The new Indian all-rounder on the block - Ashok Menaria

Menaria’s cricketing style and demeanour reminds one of the majestic Yuvraj Singh in his younger days. In fact, the young all-rounder shares a few similarities with the Punjab dasher – both are left-handed, both love to play their shots, and both are smart fielders as well as useful part-time bowlers.

Yet, while Yuvraj has been fairly consistent, Menaria has blown hot and cold in his fledgling first-class career so far – this can be attributed to his youthful inexperience.

Since his IPL debut with the Royals, Menaria hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. He has a tendency to play too may shots early in his innings, and a propensity to hit the ball in the air has led to his downfall more than once.

For someone who has shown early promise as an all-rounder, he has been a bit of a let-down for the Royals – getting out cheaply at times, and not being too effective with his spin either.

Rajasthan Royals’ Ashok Menaria

Nevertheless, the Udaipur southpaw has done well with the bat in recent times.

In October 2012, on a tour to New Zealand, he hammered a magnificent century to pull his side out of trouble after the Kiwi bowlers had made early in-roads into the line-up. Upon returning to India for the Ranji season, he made another hundred against Saurashtra in December of that year.

Whether he breaks into the senior squad after his exploits against New Zealand ‘A’, only time will tell.

India has certainly unearthed a special talent – and Ashok Menaria will look to make the most of the opportunities offered to him. For now, the new kid on the block will savour the sweet taste of a clean sweep.