IPL 2018: Top 5 Debutants from this edition of IPL

CricWiz
Mayank
Mayank Markande has been one of the finds of IPL 2018

'Yatra Pratibha Avsara Prapnotihi'. This slogan is inscribed on the IPL trophy. It means - where talent meets opportunity. IPL has always been a great platform for players to showcase their talent and make a name for themselves in the cricket world. Players, after performing well in IPL, have gone on to play for their respective countries and some of them have become superstars. This year too there were many players who made their debut in IPL. While some of these players failed to grab the opportunity, there have been players who have performed exceedingly well for their teams.

We will look at 5 such players who have caught attention with their spectacular performances this IPL and have a bright future ahead of them.


#5 Jofra Archer

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Archer has bowled consistently over 140 kph

Jofra Archer was bought by Rajasthan Royals at a mind-boggling price of 7.20 crores. Even though Archer had impressed everyone with his bowling in the Big Bash league, experts felt that too much money was spent on him. But he justified Rajasthan Royals' decision with some spirited performances. Archer made a mark right from his debut match.

In the 6 matches that the pacer has played, he has taken 11 wickets and has troubled the batsmen with his raw pace and accurate yorkers in the death overs. Archer has proved to be the X-Factor player that the Royals desperately needed.

#4 K Gowtham

Gowtham
Gowtham roars after taking his team to victory

Like Archer, K Gowtham was also a surprise pick by Rajasthan Royals. Gowtham was bought for a hefty amount of 6.2 crores. He was picked by Mumbai Indians last season but didn't get a game.

However, the Royals have shown full faith in him as he was included in the playing XI from the very first match. And Gowtham hasn't disappointed them. He has already played some match-winning cameos at the end of the innings and has batted with a strike-rate of 212.76. In bowling too, he has kept things tight. The off-spinner, who has bowled most of his overs in the powerplays, has bowled with an economy of 7.61. He is one of the major reasons that Rajasthan Royals are still in contention for a place in the playoffs.

#3 Mayank Markande

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Markande foxed Dhoni with a googly

Mumbai Indians' bowling was considered their weakness as they did not buy any big spinners. Rahul Chahar was expected to take the spin duties as he was the only known spinner. However, Mumbai Indians surprised everyone by including Mayank Markande in the playing XI proving to be a masterstroke. The leg-spinner took 3 for 23 in 4 overs in the season opener against Chennai Superkings. He also took the price wicket of MS Dhoni, whom he beat with a googly.

The Punjab spinner hasn't looked back since then. He has bowled confidently in pressure situations and has taken 14 wickets in 11 matches. Markande is crucial for Mumbai Indians' chances of qualifying for the playoffs.

#2 Prithvi Shaw

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Shaw has impressed everyone with his temperament

After a disastrous start to its campaign, Delhi Daredevils decided to give its team a new look in a bid to keep it's playoffs hopes alive. One of the major changes that the Daredevils brought about was getting in Prithvi Shaw for Gautam Gambhir. Shaw, who captained India's victorious U19 World Cup team, has lived up to the expectations.

The 18-year-old, who already has had a strong start to his Ranji career, has been a revelation at the top of the order for the Daredevils. He has already scored 214 runs at an impressive average of 35.66 and a strike-rate 163.35. The Mumbai batsman, who is touted to be the next Sachin Tendulkar, certainly is one for the future.

#1 Mujeeb Ur Rahman

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Mujeeb has been Ashwin's go-to bowler

Kings XI Punjab turned a few heads when they spent 4 crores to buy Afghanistan bowler Mujeeb Ur Rahman. It was considered a big gamble as Mujeeb did not have much experience behind him. But it turned out to be a stroke of genius. Mujeeb has been the Kings' go-to bowler all season and has delivered most of the time.

The young Afghan has taken 14 wickets in 10 matches that he has played this season, at an outstanding economy of 6.69. Ashwin, the captain of Kings XI Punjab, has shown tremendous faith in Mujeeb by bowling him in crunch situations like powerplays and death overs. The 17-year-old is a major factor in Kings XI Punjab's superlative performance this year.

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