IPL 2024: Top five youngsters who have made significant contribution for their franchise in ongoing IPL. Top five youngsters to watch out for in future.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has witnessed a surge of young talents leaving a lasting impact on the cricketing arena. These budding stars have not only demonstrated exceptional skills but also showcased immense potential for the future of Indian cricket. Let's delve into the remarkable journeys of these promising players who have shone brightly in the ongoing IPL season.
Sai Sudharsan: The talented left-handed batter
Sai Sudharsan, a dynamic left-handed batter representing Gujarat Titans (GT), has been a force to reckon with in IPL 2024. His recent scintillating knock of 89* runs off just 49 deliveries against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) not only propelled GT to a formidable total of 200 but also showcased Sudharsan’s ability to dominate the opposition with seven boundaries and four maximums.
The absence of Hardik Pandya, former captain of the franchise, has seen Sudharsan stepping up as an integral member of the GT batting unit, averaging an impressive 42 with a strike rate of 133.7. He has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket for Tamil Nadu. Moreover, he has earned accolades, including five half-centuries and a staggering tally of 82 boundaries and 20 maximums in the IPL.
Sudharsan's journey into the national team during India's tour of South Africa last year was marked by impactful performances. In the three One Day Internationals (ODIs), he amassed 127 runs at a remarkable average of 63.5 and a striking rate of 89.4, showcasing his adaptability in challenging batting conditions.
His prowess extends beyond limited-overs cricket, as evidenced by his performances in first-class and List A matches. With 1118 runs in 17 first-class matches at an average of 38.55 and a strike rate of 54.36, including four half-centuries and three centuries, Sudharsan has proven his mettle across formats.
Notably, his unforgettable innings of 96 runs in the final of the 2023 IPL edition against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) elevated him to the forefront of IPL talents, batting at a remarkable strike rate of 205 and guiding GT to a monumental total of 214.Â
Sudharsan's stint with Surrey in the county circuit further honed his skills, making him a prominent name in the Indian international team radar.
Riyan Parag: The rising star of Rajasthan Royals
Riyan Parag, an uncapped Indian player representing Rajasthan Royals (RR), has been a standout performer in IPL 2024. His exceptional batting skills were evident in his 409 runs from 10 matches at an average of 58.42 and a striking rate of 159.84, including four half-centuries and a best score of 84*.
Having played 64 matches for RR since his debut in 2019, Parag has accumulated 1009 runs at an average of 22.93 and a strike rate of 136.17. However, he overcame the flaws in his batting and has started to pay off the faith shown by RR's team management, showcasing his consistency and growth as a cricketer.
Apart from being a gun fielder and much improved batter, Parag can also bowl some overs of spin, something which he used to do before the introduction of the Impact Player rule. He has the ability to change the bowling style on every delivery which troubles the batters that face him.Â
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra hailed Parag's improvement, particularly against short balls, attributing it to rigorous practice and hard work. Parag's ability to handle pace and deliver impactful performances has positioned him as a potential candidate for the Indian team, a sentiment echoed by Chopra.
Abhishek Sharma: Power-hitting sensation for Sunrisers Hyderabad
Abhishek Sharma's explosive batting display for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has been a highlight of IPL 2024. The 23-year-old left-hander's blazing 23-ball 63, studded with three fours and seven sixes, set the tournament on fire, showcasing his power-hitting prowess and adaptability in challenging situations.
Sharma's record-breaking fastest fifty for SRH off just 16 balls and his consistent match-winning performances have earned him accolades and attention from the cricketing fraternity. His all-round abilities as a handy spinner, coupled with his impactful batting, make him a valuable asset for SRH and a potential candidate for national team selection.
Nitish Reddy: Emerging batting talent for Sunrisers Hyderabad
Nitish Kumar Reddy's stellar performances with the bat for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have been a revelation in IPL 2024. The 20-year-old's unbeaten knock of 76 runs from 42 deliveries against Rajasthan Royals (RR) showcased his ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed.
Reddy's innings, comprising 3 boundaries and 8 sixes, contributed significantly to SRH's total of 201 for 3 in 20 overs. With 219 runs from 10 matches at an average of 47.80 and a striking rate of 152.23, Reddy has emerged as a promising middle-order batter for SRH.
Recently, during his side's game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Hyderabad, Nitish also joined an elite company with the most number of sixes in an IPL innings by a SRH batter. The all-rounder scored an unbeaten 76* in 42 balls, with three fours and eight sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 180.95. It is the highest number of sixes in an IPL innings by an SRH batter. He’s tied with Australian legend David Warner, Manish Pandey, Heinrich Klassen and Travis Head.
Harshit Rana: The rising pacer for Kolkata Knight Riders
Harshit Rana's impressive bowling performances for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been noteworthy in IPL 2024. The 22-year-old pacer's ability to adapt to different conditions and deliver crucial spells, including a best of 3/24 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has bolstered KKR's bowling attack.
Rana's fast bowling contract with the Indian team underscores his potential and readiness to make an impact at the international level. His consistent performances and ability to hunt wickets in crucial situations position him as a player to watch out for in Indian cricket.
In conclusion, the emergence of these youngsters in IPL 2024 signifies the depth of talent in Indian cricket and highlights the platform IPL provides for young players to showcase their skills and carve a path towards success on bigger stages. Their performances not only illuminate the current season but also hint at a promising future for Indian cricket, with these talents poised to make significant contributions in the years to come.