Five Indian players who have never played in the IPL but could have done well

The game of cricket has gone through a series of transformations since its inception, from Test matches to the T20s, there has been a drastic change in the way every individual approaches the game. With the introduction of leagues like the IPL and BBL, the T20 format gained massive popularity. In particular, IPL has been a platform where we have seen some of the greatest players in the sport represent different franchises.

But then, legendary players belonging to the pre-T20 era weren’t fortunate enough to try their luck in the format. They were equally capable and had all the skill-sets that was required to compete in a T20 match.

Also see – BBL Most Runs

Despite not having any exposure in this format, here are the five Indian who would have succeeded in the IPL:

#5 Kris Srikkanth

Kris Srikkanth

Every 90’s kid will remember Virender Sehwag for transforming the Test cricket by being explosive from the first delivery. But long before Sehwag, the country had an opener who was equally ruthless and dashing in Tests as well as in ODIs, and he is Krishnamachari Srikkanth. In an era dominated by Test cricket, Kris belonged to a rare breed who took on some of the best bowling attacks in the world at that point in time.

Having represented the team in 43 Tests and 146 ODIs he accumulated more than 6000 runs in International cricket at a strike-rate greater than 75 which was very unlikely in his times.

While others looked to keep the scoreboard ticking, Srikkanth being the aggressor he is, scored boundaries at will. He was also the first to take the risk and scored lofted shots in the early part of the innings. These are all the qualities that a modern T20 player possesses, but Kris proved that he is from a different mould. With the pitches flatter and the outfield faster than ever, Srikkanth would be a hot favorite for the opening slot if he was born in this era.

#4 Javagal Srinath

Javagal Srinath

After Kapil Dev, if there was any bowler who could rattle the batsman with pace and bounce, it was Javagal Srinath. One of the finest limited bowlers for India, he led the Indian pace attack in the 90s. Having played in 229 ODIs and 67 Tests, he captured over 550 wickets in the international arena. Particularly, he was a dangerous white-ball bowler with a strike rate of 37.89 and an economy of less than 4.50.

He is still the second-highest wicket-taker for India in ODIs behind Anil Kumble. He had all the weapons in his arsenal that is required for the T20s. He would be the front-line pacer of any franchise if he was playing now. He could bowl raw pace with the new ball and deploy variations in the death. Taking all this into consideration, every team would be willing to have a quality fast bowler like Srinath.

#3 Navjot Singh Sidhu

Sidhu also is known as Sixer Sidhu

If there was an entertaining cricketer in the late 80s and the early 90s, it was Navjot Sidhu who had the knack of sending the ball out of the park regularly which earned him the nickname ‘Sixer Sidhu’. This top-order batsman from Punjab was technically sound and scored quick runs with the new ball. His success in the 1987 World Cup cemented his place in the squad for quite a long time.

He amassed close to 4500 runs in the limited-overs at an average of 37.08 and a strike rate of 70. Given that he belonged to this era, he would be a solid top-order batsman who could hold one end and slog in the latter part of the innings. Apart from his batting, he was an excellent fielder that earned him the nickname ‘Jonty Singh’ which means that he would be a valuable asset for the team on the field as well. Overall, he would go for a hefty amount if sold in the auction.

#2 Ajay Jadeja

Ajay Jadeja

Everyone remembers the famous victory against Pakistan in the 1996 World Cup in Bengaluru. But not many remember the extra runs that were added in the slog overs that put India in a formidable position for which the credit should go to Ajay Jadeja who scored a quickfire 45 off 25 balls tearing apart the Pakistan attack. It was one of those instances where Jadeja would come in and slog from the word go.

Having played in 196 ODIs he amassed 5359 runs batting in different positions. He was that kind of a player who was flexible enough to bat at any position. He was also a wonderful fielder taking some tough chances in the slips as well as in the deep. Apart from this, he would bowl medium pace occasionally finding some success. Basically, he would have been a perfect fit for the finisher role in the shortest format.

#1 Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev

The Indian cricket should be indebted to Kapil Dev forever for transforming the game in the country. Not only did India win under him but he was an all-in-one package. In today’s terminology, he was the perfect allrounder to lead any side. He was someone who batted down the order but played some very good cameos with a strike rate greater than 95.

He was not just the ‘finisher’ but was also someone who would anchor the innings. In terms of bowling, he was one of the earliest known fast bowlers to have played for the team. He was not only good with the new ball but was equally effective in the second spell. He was also someone who took exceptional catches in the deep. Overall, Kapil Dev would be the ideal all-rounder and the captain in this T20 era. His inclusion in the auction would have created a bidding war between franchises.