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

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.