Indian Premier League (IPL) has proved to a blessing for cricket in general, especially the Indian cricket. A tournament that allows young and raw Indian talent to rub shoulders against some of the world’s best players, is a platform for great exposure. A lot of Indian cricketers have made into the reckoning post a successful stint with of the IPL franchises. It helps young players to get a taste of the international competition even before making it to the big stage.
Here’s a look at 5 players who hogged the limelight post a successful IPL season:
1. Ravichandran Ashwin
Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who is regarded as one of the best spinners in the world, is undoubtedly a product of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ashwin made huge strides towards making an India debut post his rollicking IPL season with CSK in 2010.
The Chennai-lad played a major role in helping his side win their maiden IPL title in 2010. He picked 13 wickets at an astonishing economy of 6.10 to induce a vote of confidence from the Indian selectors, While he still had first-class numbers to back his talent, it was his performances at the IPL, that made him earn his India cap.
2. Yusuf Pathan
The hard-hitting Baroda all-rounder, Yusuf Pathan was a part of India’s T20 World Cup team in 2007. However, it was his performances in the first couple of seasons for Rajasthan Royals, which made a case for his selection even in India’s ODI squad. Pathan was a constant in India’s middle-order for a couple of years, all thanks to his IPL exploits at RR.
At times, Yusuf played the role of a fine all-rounder who could chip in with a few overs of off-spin. He always drew priority on Dhoni’s scheme of things due to his all-round ability which he had displayed for Rajasthan in the inaugural IPL edition.
3. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya opened the doors for his selection after a couple of seasons for Mumbai Indians in 2015 and 2016. While he didn’t produce any staggering performances, it was his ability to hit huge sixes with ease that called for his selection on India’s tour to Australia in 2016. However, playing for MI, Pandya has displayed his skills both with the bat and ball. He was a tailor-made product for the T20s while he later refined his bowling to even find a place in India’s ODI and the Test squads.
4. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah, one of India’s premier fast-bowler in all formats, made his India debut on the back of his performances in IPL 2016. Bumrah, who has been a part of Mumbai Indians’ camp since 2013, didn’t get enough opportunities in the first few seasons. However, it was after a decent season in2016 that Bumrah caught the eye of the world to present a case for his India call-up. His ability bowl yorkers at will were one of the major reasons why Bumrah was fast-tracked into the Indin setup. Later, in 2018, the Gujarat-pacer was handed his India Test cap against South Africa.
5. Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal is one of the prime examples of how IPL has benefitted the Indian players in going through to the next stage. Chahal, who had a spectacular season with RCB in IPL 2015 and 2016, was soon drafted into the Indian team in June 2016. However, the young leg-spinner became a regular feature after India’s shocking defeat in the ICC Champions Trophy Final in 2017. While it was his IPL numbers that allowed Chahal to progress to the Indian team, the Haryana-born player was quick to pounce on the opportunity in the Indian team.
