IPL 2021: Virender Sehwag picks his 'under-the-radar player' of the tournament

Virender Sehwag has heaped praise on Delhi Capitals (DC) youngster Avesh Khan, calling him IPL 2021’s “under-the-radar” star. The former cricketer feels Avesh Khan isn’t a big name in the DC bowling line-up but was impressed with his consistency in this year’s competition.

Avesh Khan was in the midst of a breakout season with DC when IPL 2021 was halted midway through. The 24-year-old pacer picked up 14 wickets in eight games this season and was second in the Purple Cap standings.

Virender Sehwag’s standout player picked up at least one wicket in each of the eight games in IPL 2021. He had two three-wicket hauls, and his emergence kept last season’s hero Anrich Nortje out of the starting XI.

"In this team, we talk about Rabada, Ashwin, Patel, Mishra but no one talks about Avesh Khan. He is this season's under-the-radar player. He comes quietly, picks up 2-3 wickets and was [up there in the race for Purple Cap], next only to Harshal Patel," Virender Sehwag said.

One young bloke appreciating another after dismissing him, is what @IPL is all about 💙#YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2021 #DCvKKR pic.twitter.com/MFFyrNoWkz

— Delhi Capitals (Stay Home. Wear Double Masks😷) (@DelhiCapitals) April 29, 2021

Virender Sehwag’s claims on Avesh Khan find support

Former Zimbabwe cricketer Pommie Mbangwa agreed with Virender Sehwag’s assessment of Avesh Khan.

He pointed out how Avesh Khan quietly went about his business, admitting he was impressed with the youngster’s ability to be effective throughout the innings.

"No doubt, it's Avesh Khan. I don't think there's been too much said about him, or written about him. But he's just gone about doing his job efficiently. He's been effective at the front and at the end. He's taken wickets in all three phases of the game and at the death too, he has been very good at bowling nice lengths, changing his pace when needed to and bowling good yorkers at the back end," Mbangwa said.

The bowler from Madhya Pradesh displayed great temperament during the eight games this season. He picked up big scalps, including those of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, while also bowling difficult overs effectively for the Delhi Capitals.

If he continues his purple patch, Avesh Khan could become the next speedster to break into the national side.

DID YOU KNOW ? in 2017, RCB bought "Avesh Khan" for Rs. 10 lakhs for 2017 IPL. He got to bowl just 4 Overs that year Then in 2018, DD/DC bought him for Rs. 70 lakh for 2018 IPL and now he is their one of the best bowler in #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/ilxvQeKkbp

— •.¸♡ sukoon ♡¸.• (@RP17_4EVER) May 6, 2021