IPL 2021: 3 youngsters each team can bank on for the future

When the Chennai Super Kings picked a squad with an average age of over 30 in the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, murmurs about their short-term strategy did the rounds. Though CSK defied the odds with a title, the wheels came off spectacularly in 2020, forcing the franchise to experiment with youngsters.

While the value experienced heads bring to the table is indisputable, youngsters contribute innovation, fearlessness and most importantly long-term planning to a franchise.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Mumbai Indians are reaping the rewards of investing in young players, and the Delhi Capitals appear to be going down the same route with Shreyas Iyer. So are the Rajasthan Royals, who expect Sanju Samson to come good as skipper after years with the team.

Here are three youngsters each IPL franchise can rely on for the future.

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Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Kartik Tyagi

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Kartik Tyagi were the lead batsman and lead pacer respectively of the India Under-19 side that finished runners-up in the 2020 Under-19 ICC World Cup.

While the left-handed opener was dropped midway through IPL 2020 after failing to replicate his form, it was somewhat the opposite for his teammate, who played in the later half and picked up a few wickets. Both will only get better from last season's showing.

A similar age to the duo, yet someone who competed in the previous U-19 World Cup, Riyan Parag is a handy spin-bowling all-rounder. He has already shown his resolve and skill in taking the team home in tricky chases with limited batting support. In his third season with the franchise, Parag has a settled spot in the batting order and will look to come good for his team.

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Punjab Kings: Ravi Bishnoi, Jhye Richardson, Shahrukh Khan

Ravi Bishnoi showed his ability to deliver under pressure in the last IPL season.

Ravi Bishnoi impressed one and all with his control in last year's IPL, even though he was occasionally short on wickets - he picked up 12 in 14 games. Deployed by KL Rahul as a control bowler in the middle overs, he may take up an attacking role based on his confidence and the team's needs.

Two exciting acquisitions for the Kings in IPL 2021 are Australian pace-bowling all-rounder Jhye Richardson and finisher Shahrukh Khan. For a franchise that has lacked quality death bowling and has been overreliant on its openers, the duo could be a great bet going forward.

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Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Abdul Samad, Rashid Khan

It might be hard to think of Rashid Khan as a "young player" given how long he has dominated the international arena particularly in the shortest format, but the Afghan leggie is merely 22 years old. It hardly looks like the Sunrisers have any inclination to part with their ace spinner, as he can also contribute with the bat apart from his ability to bamboozle the batsmen.

Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Abhishek Sharma has not had too many opportunities in the IPL, but can contribute with both bat and ball when needed. Abdul Samad too was raw when drafted into the SRH middle order in IPL 2020. However, he did make key contributions with the bat and will hope to continue in that vein in the future.

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Kolkata Knight Riders: Shubman Gill, Shivam Mavi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti

Probably the easiest trio to put together, the ICC U19 World Cup 2018 winners have been the biggest bets that the Kolkata franchise has made. Shubman Gill has been a star for the team at the top of the order, and is already being talked up as a future captaincy candidate.

Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti have spent seasons away from the IPL due to injury, but have impressed with their pace and control even as KKR's other Indian quicks have leaked runs. A lengthy run in the side should give them the confidence they need to make a mark on international cricket as well.

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Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, N Jagadeesan, Sam Curran

Ruturaj Gaikwad can be one of the mainstays in CSK's top order.

It will take time for MS Dhoni to part with CSK due to the emotional bond he shares with the franchise and his high fitness levels even after international retirement.

But when he does, N Jagadeesan could strive to be the next CSK wicket-keeper. Though he had very limited opportunities last season, he showed his abilities with the bat.

Ruturaj Gaikwad might have an extended rope at the top this season, and he showed what he is capable of with three fifties last season. Sam Curran is already one of CSK's most reliable players and should be the fulcrum of their future plans.

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Delhi Capitals: Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada and Rishabh Pant have been key names for the Delhi franchise for a while now, as has Prithvi Shaw, albeit to a slightly lesser extent. It is worth noting all are shy of 26 years of age and have more than a decade of cricket left in them.

Shaw has played some glitzy innings in the past, and with more consistency can become one of the IPL's best openers. Pant has already been installed as DC's skipper, and Rabada continues to be one of the best overseas bowlers in the tournament.

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Royal Challengers Bangalore: Devdutt Padikkal, Finn Allen, Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar is one of the biggest draws for RCB at a young age.

Someone who made his mark back in 2017, Washington Sundar is still merely 21 years old. His international Test heroics with the bat have reignited his long-term all-round ambitions for RCB, and he would hope to deliver along with his consistent and containing bowling.

Devdutt Padikkal, the deserving Emerging Player awardee last season, has already shown that he can play at his level without being overawed by the situation. Along with him, while Finn Allen is not likely to make RCB's first XI, the Kiwi is definitely one for the future as the likes of AB de Villiers and Dan Christian play their last few seasons.

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Mumbai Indians: Ishan Kishan, Rahul Chahar, Marco Jansen

The Indian skipper during the 2016 U-19 World Cup, Ishan Kishan made his India debut before IPL 2021 and stunned with a fast fifty on debut. The player who hit the most sixes last season, Kishan is undoubtedly one of MI's best bets for the future.

Rahul Chahar was one of MI's key bowlers last season as he controlled the game during the middle overs. MI's latest surprise acquisition, pacer Marco Jansen, has the ability to be a long-term investment for the franchise.