5 best batting prospects for India

No sport can survive if it fails to attract the next generation and lure them to be part of the game with involvement. InIndia, cricket has managed thisdecadeafter decadeand will continue to do so for many longyears to come.India hasa great tradition in upbringing the young battingtalents to the International stage. Sachin Tendulkars risein international cricket circuit, coming in as a 16-year-old,inspired many players to break into the national scene thereafter. The rise of players like Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh and Ravindra Jadeja, who made theirODI debuts as18,19and 20-year-olds respectively,from the Under-19 to the international stage has been swift and equally effective.But not many have become a mainstay in Test cricket. Even the above names struggle in the longer format.Here we take a look at some young batsmen who have the right technique and temperament to representthe nation someday and succeed with their skill not just in limited overs cricket but in Tests, as well.

#5 Baba Aparajith

The Chennai lad is already a known face in the domestic circuit. Playing for Tamil Nadu, the right-hander also bowls off-spin to go along with his sound batting at the top. He has been very consistent for his state side, scoring at an average of above 50 in the First-class matches with five tons.

If he maintains his consistency, he will be a strong contender for the national side within a year or two for both the ODIs and Tests.

The 19-year old is a part of the current Chennai Super Kings squad, and, even though he is unlucky to not get a game so far, he will relish the experience of having shared the dressing room with such accomplished players.

#4 Lokesh Rahul

Along with Robin Uthappa at the top, this 22-year-old right hander is one of the reasons behind Karnataka’s treble winning run this season. Although he wasn’t able to cement his place in the Sunrisers Hyderabad set-up this IPL season, he did show glimpses of his talent, which would have put him in the selectors’ radar.

With a textbook technique, he can do well in the whites for India when presented with an oppourtunity.

#3 Vijay Zol

This kid became a sensation when he made the record-breaking 451 in a Cooch Behar Under-19 tournament fixture. Not as flashy as his counterpart Samson, the left-handed batsman, in the Cheteshwar Pujara mould, is tailor-made for Test cricket.

A winner of Under-19 World Cup as a player, he knows what it takes to succeed at the biggest stage. The 19-year-old registered his maiden FC double century in his debut match for Maharashtra. In a couple of years time, he could be the solution to India’s opening woes in the longer format of the game.

#2 Karun Nair

The 23-year-old made his mark by smashing consecutive centuries in Karnataka’s 2013-14 Ranji quarter-final and semi-final victories.

With a fine techinque as showcased to the cricketing world in his 2014 IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals and a First-class average of 65, he could be knocking the doors of Indian selectors soon.

#1 Sanju Samson

If you have not watched Sanju Samson bat before, try watching this straight six of Dale Steyn.

With a calm head, this wicket-keeper batsman from Kerala has every stroke in the book (read orthodox). Starting the 2013-14 Ranji season with a double hundred, he ended the tournament as the leading run-getter for his state team, scoring 530 runs at an average of 58.88.

In his maiden Under-13 tournament, the right-hander smashed 4 hundreds from 5 Under-13 matches. He also has a double hundred to his name for Kerala U-16s, against Goa in the Vijay Merchant Trophy south zone match.

With Sachin Tendulkar himself mentioning that Samson is on the right track, let us hope that he reaches the national side soon.