By JITHU JOSE PARACKAL
Hanuma Vihari (Hyderabad)
Hanuma Vihari first made news when he performed for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. But, now he is doing what was expected ; he’s making it count in the Ranji Trophy, for Hyderabad. Vihari, just 20 years offers much hope for the Indian middle order in the future. Vihari scored 841 runs from 8 matches for Hyderabad this year, at an average of 93.44. He has three centuries and four fifties to his credit. He has a high score of 201* this season, which clearly shows this 20 year old is not lacking in temperament and he is capable of playing the big knocks.
Kedar Jadhav (Maharashtra)
Kedhar Jadhav has been the fulcrum around which Maharshtra has played so well this season. He first came into limelight when he played a 29 ball 50 for Delhi Daredevils, and it was after that he joined Kochi Tuskers and did his job there as well. But, after Kochi Tuskers were terminated, he re-joined Delhi Daredevils, in the IPL. In this season for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy, he played 11 matches and scored 1233 runs at 87.35. He has scored the most runs in the Ranji Trophy this season. He is one of the reasons why Maharashtra made it to the Ranji Finals. He has six centuries and 2 half-centuries to his credit.
Lokesh Rahul (Karnataka)
Lokesh Rahul, was the much lesser known Rahul until he played some lusty knocks for Karnataka last year. This help him earn a place in the Royal Challengers Bangalore, in the IPL. Though he didn’t make much of an impression for the Challengers, he was in the thick of things again for Karnataka, in the Ranji Trophy. One cannot deny the fact that it was Rahul’s exploits that made Karnataka into the Ranji Trophy finals. Lokesh Rahul scored 1004 runs at an average of 71.71. He scored three centuries and four half-centuries this season. Bangalore team, over the years has the rich tradition of gifting some talented batsmen. The legendary Rahul Dravid, has great admiration for this youngster and makes it a point to track down the progress of this talented youngster, which in turn shows that Lokesh Rahul is a serious talent and with the right attitude he can break his way into the Indian team.
Naman Ojha (Madhya Pradesh)
Naman Ojha, the wicket-keeper batsman from Madhya Pradesh, has been prolific this season in the Ranji Trophy. Naman plays for Delhi Daredevils in the IPL. Naman Ojha accumulated 835 runs from 7 matches at a stunning average of 69.58 with four hundreds to his credit. Naman Ojha, more than his wicketkeeping, is known for his batting. He has adjusted his game according to the demands to of the format. But, however, he couldn’t convert his knocks in the first class circuit to the Indian team, he made minimal use of the chances he got at the big stage. All eyes will be on this 30 year old in this year’s IPL .
Mahesh Rawat (Railways)
Mahesh Rawat, the 28 year old wicket-keeper batsman from Railways has been making good progress as a batsman. He plays for Pune Warriors in the IPL. He was not that successful in the IPL and even in the domestic circuit, but this season he has been exceptional in the Ranji Trophy. Mahesh Rawat, has scored 820 runs from 9 matches at 68.33, which is really good stats for a batsman of any respect. He scored three centuries for the team and made some very useful contributions with the bat. IPL franchisees will eagerly looking for this hot property and look to bag this wicket keeper batsman.
