5 Associate cricketers who deserve to play in the IPL

#2 Kevin O’Brien (Ireland)

Kevin O’Brien has continued his consistent form since the 2011 World Cup

The 32-year old Irishman has perhaps been Ireland’s best all-rounder throughout the past 6-7 years. Kevin O’Brien made the headlines after scoring the fastest ever World Cup century against England at the 2011 World Cup which helped Ireland to a surprise victory.

Apart from being a useful middle order batsman who has the capability to hit the ball hard and provide a good finish to the innings, O’Brien has proved to be a handy bowler as well. These credentials make the Irishman a pretty handy cricketer in T20 cricket and at present he is undoubtedly one of the finest all-rounders when it comes to the associate nations.

Over the years O’Brien has been an essential component of an Ireland side which has been improving considerably; contibuting immensely to the Ireland’s T20 performances in the World T20 qualifiers as well as in the World Cup. The younger of the O'Brien brother has featured in every IPL auction since 2012 but has repeatedly failed to find a franchise. A player of his calibre should be given an opportunity to play in the IPL.