IPL 2019: 5 Newcomers who can set the league on fire

The 12th edition of the IPL is set to get an early start this year owing to the ICC Cricket World Cup which is scheduled to begin on May 30. The IPL will begin on March 23rd and the cricketing boards of Australia, South Africa and England have announced that their players will return back home before May 1, meaning that they won't be present for the business end of the tournament.

This year's edition will be even more low-key with big stars like Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Finch opting out. There is a glimmer of hope though as there are a few promising overseas prospects who are set to make their IPL debut this season.

Though not all of them will be present for the entire tournament, they would offer something new and exciting for all the viewers. Let's take a look at the 5 newcomers who can shine this season.

Honorable Mentions: Shivam Dubey, Varun Chakravarthy

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#5 Oshane Thomas (Rajasthan Royals)

Oshane Thomas after getting the better of Shikhar Dhawan

Oshane Thomas was bought by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.1 crore at the IPL player auction 2019 and for the amount of promise he has shown, that is a real bargain. Though Thomas isn't guaranteed of starting all the games, with Jofra Archer being the main overseas pacer, he can certainly make an impact if provided enough chances.

There are a few fears that he is too erratic and that his economy rate is very high, but the IPL is the best platform for him to hone his skills. He has been backed by the West Indies Cricket Board and he is maturing.

Thomas is a real strike bowler and makes his presence felt whether he takes a wicket or not. Considering the fact that his name-earning exploits were on Indian soil, it seems he has what it takes to set the league on fire.

#4 Jonny Bairstow (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow's form in the last couple of years has been incredible, and his performance in ODIs in 2018 earned him a well deserved place in the ICC ODI Team of the Year. The wicketkeeper-batsman was always expected to be a highly sought-after player at the auction but surprisingly, the Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired him for INR 2.4 crore which makes him a steal.

Bairstow's wicketkeeping abilities will be essential to the team. In addition, he has a wide range of shots and can provide solid and fiery starts to SRH at the top of the order.

With David Warner set to undergo a minor surgery and no news about his return date, Bairstow might be looked at as a short-term replacement. Though he has to return back to England on May 1, the time he has will be more than enough to create a stir.

#3 Sam Curran (Kings XI Punjab)

Sam Curran

The entire cricketing world saw the immense potential in Sam Curran after he bagged the 'Man of the Series' award in the 5-match Test series against India. He was dominant with the ball in hand and his breezy, free-flowing knocks were crucial to England's success against India. We could see from the way he played that he was meant not only for Test cricket but was also limited overs material.

Curran was set to be hot property at the IPL auction and with the ever-growing dearth of all-rounders, Kings XI Punjab shelled out INR 7.2 crore to get him into their camp.

There have been a few questions surrounding his experience and natural ability to play white ball cricket but his performances in the Vitality T20 Blast silenced his critics. He is a very potent player and certainly has what it takes to make a big impact in the IPL.

#2 Shimron Hetmyer (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Shimron Hetmyer

A lot has been said about Shimron Hetmyer ever since he blasted that big hundred against India in the ODI series in 2018. His potential was spotted by many cricketers and experts who were highly impressed with his ball striking abilities.

Hetmyer has a great T20 record in the CPL and considering that his exploits against India came in India, he has proven he can play in India very well. He was bought by the RCB for INR 4.2 Crore and is set to share the dressing room with cricketing greats like Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers.

There is no doubt about his ability, and he can go big this season.

#1 Nicholas Pooran (Kings XI Punjab)

Nicholas Pooran

Most people wouldn't have expected to see Nicholas Pooran's name on this list ahead of players like Curran or Hetmyer. But considering his recent form, his inclusion is more than justified.

Pooran has been simply devastating in all the T20 leagues he has been playing in, and has recently lit up the Bangladesh Premier League with his sixes. He was brilliant in the T10 league and his T20 record is staggering.

He can bat anywhere from No. 3 to No. 7 and added to that, he's a proper wicketkeeper which means that he can take that burden off KL Rahul. Though not noticed by many so far, Pporan can be a real asset.