As the excitement builds for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the emergence of new talents who could potentially make a significant impact on the tournament. With each edition of the IPL, young cricketers have the opportunity to showcase their skills on a grand stage, capturing the attention of fans and experts alike. In IPL 2024, several promising youngsters are poised to take the cricketing world by storm with their exceptional talent, promising performances, and potential to become future stars of the game. Let’s delve into the top 10 youngsters to watch out for in IPL 2024, as they aim to make their mark and leave a lasting impression on the world’s premier T20 cricket league.
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Top 10 Youngsters to Watch Out for in IPL 2024
1- Rinku Singh (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Rinku Singh, at 25, may not be considered a young player solely based on age, but his remarkable performance in IPL 2023 for the Kolkata Knight Riders has been truly exceptional. While he made his IPL debut back in 2017, it was in the 2022 season that glimpses of his talent began to surface, evidenced by his 174 runs in seven innings. However, it was his unforgettable feat of smashing five consecutive sixes off GT’s Yash Dayal that truly captivated the cricketing world this season. Remarkably, this was not a one-off display, as Rinku consistently dominated the tournament, emerging as KKR’s leading run-scorer with an impressive tally of 474 runs in 14 innings, boasting an average of 59.25 and a striking rate of nearly 150.
What truly underscored Rinku’s prowess was his ability to deliver in crucial moments, with four half-centuries scored while chasing, often in high-pressure situations. His tally of 29 sixes, including two massive hits exceeding 100 meters, further solidified his reputation as a formidable finisher. With a stellar record in both First Class and List A cricket, boasting a 50-plus average, Rinku’s inclusion in the future Indian national team seems inevitable. As he continues to shine in T20Is for India, it is highly anticipated that he will replicate his success in the upcoming IPL 2024 season.
2- Dhruv Jurel (Rajasthan Royals)
Dhruv Jurel made a remarkable debut season appearance for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2023, showcasing his prowess as a finisher for the team. Prior to his stint with RR, Jurel had already demonstrated his talent on the international stage, notably during his performances for India in the under-19 World Cup. Since then, his career trajectory has been on a steady upward trajectory. In the IPL 2023 season, Jurel proved to be a valuable asset for RR, making significant contributions as an impact player. Despite not securing as many opportunities on the field as he would have hoped, his impressive performances for India A have bolstered his prospects for the upcoming season. His Test debut at Rajkot in the 3rd Test against England further underscores his promising potential.
Among the few positives for last season’s runner-up Rajasthan Royals, Jurel’s emergence was particularly noteworthy. The 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman from Agra, who joined the Royals in 2022, seized the opportunity with aplomb during his debut season. Throughout IPL 2023, Jurel amassed 152 runs in 11 innings at an average of 21.71, with an impressive strike rate of 172.72. Notable performances, such as his quickfire 34 off 15 against CSK and an unbeaten 34 off 16 against RCB, solidified his position as a regular member of the playing XI, often entrusted with the crucial role of finishing innings. Jurel’s breakthrough season has garnered significant media attention, setting the stage for what promises to be a promising career ahead.
3- Noor Ahmad (Gujarat Titans)
The youngest player on this list is Noor Ahmad, the 18-year-old left-arm spinner hailing from Afghanistan, who rose to prominence in the IPL seemingly out of nowhere. Despite having only featured in two international matches prior to the IPL 2023 season, Ahmad’s stellar performances in the tournament prompted cricket enthusiasts worldwide to search for information about him online.
During IPL 2023, Noor Ahmad made a significant impact by claiming 16 wickets in 13 games, showcasing an exceptional economy rate of 7.82. Despite the impressive performances by players like Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, and Mohit Sharma, who collectively secured 82 wickets for GT during the season, Ahmad maintained the best economy rate among the Titans’ bowlers. Notably, he delivered a standout performance in the final against CSK, where he clinched two crucial wickets in a single over, finishing with a remarkable spell of 2/17 at an economy rate of 5.66.
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4- Dilshan Madushanka (Mumbai Indians)
Sri Lanka’s rising pace star, Dilshan Madushanka, is set to make his IPL debut with the Mumbai Indians this season. The 23-year-old left-arm fast bowler emerged as a standout performer for Sri Lanka during the 2023 World Cup, showcasing his potential on the global stage. With a successful World Cup campaign under his belt, Madushanka will be keen to carry that momentum into the IPL and make a significant impact for his new franchise.
Known for his pace and accuracy, particularly in the crucial powerplay overs, Madushanka has the potential to become a formidable weapon for Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack. Having already claimed 35 wickets in ODIs and 13 wickets in T20Is, he is expected to complement the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and contribute significantly to Mumbai Indians’ bowling prowess. As he embarks on his IPL journey, all eyes will be on Madushanka to see how he adapts to the challenges of the tournament, but Mumbai Indians’ management and fans will undoubtedly have high expectations for this talented youngster.
5- Nehal Wadhera (Mumbai Indians)
Nehal Wadhera has already showcased his batting prowess on the cricketing stage. Despite debuting just last season, Wadhera made an impressive appearance in 14 matches, amassing a total of 241 runs with two half-centuries to his name. His striking strike rate of 145 underscores the talent of this 23-year-old cricketer hailing from Ludhiana, who undoubtedly aims to scale greater heights in his career. Known for his craftiness with the bat, Wadhera exhibits versatility, capable of both rotating the strike and unleashing powerful shots when required. With Mumbai Indians potentially missing the services of Surya Kumar Yadav for a while, Wadhera has the potential to emerge as a key figure in the team’s batting lineup, making him a player worth keeping a close watch on.
Continuing their tradition of nurturing talent from Indian cricket, Mumbai Indians have once again unearthed a gem in Nehal Wadhera through the IPL platform this season. Despite being relatively unknown in the cricketing sphere, Wadhera, a 22-year-old batting all-rounder, has quickly made a name for himself. Having previously only featured in domestic cricket for Punjab, Wadhera made his mark in First-Class cricket earlier in the year. Mumbai secured his services for a modest sum of INR 20 lakh during the IPL auction 2023, with no other team showing interest. However, Wadhera proved to be a revelation, amassing 261 runs in just 10 innings at an impressive strike rate of 145.18. His standout performances include consecutive half-centuries against RCB and CSK, which played a crucial role in Mumbai’s journey from a shaky start to a playoff finish.
6- Sameer Rizvi (Chennai Super Kings)
Sameer Rizvi, hailing from Meerut and representing the Chennai Super Kings, has emerged as a promising talent at just 20 years of age. His remarkable performance in the debut season of the Uttar Pradesh T20 League has garnered attention from IPL scouts, despite his young age and relative inexperience. Notably, Rizvi’s dynamic stroke play and ability to captain his team effectively have made a significant impact on his batting prowess. As a right-handed batsman known for his deft handwork and expansive range of shots, Rizvi has showcased his ability to dominate the field, leaving no area unexplored. Chennai Super Kings, a five-time IPL champion, secured Rizvi’s services for a substantial sum of INR 8.4 crores, highlighting their confidence in his potential.
Rizvi’s acquisition by Chennai Super Kings signifies their recognition of his talent and their commitment to nurturing young players. Despite his age and limited experience at the professional level, Rizvi’s captaincy skills and batting prowess have impressed the team management, leading to a significant investment in securing his services. With his natural flair and ability to adapt to different situations on the field, Rizvi is poised to make a notable contribution to the Chennai Super Kings’ campaign in the upcoming IPL season. As he prepares to embark on this new chapter in his cricketing journey, all eyes will be on Rizvi to see how he fares on the grand stage of the IPL, with the hope that he can live up to the expectations placed upon him by his team and supporters alike.
7- Arshin Kulkarni (Lucknow Super Giants)
Arshin Kulkarni has emerged as a promising talent in Indian cricket, showcasing his skills as an all-rounder with medium-paced bowling at just eighteen years old. His standout performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 121 runs in five innings with an impressive strike rate of 163.51, highlighted his clean-hitting abilities honed during the Maharashtra Premier League. Kulkarni’s ability to excel in both batting and bowling makes him a valuable asset for any team, offering the versatility needed to maintain a fast tempo on the field. As a result, the Lucknow Super Giants secured his services for a basic fee of INR 20 Lakh, recognizing his potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming Indian Premier League season.
With Kulkarni’s inclusion in their squad, the Lucknow Super Giants aim to bolster their lineup with his all-around capabilities and youthful energy. As a dynamic player who leads by example on the field, Kulkarni’s talent and determination have already garnered attention in domestic cricket tournaments. His ability to perform under pressure and contribute to both batting and bowling departments make him a valuable addition to the team’s roster. As he prepares to embark on his IPL journey, Kulkarni will be eager to prove himself on the grand stage and establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in Indian cricket, setting the stage for a promising future in the sport.
Also Read: IPL 2024: Schedule and Other Details
8- Prabhsimran Singh (Punjab Kings)
Shikhar Dhawan provided a glimmer of hope to fans by showcasing the promising talent of several young players who delivered impressive performances throughout the season. Among them, 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Prabhsimran Singh stood out as one of the brightest prospects. Featuring in all 14 league matches for PBKS, Prabhsimran displayed remarkable consistency by amassing 358 runs at an impressive strike rate of 150.42, including a remarkable tally of 19 sixes.
His standout performance came against the Delhi Capitals, where he single-handedly kept his team’s playoff hopes alive with a sensational knock of 103 runs off just 65 balls. Prior to IPL 2023, Prabhsimran had struggled to make an impact, managing only 63 runs from six games across four IPL seasons. However, his stellar display in the latest edition of the tournament announced his arrival on the big stage of cricket, earning him recognition and acclaim across the cricketing world.
9- Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans)
While already a well-known figure in Tamil Nadu cricket circles, Sai Sudharsan’s name was relatively obscure before IPL 2023. His entry into the limelight occurred when Gujarat Titans secured his services during the IPL 2022 mega auction at his base price of INR 20 lakh. In that season, the left-handed batter displayed glimpses of his talent, accumulating 145 runs in five innings at a respectable strike rate of 127.
However, it was in IPL 2023 that Sai Sudharsan truly made his mark, amassing an impressive 362 runs in just eight innings at an average of 51.71 and a strike rate of 141.40, including three half-centuries. His standout performance came in the final match against CSK, where he scored 96 runs off 47 balls, marking the highest individual score by an Indian uncapped player in the tournament’s history. Hailing from Chennai, Sudharsan garnered attention for his exceptional technical prowess and his ability to dominate the game from the pivotal no.3 position.
10- Akash Madhwal (Mumbai Indians)
During IPL 2023, Mumbai Indians grappled with bowling setbacks due to injuries, which became a focal point of the season for the five-time champions. Despite facing challenges, they clinched a playoff spot, with one of the most notable highlights being the unexpected rise of Aaksh Madhwal. Stepping into the spotlight at 29 years old, the right-arm pacer showcased his talent admirably in the absence of key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament.
Hailing from Uttarakhand, Akash Madhwal gained attention for his exceptional performance when he delivered an outstanding spell of 5/5 against Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator match, marking the best economical figures in IPL history. Concluding the season with 14 wickets from eight matches at an economy rate of 8.58, Madhwal is set to assume a pivotal role as Mumbai’s primary pace bowler alongside Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming IPL season.