Bengaluru: To say everyone is born with talent is a cliché but, much like a sundial in the shade, it counts for nothing unless it gets the right exposure,
Likewise, there is no dearth of talented cricketers in the country and all they need is the right men to chisel the rough edges of their game.
In that sense, Kings XI Punjab coach Sanjay Bangar and Rajasthan Royals mentor Rahul Dravid have been men with sharp eye for flair and talent.
IPL 7, much like the previous editions has thrown up many new faces, who have impressed with their skill, agility, and maturity.
Karun Nair is the find of Royal’s this season. The 22 year old Bengaluru boy whose unmistakeable confidence can sometimes be mistaken for arrogance, when his attitude is far from it, turned out to be their highest run getter.
More than the runs it is Karun’s selection of shots, the nimble footwork with which he handles the quick ones and spin bowling that makes for delightful viewing.
His stupendous show for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy season surely held him in good stead and his Royal’s skipper Shane Watson, labelled him as the most powerful young Indian.
When Bangar decided to hand the cap to Shivam Sharma, few recognized the name, fewer knew about his abilities.
Against RCB, the 20-year old Delhi spinner, who is yet to make his first class debut impressed with figures of 2-26. Shivam played three more games and though didn’t pick up too many wickets, his economy rate surely impressed.
Yuzvendra Chahal is another rookie, who hit big time this season. His mischievous looks are quite deceiving, but give him the ball and he turns into a tormentor.
After warming the bench in the Mumbai Indians dug out the last season, this Haryana talent was the lone bright spark among many Indian youngsters given an opportunity by the Royal Challengers.
Staying with the spin department, Gujarat youngster Akshar Patel, who had an impressive Ranji season, repaid the faith of Kings XI management in his maiden IPL season.
A 17-wicket haul before the final and some handy batting has earned him a place in the Indian team for Bangladesh.
