IPL 2018: 5 Under-19 players to look out for

On January 2018, the 2018 Indian Premier League player auction finally came to an end in Bengaluru. The two-day event saw many stars, who failed to attract bidders, while the youngsters managed to find suitors at the mega-auction.

This year, the auction was all about spending more on the young blood rather than big names as the contract is expected stand for the next three years. Indian Premier League provides the window of opportunity that can carry the youngsters to their dream destination of entering the international cricketing arena. To name a few, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, through their stints with Mumbai Indians earned the national call-up.

Let us take a look at five uncapped players who can be the next superstars for their respective franchises.

#5 Prithvi Shaw

The U-19 2018 ICC World Cup-winning captain was bagged by Delhi Daredevils for ₹1.2 crore. He has performed consistently at the U-19 international level as well as at the domestic level. In nine first-class games, the youngster has five centuries to his name including a century on his Ranji Trophy debut.

In the previous edition of the tournament, Shaw was unsold in the auction. The Mumbai boy has been in tremendous touch by scoring 94, 57* and 40 in the group stage matches of the recently-concluded World Cup. In order to revive their fortunes, the Daredevils would be hoping for him to come good in the 2018 IPL.

What makes him special?

Shaw is a consistent player and can bat anywhere in the line-up. With his ability to shift gears at will, he can adapt and bat according to the situation.

#4 Shivam Mavi

One of the vital cogs in the U-19 World Cup winning team, Shivam Mavi was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹3 crore. The 19-year-old all-rounder from Noida is a medium pace bowler and a right-handed batsman.

He picked up 9 wickets in 6 matches he played for the Indian team in the World Cup and is a lower-order hard-hitting batsman as well. Mavi's inclusion bolsters the already-impressive fast bowling arsenal KKR possess.

What makes him special?

Along the gnawing pace, he has the accuracy to bowl wicket to wicket. Moreover, he can add some quick runs to his team's tally at the fag end of the innings.

#3 Manjot Kalra

The big moment for this young lad came when Delhi-based franchise picked him for ₹55 lakh. Although he has a long way to go before drawing comparisons with Yuvraj Singh, Kalra's pull shots and cover drives do remind us of one of India's best limited-overs all-rounder.

Kalra's century in the 2018 U-19 World Cup final was the biggest factor behind India lifting their record 4th U-19 title. Making a mark in junior cricket, Kalra had earlier toured England with the U-19 team and was the 2nd highest run-scorer in the Cooch Behar Trophy last year scoring 742 runs from eight games. Delhi will be wishing to overcome their IPL trophy drought through this player's performance in IPL 2018.

What makes him special?

His quick hands, ability to pierce the gaps ferociously and not being subdued under pressure. Kalra has the great temperament and maturity to hold the innings at one end and keep the scoreboard moving.

#2 Kamlesh Nagarkoti

Fast bowlers are always in high demand in the IPL and if you are someone who can cross 145 km/h regularly, then you are a sure shot hit. The U-19 pace sensation, Kamlesh Nagarkoti was the costliest buy from India's U-19 squad. Kolkata Knight Riders bagged him for ₹3.2 crore from his base price of ₹20 lakhs.

In 6 matches, he took 9 wickets at 16.33 with an economy below 4 runs per over. It also included 6 maidens out of 42 overs he bowled in the tournament.

What makes him special?

Kamlesh can regularly clock above 145 k/h. He is a handy lower order batsman and can score quick runs. He has the ability to maintain the tight length and line when given the ball.

#1 Shubman Gill

The vice-captain of India's U-19 team Shubman Gill proved to be the tournament's biggest find. With a base price of ₹20 lakh, Shubman attracted bids from Delhi Daredevils before the team in purple and gold jersey acquired him for ₹1.8 crore. He was the talk of the town when he played a breathtaking Virat Kohli-like short-arm jab that went sailing over the deep midwicket for a six.

He was in top form for Punjab in a couple of first-class matches. He became the first U-19 player to score 4 consecutive half-centuries in the World Cup. Averaging 124 in 6 matches, he scored 372 runs in the World Cup with a century to his name.

What makes him special?

Gill displays a brute force when he faces the bowlers. His biggest advantage is that he has strokes that all modern day players would like to have. He can hit Dilscoop, he can hit the ramp shot (guiding over the third man), inside out lofted shot.