Despite all the criticism, the Indian Premier League has helped many cricketers graduate into the big league. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja are all from the school of IPL. During the early days of the competition, we even had Manpreet Gony and Mohit Sharma making the cut in ODIs based on their IPL performances.
So, in the Indian context, the IPL, since its inception, has at least justified its motto of ‘where talent meets opportunity.’
As far as overseas recruits are concerned, the IPL has been generous to them as well, especially to the Australian cricketers. The Marsh brothers, both Shaun and Mitchell, were catapulted to the Australian side, courtesy of their great outings in IPL. And for Glenn Maxwell the IPL consolidated his position as a big hitter in the side.
So, irrespective of players’ nationality, the IPL has always been a breeding ground for future superstars.
This year also many first-time overseas cricketers have been picked by the IPL sides. Most of them have made their debut for their national team and will now look to use the IPL as platform to further their cause in international cricket.
Here are five overseas players who show promise this IPL season:
1. Shimron Hetmyer
A good tour of India is most of the time necessary for an IPL contract, and it was no different for Windies opener Shimron Hetmyer, who was picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the last auction for Rs 4.20 crore, after a fierce four-way battle. He had a base price of Rs 50 lakh.
Last October, Hetmyer was part of the Windies contingent that toured India. In the five-match ODI series, the Guyanese cricketer tallied 259 runs at an average of 51.80 and a strike rate of 140. During the series he exhibited his power-hitting skills and ability to play spin well.
His natural talent for clearing the boundary at will, that too at top of the batting order, makes him a worthy successor of his Windies teammate Chris Gayle, who had a chequered run with the Bangalore team, before parting ways in 2017. Hetmyer’s availability throughout the season will also be an added bonus as Royal Challengers try to win their maiden IPL title.
2. Oshane Thomas
Oshane Thomas’ ability with the ball may not reflect in the wickets’ tally but his sheer pace turned heads when Windies toured India last year. So, it wasn’t a surprise when Rajasthan Royals paid a hefty sum of Rs 1.5 crore for him during the last auction.
During the same tour, Thomas had a great outing against India’s top three, dismissing Dhawan twice in the process. Both Rohit Sharma and skipper Virat Kohli were also at the receiving end of his chin music and darting deliveries at more than 145 kph. In fact, in his very first over in ODI cricket, Thomas clocked 147 kph, 147 kph, 140 kph, 149 kph, 147 kph and 147 kph.
His height coupled with his run-up gives him the extra bounce and pace that will come handy during the IPL, and will be an added bonus for his side Rajasthan Royals.
3. Ashton Turner
It was Ashton Turner’s match-winning 84 not out off 44 balls against India at Mohali that helped Australia chase down 359 to make a remarkable comeback in the ODI series. After a great start to his career in India, the Western Australia cricketer would like to carry his good form into the IPL.
At Rs 50 lakh, Turner has been a great bargain for Rajasthan Royals during the auction. He might be only three ODIs old, but as Shane Warne, the brand ambassador of Rajasthan Royals, rightly put, he has an older head on his shoulder for an inexperienced player.
“He’s got a good head on his shoulders. He’s experienced. And we saw his talent. He has an amazing talent. I think Turner will have a huge impact this year too.”Shane Warne, Brand Ambassador, Rajasthan Royals
Turner’s short selection and his ability to play under pressure, as exhibited in the Mohali match, will be an asset for his IPL side, and might even book his place in Australia’s World Cup squad.
4. Sam Curran
If the last eleven seasons are anything to go by, the most important asset for an IPL side is a good all-rounder – and Englishman Sam Curran fills the bill perfectly.
Last summer, when India toured England, Curran played an important part in crushing the visitors in the Test series, as England won 4-1. He picked up 11 wickets in the four Test matches he played and made useful contributions with the bat down the order. He scored two half-centuries and batted with the tail to deny India any advantage.
Curran is the youngest player after India’s Kapil Dev to score more than 250 runs and take more than 10 wickets in a Test series.
Still a novice in the limited over format, he is expected to come of age in the IPL, and that is why three teams – Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab – bid ferociously for him. Eventually Punjab picked him up for Rs 7.20 crore, a price we hope he is able to justify this season.
5. Mitchell Santner
Mitchell Santner was picked up by Chennai Super Kings last season but he will be making his debut in IPL this year. The New Zealand player suffered an injury due to which he missed the entire edition. But CSK decided to retain him for Rs 50 lakh, this year.
Another bowling all-rounder, Santner did decently against India with the ball in the T20I series. He is yet to show his flair with the bat, but it will be interesting to see if he’d get to be part of the playing XI this season.
With his left-arm off-spin, he might just prove to be valuable on the Indian pitches.
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