IPL 2014: 4 associate nation players who should have been picked by IPL teams

Ryan ten Doeschate, a cult figure in the English county circuit and an icon in Netherlands cricket, was a relatively unknown name for Indian cricket fans before he smashed that stroke-filled century against England in a 2011 World Cup match at Nagpur. He was then picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2011 IPL Auctions and, with valuable performances in the very few opportunities that he has got over the last 4 years, has become a household name in India. There are quite a few players of that class who have been top performers for their nations and clubs but are yet to feature in the Indian Premier League. Here are 4 such associate nation players who the IPL franchises continue to miss out on.

#4 Tom Cooper

A Netherlands international, Tom Cooper is a regular at Australian domestic team South Australian Redbacks.

This Australia-born cricketer qualified to play for the Dutch side, as his mother is a native of Netherlands.

He has been one of the most consistent run-scorers for the men-in-orange over the past couple of years. He learnt his initial cricketing lessons in Australia and was also selected for the U-17 Australia A side a few years ago.

Cooper was instrumental in Netherlands pulling off a stunning victory against Ireland in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, scoring 45 off 15 deliveries to earn his team a main event berth.

#3 Stephen Myburgh

A left-hand batsman and a right arm off-break bowler, this the 30-year-old Dutch player equalled Paul Stirling's record of second-fastest 50 in T20Is when he paved the way for one of the greatest finishes of all time, in a World Cup T20 match against Ireland earlier this year.

His strike-rates of 86 and 128 in ODIs and T20Is respectively prove what he is capable of when he is on song.

Known for his fearless batting and never give-up attitude, Myburgh can be someone who will feel at home with a franchise like Royal Challengers Bangalore or Kings XI Punjab, given the nature of their home pitches that aid stroke making.

#2 Paul Stirling

A known name in the English county circuit, Paul Stirling plays for Middlesex. He was nominated for the “ICC emerging player of the year” award in 2010.

This 23-year-old is known for some massive hitting, which is prominent from his ODI and T20 strike-rates of 94 and 128 respectively. His 177 off 134 balls against Canada in 2010 was one of the most destructive knocks that come to memory. In 2011, he scored an ODI century against Pakistan, which brought him even more appraisals.

He holds the record for the second-fastest T20I 50, behind only to Yuvraj Singh.

His 101 off 72 balls against Netherlands at Eden Gardens in a 2011 World Cup match made the Indian cricket fans sit up and take notice of this swashbuckling player from Ireland.

#1 Kevin O\'Brien

The record holder for the fastest hundred (113 off 63 balls, 6 sixes and 13 fours, against England at Chinnaswami Stadium, Bengaluru in 2011) in the history of ODI World Cups, Kevin O’Brien, the vice-captain of Ireland national team, was declared the “ICC Associate and Affiliate Player of the year” in 2013.

Kevin, who has played 75 ODIs, is not only destructive with the bat but also known for picking up wickets when they are scarce to come. His medium pace bowling has fetched him 62 wickets so far at a bowling average of just over 28.

He was an important contributor in his country’s milestone victory over the mighty Pakistan in a 2007 World Cup group match, which led to the elimination of the Asian giant.

His all-round talent and wealthy experience at the top makes him the biggest contender for an IPL team spot.