The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League is all set to kick-start from Friday. Just like any other season, besides the focus being on top players, some of the youngsters, too, would be in the frame to come up with top-notch performances as we take a look at one such uncapped from each franchise.
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Shahrukh Khan (Punjab Kings)No, he is not the famous Bollywood actor and the owner of Kolkata Knight Riders. He happens to be a batsman from Tamil Nadu, who is known for his explosive batting. He recently had a great stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he slammed a 19-ball unbeaten 40 to steer TN into the semis. He possessed a strike rate of 220, which was the best in the tournament. Although he might be utilised as a middle-order batsman by PK, he can act as a finisher if needed.
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Krishnappa Gowtham (Chennai Super Kings)The Karnataka-based bowling all-rounder is not a new name in the IPL. the 32-year-old has represented numerous sides while he would be giving his services to Chennai Super Kings this season been picked up for a whopping ₹9.25 crore against the base price of ₹20 lakh. Although he has had average Twenty20 performances, he is famous for giving breakthroughs when needed the most, courtesy of his convenient off-spins. Also, he is eyeing a call-up to team India, as skipper MS Dhoni's guidance might come in handy to him while he does not have much time on his side.Lukman Meriwala (Delhi Capitals)A Baroda-based pacer had a terrific outing in the SMAT this season, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker of the season, claiming 15 wickets from eight games. While Delhi Capitals picked him up for the base price of ₹20 lakh this season, his chances would be limited on the side, considering its star-studded line-up. Provided he does get a chance, he is likely to make an impact, besides being under pressure to perform as he eyes the Team India cap.
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Varun Chakravarthy (KKR)The TN-based leg-spinner should already have been capped by now, only for his injury to delay the feat. Nonetheless, the upcoming season once again gives him a chance to shine and rise for KKR. He already made a huge impact last season, finishing as the side's highest wicket-taker. Although he has been out of action for quite some time, it would be interesting to see how he bounces back. Nonetheless, with the edition being played on the spinning Indian tracks, he is sure to shine yet again.Marco Jansen (Mumbai Indians)The left-arm pacer from South Africa is already one of the fast-rising pacers in South Africa and is deemed the perfect replacement for Dale Steyn. Other than his sheer pace, he is also known to swing the ball up front. Mumbai Indians has done a brilliant job by picking up the 20-year-old lad, who could undoubtedly trouble some of the best batsmen in the tournament, while Indians tend to flutter against seamers.
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Rahul Tewatia (Rajasthan Royals)The Haryana-based all-rounder has been a part of the IPL since 2014. However, last season, he rose to fame after smashing five successive sixes against Sheldon Cottrell, as Rajasthan Royals chased down the biggest IPL total against PK. In 2020, he averaged 42.50 and had a strike rate of 139.34. As a leg-spinner, he also claimed ten wickets and earned the India call-up against England. However, just like Chakravarthy, he failed to clear the fitness test, while 2021 gives him a fresh opportunity to solidify his stance.
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Devdutt Padikkal (Royal Challengers Bangalore)The 20-year opener rose to the limelight last season with Royal Challengers Bangalore, getting off to the perfect start as an opener with skipper Virat Kohli. Furthermore, finishing as the side's highest run-scorer, carrying in momentum from the domestic tournaments, spoke his volume. Even this season in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the competition with a bradmansque average of 147.40. While he is sure to fire again this season, the India call-up is just a matter of time now.
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Priyam Garg (Sunrisers Hyderabad)Priyam Garg happens to be an Uttar Pradesh-based batsman. While he had an average outing last season for Sunrrisers Hyderabad, he gave a glimpse of what he is capable of for stroke-making. He yet had an average outing in the SMAT this season but tends to flare up during the IPL. Let's hope that he keeps the fore of performing in the IPL alive, as he too is a promising talent for India in the future.
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