IPL 8: Five youngsters, new faces to watch out for

Mumbai: The Indian Premier League (IPL), starting April 8, will see a bunch of new faces taking guard among the old horses. While some of them impressed in the Ranji Trophy, some played with tennis ball till the last season. Let’s have a look at the young faces who could be the next superstars of IPL.

Karun Nair, 23 (Rajasthan Royals): He has been around for two seasons but the spotlight on him brightened after he slammed a triple hundred (328) against Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy final last month. The right-hander started his IPL journey with Royal Challengers Bangalore but was bought by Rajasthan Royals in 2014. However, in IPL, he has 330 runs from 11 matches with three half-centuries in IPL.

(Photo: PTI)

Siddhesh Lad, 22 (Mumbai Indians): This lad will make his IPL debut. He was the youngest player in the Mumbai Ranji team who even shared the dressing room with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in his last domestic appearance in Lahli. An attacking batsman, he has 948 runs at an average of 39.50 with one hundred and seven half-centuries, in first class cricket.

(Photo: PTI)

KC Cariappa, 20 (Kolkata Knight Riders): This cricketer calls himself a mystery spinner. He could be Knights’ answer to the Sunil Narine problem. Cariappa never played first class cricket and even till last season, the tennis ball was his best friend. But veteran Jacques Kallis thought the youngster was good enough to play IPL. He fetched 2.4 crore at the auction, more than Kevin Pietersen, Michael Hussey and Eoin Morgan.

(Photo: Facebook)

Shreyas Iyer, 20 (Delhi Daredevils): Snapped for Rs 2.6 crore by Delhi Daredevils, Iyer became the highest-earning uncapped player for the 2015 auction. After a fantastic domestic season, the right-handed batsman’s selection wasn’t a surprise. His road to fame began with the Under-19 World Cup in 2014. In first-class cricket, he averages 50.56 with two hundreds under his belt.

(Photo: PTI)

Gurinder Sandhu, 21 (Delhi Daredevils): The IPL is a sort of homecoming for this Indian-origin Australian from New South Wales. He is a Big Bash (League) material and has plenty of T20 experience. Sandhu never donned the Indian jersey but now, he will flaunt India’s capital on his chest. A gifted swing bowler, he may come handy in the death overs.

(Photo: Cricket Australia)