IPL is a stage to identify the young talents and make them ready for international cricket. The Indian Premier League, since its inception in 2008, has given a lot of youngsters the opportunity to play international cricket. Over the years, we’ve seen lots of youngsters shine in the IPL and made their name on the biggest stage. Like every year, the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has seen various uncapped Indian players who produced memorable performances. So, let’s have a look at 5 uncapped players who have been the most impressive during the season.
Venkatesh Iyer
After a disappointing first half where they lost five of their seven games, KKR won seven out of their nine matches in the second leg in the UAE to reach the final of IPL 2021. And one of the main reasons behind this turnaround was fast bowling all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer. In the seven matches he has played so far, Venkatesh Iyer has given a blazing start to the KKR in almost every game. And whenever he has been given the opportunity with the ball, he has bowled some crucial overs for KKR. The 26-year-old has scored 329 runs in 9 matches at a decent strike rate of 125.
Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel has been the star of this season. He is the current purple cap holder with a whooping 32 wickets in 15 matches at a strike rate of 10.56. He equaled the record of Dwayne Bravo, picking most wickets in one season. Although he made his IPL debut way back in 2012, this IPL proved to be his breakthrough season. His slower deliveries have been the most difficult to pick for batsmen in the IPL this season. He has picked crucial wickets in the middle and death overs and has been Virat Kohli’s, go-to man.
Avesh Khan
Another uncapped Indian who has played the lead role for his franchise. Avesh Khan made a massive impact in the tournament. He has been phenomenal with the new ball, in middle overs and also at the death. Avesh is only second to Harshal when it comes to the players with the most wickets in the T20 league this season. He has picked 24 wickets in 16 games at a strike rate of 15.25, with an impressive economy of 7.18. Avesh was undoubtedly one of the finds of IPL 2021.
Ravi Bishnoi
Although Bishnoi didn’t get many chances this season, he has created an impact in the UAE leg of IPL 2021. The leg spinner picked 12 wickets in 9 games at a brilliant economy rate of 6.34. The thing that impressed me the most about Bishnoi is his fearless attitude. He was not afraid to toss the ball up, even after going for boundaries. The 21-year-old has picked the wickets of some big names with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Manish Pandey, Surya Kumar Yadav. Bishnoi is also an electric fielder and has taken some blinders on the field this season.
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep has been consistent with the ball throughout the season. He has 18 scalps by his name in 12 matches at an economy rate of 8.27. The 22-year-old is at the 8th position in highest wicket-taker this season. He was named as one of five net bowlers for India’s tour of Sri Lanka 2021. Going by his current form, Arsdeep is not far away from his maiden India call-up.