IPL 2020 - 4 young Indian talents to look out for

The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League is only a few months away, and the teams have stacked up. Following the auction, most teams have panned up nicely, combining the right amount of experience and young blood. While the former is instrumental to a team's success, the latter often decides the fortunes of the tournament.

For a few, IPL performances could be the early boast that their career needs. With over a billion heads watching, IPL offers a stage like no other. A few others are on the verge of breaking into the Indian side. For others, IPL presents an opportunity to wash off their sins and to reclaim the spot they once had.

In this article, we will look into emerging local talents who could make a name for themselves, and contribute heavily to their team’s success in this IPL season.

#4 Prithvi Shaw - Delhi Capitals

IPL Qualifier - Chennai v Delhi

ICC U19 World Cup 2018 gave India numerous new heroes. One of them was their leader in conquest - Prithvi Shaw. He provided the impetus to India’s batting, scoring 261 in 6 games at almost run-a-ball and an average of 65.25.

Also see – Ranji points table

The impressive run of form bought him a call up from Delhi Capitals in IPL 2018. Shaw didn’t disappoint with 245 runs in 9 games at an average of 27.22 and a strike-rate of 153.13. He followed it up with 353 runs in 16 games at an average of 22.06 and a strike-rate of 133.71 in IPL 2019.

His performances merited an International call-up, and Shaw was awarded with one. He scored a debut century against the West Indies and went on to clinch the Player of the Series. Subsequent injuries, however, ruled him out of the Indian side.

Despite his ridiculous feats, questions have been raised. Shaw was barred from Cricket for 8 months following a positive doping test. As of now, reports are rift of Shaw's disciplinary misconduct in Ranji Trophy.

With Shaw, performances have never been an issue. Following the doping test ban, he returned with a bang, scoring 248 runs in 5 matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He followed that up with a quick-fire double ton in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. For Shaw, the IPL presents a perfect opportunity to impress the selectors once again, and to silence his critics. Given his current form, look out for fireworks!

#3 Ishan Kishan - Mumbai Indian

2019 IPL Final - Mumbai v Chennai

The flamboyant opener is no stranger to fame. He captained India Under-16 to World Cup finals and, in process, formed a formidable opening partnership with Rishabh Pant. His performances earned him his IPL debut with the Gujrat Lions. Having struggled over the first couple of years, he was picked up by Mumbai Indians for a mouth-watering ₹6.2 crores in 2018 auction. Kishan repaid the faith with 275 runs across 14 games at an average of 22.92 and a strike-rate of 149.46. His form eluded him in IPL 2019 as he managed a meager 101 in 7 innings. Mumbai Indians won the title, regardless.

Kishan is known for his aggressive approach to the game. That was on full display as he rammed his way to a 21 ball 62 against KKR in IPL 2018. As of now, Kishan has been unable to transform his potential into consistent performances. With Dhoni’s future uncertain and Pant taking over the wicket-keeping responsibilities, Kishan would be eager to impress the selectors.

#2 Anmolpreet Singh - Mumbai Indians

Semi-Final 1 - ICC Under 19 World Cup

Hailing from Punjab, Anmolpreet Singh set the eyeballs rolling with a 267 for Punjab against Chattisgarh in his 3rd First-Class match. He ended his debut Ranji Trophy season (2017-2018) as Punjab’s top scorer with 753 runs in 5 games. He was consequently picked up by Mumbai Indians in player auction for Indian Premier League 2019. Unfortunately, he didn’t manage a single game. Those who have seen him play, however, predict a bright future for the individual.

As of now, he has managed 1629 runs in 33 First-Class innings at a staggering average of 54.3 and a good strike rate of 65.73. Lately, Singh has been doing tremendously well for himself. He top-scored in the Srilanka A vs India A Unofficial Test series, with 241 runs across 3 innings. He later backed that up with 183 runs across 4 innings in the following Unofficial ODI series. Perhaps, the most astounding stat is that these runs were scored at a strike rate of 119.6. Anmolpreet Singh is in his IPL gears already.

#1 Shubman Gill - Kolkata Knight Riders

New Zealand v India - ODI Game 5

If stats could tell a tale, none would be more fascinating than Gill’s. He rose to fame in 2018, leading India to ICC U19 World Cup 2018 win. Throughout the tournament, Gill performed consistently, scoring 372 runs at an average of 124. This included a match-winning 102 against Pakistan in the semi-finals that earned him praise all over the cricketing fraternity.

Gill boasts a Bradmanesque average of 67.32 in First-Class games. In the 18 games he has played, Gill has managed 1683 runs, scoring 5 centuries in the process. His IPL stats are as impressive as his domestic ones.

After being drafted by KKR in 2018, Gill scored 203 runs in 13 games at an average of 33.83. He backed this up with 296 runs in 14 games in the following season. As impressive as they are, they are not reminiscent of an individual who took the cricketing fraternity by storm not too much long ago. Gill would be keen on setting the stage alight this IPL.