IPL 2018 Auction: 5 uncapped Indian players who can go for big money

The Indian Premier League has always provided youngsters with the much-needed platform to showcase their talent and announce themselves to the cricketing world. Too many starlets look up to the tournament as the stage where they can give out their best and make way to the national side.

One good season in the most popular franchise cricket league in the world is enough for the youngsters to draw the national selectors' attention. We have many such names whose brilliance in IPL helped them wear the blue jersey sooner or later. Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah are few of the players who had put up great shows in IPL and are now an integral part of the Indian National Team.

While we already talked about established players, let's not forget few recent names who received their international caps recently. Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Mohammed Siraj are among the prodigies who would thank IPL for kick-starting their International career.

While the auctions of the 11th edition of the same is around the corner, let's take a look at 5 uncapped Indian players who could be the biggest grabs of the event:

#5 Nitish Rana

Nitish Rana scored 437 runs at a strike rate of 128.91 in the 2017 IPL.

Nitish Rana was picked by the Mumbai Indians right after his first-class debut season, which was the 2015-16 Ranji Trophy, where he scored 557 runs with an average of 50.63 and ended up as the highest run scorer for Delhi. Furthermore, in the same year, he batted well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, instigating the Mumbai franchise to rope him into their side.

The Delhi-born Mumbai Indians batsman had enough limelight during the initial stages of the 2017 IPL. His aggression helped Mumbai Indians gain a positive start in the campaign. However, his performance started fading and he lost his place in the team eventually.

As for the present scenario, it's a fresh start for the youngster. considering the rich past of this left-handed batsman, none can write him off this time around.

Rana would surely be one of the favorite uncapped players that the franchises would be eyeing during the auction later this week.

#4 Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw is widely expected to be the future of Indian cricket.

The current Indian U/19 captain holds bagful of records to his name already. The 1998-born right-handed batsman from Mumbai caught everyone's attention after scoring centuries in each of his Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy debut matches.

By doing so, he not only shot to fame but also equalized the record of none other Sachin Tendulkar. Shaw is often compared to the legendary batsman for his similarities with the Master Blaster, in terms of playing style.

RCB player Sarfaraz Khan was one such talent like Prithvi Shaw who had displayed immense talent on the pitch early one. It is likely that Shaw would outdo him, but for the same, he needs an entry into the iconic Indian Premier League.

This prodigy who broke records for fun on school and domestic level would surely be on the franchises' bucket list this time. He is doing exceedingly well in the ongoing under-19 World Cup in New Zealand.

As per media, Mumbai Indians would be bidding to grab the local boy and add him to their side to secure the team's future along with strengthening its current squad.

#3 Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal is the leading run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy this year

The Karnataka opener drew some positive attention to himself during the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy. By scoring 1160 runs, Mayank Agarwal ended up as the batsman with most runs in Ranji Trophy this season.

Agarwal made it into the headlines after scoring a triple hundred in the domestic competition a couple of months ago. He scored 304* runs for Karnataka in their match against Maharashtra. In the very same month, Mayank Agarwal also got past the 1000 run mark in first-class cricket.

The 26-year-old batsman had participated in the 2010 U/19 World Cup in New Zealand earlier, wherein he ended up as the highest run-getter for team India. He has also been widely appreciated for his performances in the Karnataka Premier League. However, inconsistency and his label of "limited overs batsman" haven't helped him make his way into the national team yet.

Having played for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils, and Rising Pune Supergiant, Agarwal surely is a hot pick among the uncapped players soon to be auctioned at the 2018 IPL.

#2 Basil Thampi

Basil Thampi is known as the "yorker specialist"

The winner of the IPL Emerging Player award in last year's edition of the tournament surely has to be under the radar of any team. Thampi would be a great asset to the teams who are planning to strengthen their bowling attacks.

He is a Kerala-born pace bowler is known for his yorkers (and also for being handed his shoes by David Warner amidst running between the wickets).

The youngster made his debut with Gujarat Lions in the previous edition of the IPL. He picked 11 wickets in 12 matches for his team during the tenure. Thampi was seen bowling death overs of the innings and he was successful in putting the batsmen under pressure quite often.

He can be any team's pick for his pace (Thampi can bowl up to 140 kmph) and consistent yorkers. With his former team, Gujarat Lions, being no more a part of the tournament, there is no doubt that he is one of the most favorite uncapped bowlers in the upcoming auction.

#1 Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya was the Man of the match in IPL 2017 final

IPL is popular for its sudden turn of events in an ongoing match. At times, the climax of a game can't be predicted by anyone. Such is the spontaneity of the tournament. Some put up extraordinary performance with the bat to chase down a massive score while others stand up with the ball to defend a low total.

Considering these factors, players like Krunal Pandya, who can produce consistent performances and do equally well with the bat and the ball, are a rarity.

Mumbai Indians purchased the Baroda all-rounder for 2 crores back at the 2016 IPL auction. Since then, he has been instrumental in their success. After being not retained by the club this term, many teams would join the race to have him on their side.

Krunal has 480 runs and 16 wickets to his name so far in his IPL career He is also known for being an economical bowler. No team will want to let go of this talented all-rounder without putting up a fight for him.

IPL Auction 2018 would be worth a watch, catch it over the upcoming weekend.