this year have already made him a hit amongst the masses.

#2 Manish Pandey

The first ever Indian centurion in IPL history, Manish Pandey has been one of the Indian domestic league’s best finds.

The Karnataka middle-order batsman has a First-class average of over 53. Ever since he made that 114 off 73 against Deccan Chargers in 2009, he has been regular fixture in the league. Consistency is one aspect that he needs to concentrate on, though.

With decent technique, strong arms and a cool head, he can complement an aggressive Manan Vohra at top.

#3 Karun Nair

At 22, he boasts a career batting average of over 55 in 18 games. He was instrumental in Karnataka winning the treble last season. In particular, his 151 not out in the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy will forever be etched in the fans’ memories.

Since being purchased by Rajasthan Royals this season, he has scored 330 runs in just 11 matches at a strike-rate of 142.

Known for his grit and fighting spirit, he is just the player the team would like to have at first down to anchor the innings at a sailing pace.

#4 Sanju Samson (wk)

One of India’s best prospects, Sanju Samson is well in line to replace MS Dhoni as the wicket-keeper batsman in the national side after the Indian captain calls it a day.

He has been a match-winner for Rajasthan Royals, and there is hardly anyone in the world right now who is not impressed with this young 19-year-old Kerala lad. He has been a consistent performer for his state side, as well.

With 339 runs at a strike rate of 124.17 in 13 matches this season, a sound technique and a champion’s attitude, Samson shall be the right choice behind the stumps.

#5 Kedar Jadhav

Striking at arate of 147, Kedar Jadhav has been one of the few positives forDelhi Daredevils this season.

The leading run-scorer of the 2013-14 Ranji Season, Jadhav was instrumental in taking his team Maharashtra to the final.

He has scored 10 centuries so far in his First-class career of 52 matches at an average over 50 anda personal bestof 327, which showcases his talent.

#6 Suryakumar Yadav

The winner of the MA Chidambaram Trophy for the best cricketer at U-22 level in 2010-11, Suryakumar Yadav took huge strides very early in his career. He scored more than 1000 runs in his first 11 First-class outings.

He has been impressive as a finisher for the Knight Riders, rising to the occasion whenever needed.

He is a hard hitter and technically very sound. He provides the much needed stability in the lower-middle order. Along with Jadhav, he is another batsman who can win the match on his own on any given day.

#7 Akshar Patel

An impressive all-rounder who scored 369 runs in 7 matches and took 29 wickets in the last Ranji season, he got his maiden IPL call-up this year and has impressed one and all by picking up 14 wickets for Kings XI. He also played a couple of handy knocks down the order to see his team through. With players like him, no wonder Punjab have been at the top this season.

His all-round performance makes this young Gujarati a must for the T20 outfit.

#8 Karn Sharma

Karn Sharma, who was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2009, could only play his first IPL match in 2013 when he became a part of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Since then, he has not looked back.

He is quite adept with the bat, but what really packs a punch are his dangerous googlies. He is someone who is always useful in this format of the game. He can bat well, pick wickets and is an aggressive fielder.

WIth 15 wickets this season, he has been one of the best performers for the Sunrisers and deserves his spot in the squad.

#9 Rishi Dhawan (c)

Rishi Dhawan has been able to pick wickets for Kings XI Punjab regularly despite not having the ability to bowl at express pace.

He has dismissed the likes of Kevin Pietersen and Shane Watson this season finding a way through their defence; big scalps such as these show the quality that he has got.

He took 49 wickets in the 8 Ranji matches and scored 435 runs, too. Having been the skipper of the Himachal Pradesh Ranji Team, he also doubles up as the leader of the side. He was the highest wicket-taker in the last Ranji season.

He can use the long handle pretty well and can bat up the order, too, if the need arises.

#10 Yuzvendra Chahal

He is the only Indian to have represented his nation in both chess and cricket. He has not only played cricket for his home side Haryana but has also been a part of India’s U-16 chess team.

Chahal, 23, came into spotlight with his heroics in the Champions League T20 2011 through his eye-catching bowling performances for Mumbai Indians.

But it was in IPL 2014 that he stamped his authority bright and clear. He has 12 scalps to his name this season and has managed to find a spot despite the Bangalore-based side having the likes of Muttiah Muralitharan and Shadab Jakati.

His attitude, leg-breaks, googlies and the million dollar smile make him an automatic pick.

#11 Sandeep Sharma

His four wickets in U-19 World Cup final were crucial for India to bring home the trophy in 2012.

It was then that he was recognized as a rare young talent who could pick loads of wickets with his swing bowling.

He was given a contract by Kings XI Punjab in 2013. In the 4 chances that he got in his first season, he impressed everyone by picking 8 wickets.

It was in this year’s IPL that he cemented his spot, proving to be destructive by picking up 17 wickets in 10 matches so far.