As the curtains draw on the exhilarating 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where the Kolkata Knight Riders clinched the championship title, it's evident that the tournament transcends beyond its 74 action-packed matches – it has served as a platform for emerging talents set to leave an indelible mark on cricket's landscape in the years to come.
As the cricketing calendar progresses, India's national team gears up for a 5-match T20I series against Zimbabwe commencing on 6 July, following the conclusion of the 2024 T20 World Cup. With the possibility of key players being rested, the series presents a golden opportunity for emerging talents to showcase their prowess on the international stage.
As we reflect on the culmination of IPL 2024, let's delve into five players who stand poised for a potential call-up to the national squad:
1. Abhishek Sharma
When it comes to batting, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s opener Abhishek Sharma has been a consistent headline-grabber throughout the season. From the very outset, Sharma embarked on a relentless assault against bowlers, showcasing his power and precision with the bat. His ability to clear the ropes effortlessly, coupled with a versatile batting approach adaptable to any position in the order, has been a standout feature.
Across 16 innings, Sharma has amassed a tally of 484 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 204.21. The left-hander's aggressive style is underscored by an impressive count of 36 boundaries and a remarkable 42 maximums, earning him the distinction of being the season's highest six-hitter.
Moreover, Sharma's multifaceted talents extend beyond his batting prowess. His underutilised skill as a left-arm orthodox spinner came to the fore crucially, clinching wickets of Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmeyer, pivotal in propelling SRH to the final after beating RR in the Qualifier 2.
With such a diverse skill set at his disposal, Sharma's inclusion in the Indian squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup was highly anticipated, though it was deferred. Nevertheless, his stellar season performance, brimming with promising statistics, positions him as a strong contender for a coveted call-up to the national team.
2. Riyan Parag
Following a couple of lacklustre seasons with Rajasthan Royals, right-handed batter Riyan Parag found himself under intense scrutiny from fans and pundits alike. Yet, the resilient 22-year-old consistently silenced his critics with each appearance on the field. Parag repaid the faith vested in him by his franchise with crucial performances, emerging as their top run-scorer in IPL 2024 and securing the third-highest overall tally with 573 runs at a striking rate of 149.21 across 14 innings.
Parag's evolution as a batter has been evident over the years, marked by a heightened sense of situational awareness. His notable innings of 43, 84*, 54*, and 47* often came to the rescue when the top-order faltered, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings under pressure.
With a refined approach and a composed demeanour, Parag's adept techniques have left a lasting impression, which means that a call-up to the Indian team may be imminent.
3. Nitish Kumar Reddy
Sunrisers Hyderabad has unearthed yet another cricketing gem in the form of Nitish Reddy, a pace-bowling all-rounder – a coveted combination that often piques the interest of the Indian team selectors. At just 21 years old, Reddy has distinguished himself with his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations and steer the innings to its conclusion.
Notable among his performances are innings like his blistering 64 off 37 balls, an unbeaten 76 off 42 balls and a quickfire 37 off 25 balls, all instrumental in securing victories for his side.
Reddy finished the season with a tally of 303 runs in 11 innings, boasting an average of 33.66 and strike rate of 142.92. Additionally, his medium pace also contributed to the team's cause, as he managed to clinch three crucial wickets.
When questioned about somebody who he thinks could don the national jersey soon, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel lauded Reddy's versatility and remarked, “Nitish Kumar Reddy has been really impressive, batting brilliantly. His stroke play and handling of pressure are great, plus he is an all-round option. Selectors are always on the lookout for someone who can bowl medium-pace and bat lower down the order. Nitish Kumar Reddy definitely has a bright future ahead.”
4. Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana, the pace sensation of Kolkata Knight Riders, has undoubtedly been a standout performer in this season's IPL. Not only did he finish as KKR's joint-second-highest wicket-taker and rank joint-fourth overall in the tournament, but he also claimed the distinction of being the most successful uncapped Indian, securing an impressive 19 wickets from just 11 innings, all while maintaining a commendable economy rate of 9.08.
Consistently displaying his knack for taking crucial wickets during the middle and death overs, Rana has emerged as a highly sought-after asset. In the final against SRH, he delivered crucial blows by dismissing Nitish Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen. His figures of 2 for 24 played a pivotal role in KKR's triumphant third IPL title win. Prior to the final, Rana had already proven his mettle by disrupting significant innings, claiming vital wickets of players like Nicholas Pooran and KL Rahul.
With a repertoire of pace variations and unwavering consistency, the 22-year-old is primed for potential call up to the national side.
5. Mayank Yadav
Though Mayank Yadav's IPL journey was cut short prematurely due to recurring injuries, the pace sensation made sure to make the most of the opportunity he got while still in the tournament. . In his debut match, Mayank left spectators in awe with his lightning speed and impeccable accuracy. He scalped four crucial wickets, dismissing heavyweight batters such as Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, and Jitesh Sharma, while conceding a mere 27 runs in four overs.
In the clash against RCB, Mayank once again delivered a three-wicket haul, accounting for the dismissals of Glenn Maxwell, Cam Green, and Rajat Patidar. Not just the wickets, he also grabbed attention for unleashing the fastest delivery of the 2024 IPL season, clocking an astonishing 156.7 kmph, surpassing his own previous record of 155.8 kmph set in the preceding game.
Despite bowling only 12.1 overs in the tournament and securing 7 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 6.98, Mayank's early departure from IPL 2024 doesn't mark the end of his journey. With his remarkable pace and promising potential, he undoubtedly remains on the radar of selectors for future opportunities.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)