Besides providing loads of entertainment for cricket fans worldwide, the Indian Premier League also gives Indian fans a glimpse into the future and what the senior side might look like a few years down the line. With all IPL franchises placing great emphasis on the importance of developing young talent, each squad is replete with promising players that could turn out to be future Indian stars. On that note, let’s take a closer look at five promising young Indian talents that could shine in this year’s IPL.
#1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
Jaiswal recently rose to prominence after smashing a double century for Mumbai against Jharkhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, for which he was rewarded with a place in India’s squad for the upcoming U-19 World Cup as well as a place in the Rajasthan Royals squad in IPL 2020. He is no stranger to fighting against the odds, having slept in a tent at Azad Maidan for almost three years and selling pani puri to make ends meet. However, his inspirational story looks all set to have a happy ending as the kid from Uttar Pradesh looks destined to be a star.
#2. Shubman Gill
One of the stars of India’s triumph at the 2018 U-19 Cricket World Cup, Shubman Gill’s performances for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2019 garnered much praise and earned him a spot in the senior team as well. Although he couldn’t make the most of his opportunities with the senior side in New Zealand, he has been doing extremely well domestically for Punjab and even received his maiden Test call up during South Africa’s tour to India last year. The stylish batsman will be hoping to deliver a successful IPL campaign in 2020 that might see him break into the playing eleven for ODIs and Tests soon.
#3. Virat Singh
No, it’s not the one you’re thinking of – this young batsman from Jharkhand was one of the standout performers from the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, racking up 343 runs in 10 matches at an average of 57.17. His good form with the white ball continued in the domestic T20 circuit, as he scored 335 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and also made an impression playing for India C in the Deodhar Trophy. He will feature alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal for India at the U-19 World Cup and will hope to get some game time for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2020 as well.
#4. R Sai Kishore
Chennai Super Kings take great pride in blooding young local talent and 23-year-old R Sai Kishore is certainly one to look out for. The left-arm spinner claimed 20 wickets for Tamil Nadu at an economy rate of 4.63 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, also showing himself to be capable of restricting the scoring during the Power Play overs. Even though CSK boasts an embarrassment of riches in the spin department, Sai Kishore’s exploits in the domestic T20 circuit might give him the edge over some of the other spinners in the team.
#5. Ishan Porel
Recent successes enjoyed by India’s fast bowlers in the international arena has generated a lot of interest in young upcoming Indian pacers, and Ishan Porel is one such speed merchant who will be looking to grab a share of the spotlight. Alongside Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti, both of whom have since struggled with injuries, Porel was part of the Prithvi Shaw-led World Cup-winning U-19 side in 2018 and will be looking to build on that this year. He was picked up by the Kings XI Punjab this year, with their coach Anil Kumble identifying Porel as a good back-up option for his Bengal teammate Mohammad Shami.
