It is a known fact that just foreign and Indian superstars cannot win you the IPL trophy. Mumbai had needed the services of players like Bumbrah, Surya Kumar Yadav, Aditya Tare and Pandya brothers in their various wins. Kolkata Knight Riders also had Manvinder Bisla playing an instrumental role in their wins in 2012 and 2014. Similarly, Chennai too used Deepak Chahar as their workhorse. These players were uncapped at that time and have since gone on to become international players.
In this season, few uncapped youngsters have shown tremendous spark. They have put up performances in winning causes and played excellent innings under pressure. In the next mega-auction, a few of these players can expect to be retained by their respective franchises. A franchise that is building a team for the future should retain a few of its young promising blood and nurture them into future stars. We look at one uncapped player from each franchise who may be retained and groomed for a long future with the franchise.
In this article, we look at 8 uncapped players each team could retain before the mega auction:
1. Chennai Super Kings – N. Jagadeesan
A name that may not be popular with the fans but Jagadeesan adds immense value to the CSK franchise. He made his IPL debut in 2018 and has been with CSK ever since. He has not played any games in 2021 and had made little impression in 2020. However, Jagadeesan being a wicketkeeper is constantly under the shadow of legendary MS Dhoni. With 2021 most likely to be Dhoni’s farewell season, the franchisee will be in the hunt for a keeper. As has been witnessed, wicketkeepers are a rare commodity, and hence nurturing Jagadeesan long-term would be in CSK’s interest.
2. Rajasthan Royals – Yashasvi Jaiswal
Jaiswal was picked by Rajasthan Royals as a potential opener in the 2020 auction. He had a forgettable 2020 season and seemed to be doomed. However, he has turned it around in 2021 and appears to repay the trust reposed in him by the franchise. He has scored 187 runs in the 7 outings he has had in the Royals colors. He has also been hitting the ball at a good strike rate. If the future is to be kept in mind, Jaiswal could be a good fit for the Royals as an opening option.
3. Kings XI Punjab – Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep has shown plenty of promise in his limited time at Punjab. He was bought by them in 2019 and it is evident that the franchise has invested in him as a long-term prospect. He played 8 games in the 2020 season and showed what he was capable of by picking 9 wickets. In 2021, he has only grown and scalped 13 wickets. A left-arm spinner being a novelty in today’s age, it would hold Punjab in good stead to retain him as he is currently one of the best left-arm spinners.
4. Sunrisers Hyderabad – Abdul Samad
A total revelation for everyone involved in IPL, 2020 was truly Samad’s breakout year. Known as a big-hitting finisher, in the last season, Samad displayed his impeccable range as a lower-order batsman. Initially not played for a couple of games, Samad finally got his chance against Delhi. He averaged 22 last season but at an astonishing average of 171. To come down at 6 numbers and score at such a brisk rate is exemplary talent at such young age.
5. Mumbai Indians – Marco Jansen
Mumbai Indians made a surprise pick in the 2021 auction by going for Jansen. He got his debut match against RCB in India’s leg and impressed one and all by picking 2 wickets including Maxwell. With MI’s bench strength, Jansen didn’t get further games as Boult, Milne, and Coulternile were back in business. However, the 21-year-old has shown plenty of grit and potential to perform at the highest stage.
6. Royal Challengers Bangalore – KS Bharat
RCB seems to have found an answer to their middle-order woes. This season, both Maxwell and the experiment with Bharat at one down have clicked. A fiery wicket-keeper batsman has shown great character in the limited chances he has got. He has played 4 games and averages 31 in 2021. The innings against Rajasthan showed why he can be trusted with the responsibility of building partnerships and closing games.
7. Kolkata Knight Riders – Rahul Tripathi
He was picked by KKR in 2020 and has become an integral part of their middle-order. An unassuming and calm operator, Tripathi’s ability to accelerate is undisputed. In this season, he has already scored 315 runs averaging 35 at a healthy strike rate of 145. His 74 off 42 balls against Mumbai Indians showed why he is such an exciting talent.
8. Delhi Capitals – Avesh Khan
A fantastic Indian speedster is every franchise’s dream pick. Avesh Khan has provided Delhi the best answer to this wish. He bowls lethal pace and is phenomenally accurate. He has picked up 18 wickets in the 11 games so far and ranks with Rabada and Nortje in terms of impact. He has been the find of the season. Delhi shall retain him as most franchises shall be eying for him.
