IPL 2018: 5 youngsters who could win the Emerging Player Award

For a youngster, it's a matter of pride to feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL), more so when he performs and wins the Emerging Player award. The cash-rich league is a shortcut to success for most youngsters. The domestic competition provides the youngsters with a chance to make a name for themselves in their country, but the IPL enhances their reputation worldwide.

Every youngster enters the IPL with a goal to give their level best performance. The emerging player award was introduced by the IPL governing council to give the youngsters a hope to get into the limelight. Last year, the criteria for the award was, for the player to have been born after 1 April 1991; to have played 5 or fewer Test matches; to have played in 25 or less IPL matches (as of the start of the season); to have not previously won the Emerging Player Award.

After a decade of thrilling action, the eligible players will enter the competition with a chance to win the emerging player award. The date of birth in the criteria may change to 1 April 1992 or further.

On this note, let us have a look at the five players who will target the emerging player award.

#5 Deepak Chahar

Deepak Chahar played for the Rising Pune Supergiants in the previous edition

The 25-year-old Deepak Chahar is a tall, lanky pacer who surprises the batsman with his bouncy deliveries. Chahar represented the Rising Pune Supergiants in the previous edition of the league. On this occasion, he has been procured by the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings.

Having played with Dhoni in the previous edition must have provided experience to the bowler. He was impressive in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earlier this year, as he bagged 19 wickets in 9 innings. His economy rate of 5.58 is brilliant for a bowler who bowls in the power play and at the fag end of the innings.

With limited resources in the pace bowling department, the Chennai Super Kings will look to try Chahar in the early stages of the tournament. The pacer will be looking to make the most of this opportunity.

#4 Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan represented the Gujarat Lions in the previous edition

Ishan Kishan will be another contender for the award. The wicketkeeper-batsman will open the batting for the Mumbai Indians alongside Evin Lewis. The 19-year-old youngster played for the Gujarat Lions in the previous edition of the league. He did not get enough opportunities as he batted lower down the order for the Gujarat Lions.

The southpaw played magnificently in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy. He scored runs with an average of nearly 80 along with a strike rate of 105. The youngster is a prospect for the future. To stamp his dominance, the aggressive batsman will look to play a major role in this IPL.

Kishan will hold a big part in Mumbai's success in this year's IPL.

#3 Kamlesh Nagarkoti

Nagarkoti will feature for the Kolkata Knight Riders

Kamlesh Nagarkoti recently rose to fame after the 'Boys in Blue' clinched the U-19 World Cup title. Nagarkoti was the fastest bowler in the Indian side. He surprised the batsman with his pace and accuracy. The bowler clicked over 147 kph on a few occasions. His yorkers were nearly unplayable for most batsmen.

The Rajasthan-based bowler was procured by the Kolkata Knight Riders earlier in the auction. On a quick Eden Gardens track, Nagarkoti will be crucial to KKR's chances of winning. Alongside the likes of Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson, the 18-year-old will have a lot to learn.

Nagarkoti will be hoping for enough chances to prove himself. He will be another contender for the award.

#2 Shubman Gill

Gill was India's leading run scorer in the U19 WC

Shubman Gill is a name etched in the heart of every Indian cricket fan who followed the recent U-19 World Cup. The top order batsman played an integral role in India's success by adding runs at an average of more than 100. He will play for the Knight Riders in this year's IPL.

The flamboyant batsman will get enough opportunities in a seemingly weak KKR team, with a limited number of batsmen in their ranks. With the presence of many top order players, Gill might have to bat in the middle order. The right-hander will take his opportunity wherever and whenever it comes.

After a stupendous run in the U19 World Cup, the 18-year old will look to replicate the success in the IPL.

#1 Washington Sundar

The all-rounder will play for the Royal Challengers Bangalore

After an impressive run in his short international career till now, the all-rounder from Tamil Nadu will look to bring his success into the IPL. Sundar will play for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The off-spinner can be lethal in the power play overs by restricting the runs and creating the pressure on the opposition batsmen.

Sundar was impressive in the 2017 edition of the IPL, where he played for the Rising Pune Supergiants under the guidance of veteran MS Dhoni. The 18-year-old will have plenty of chances in the RCB side with the presence of only one other prominent Indian spinner in the form of Yuzvendra Chahal.

Sundar will look to make the most of his opportunity. Despite playing little international cricket, he is eligible for the award according to the criteria.