Delhi Daredevils have been knocked out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 season, but in another overwhelming season, they will feel hearted with the progress of three of their youngsters. That’s something for them to build upon and lay their foundation on in years to come. DD’s young Indian batting trio are, certainly, stars for the future.
The likes of skipper Shreyas Iyer, wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant and teenage sensation Prithvi Shaw look like a pack full of energy and talent. The manner in which they have handled themselves in IPL 2018 shows the confidence and maturity they have built along the way. And what is telling is that all of them are so young in their respective age and careers.
With the BCCI monitoring the workload of several players in IPL 2018, the trio are a crucial part of that program. This shows that there is a plan to monitor the growth of them and make sure that they are not burdened with the workload to ensure they remain fit for a national call-up.
The trio have impacted IPL 2018 in a very positive manner promising an exciting times ahead in the cash-rich league besides laying a strong future for India. Here is a look at the three youngsters and what’s in store for them in both IPL and India colours.
Rishabh Pant, a gem of a player
His statistics may say a lot in this edition when it has come to runs and the manner in which he has got them. But there is a lot in that especially in his application and understanding the situation. The Delhi youngster is already making noises about being the future Indian keeper in all formats and replace MS Dhoni and Wriddhiman Saha.
If one noticed the innings he played against Sunrisers Hyderabad there were all elements a batsman could have in his bag. The range of shots, the aggression and the tempo, all somewhat came together as he smashed a record-breaking century. On a day when a batting masterclass was witnessed at the Feroz Shah Kotla, Risabh Pant went on to score the highest ever knock in the IPL.
The youngest to do so, the 20-year-old’s 128* was a great show one can ever witness. One feels there is something very wonderful and special about Pant. The manner in which he twirled his cricket bat around like it was a table-tennis racquet, showed the class and innovative T20 thinking.
Pant has 523 runs in IPL 2018 and is the Orange Cap holder. Three fifties and a ton glorifies his achievements.
Prithvi Shaw: A young buzzing talent
The question that many are discussing, Is Prithvi Shaw the next big thing in Indian cricket? The Under-19 World Cup winning captain gives DD the base needed atop and his aggression has been a successful ploy. 214 runs from six matches has helped Prithwi Shaw gain attention and that too in a very bright way.
Two fifties to his name in IPL 2018 with a strike-rate of 163.35, the 18-year-old is playing fearless cricket. The opener has impressed one and all with his stroke-play and his range of shots attract every one’s attention. He has the desired clarity in his head and goes after what’s in his direction. His prowess to hit through the line is a special gift.
The player, who was bought for Rs 1.2 crore by DD, made his first-class debut in the 2017 Ranji Trophy against Tamil Nadu and has never looked back. In 10 first-class matches, he has already hit five hundreds and four fifties at an average of 56.22.
Earlier against SRH in Hyderabad, Shaw scored a 36-ball 65 and led the proceedings against bowlers. He showed that reading the length early is a key attribute he carries. Sandeep Sharma’s good length ball was spanked for a six over mid-on with a lofted drive. His inside-out lofted drive off Shakib Al Hasan showed that even difficult shots are there in his kitty.
Shreyas Iyer brings top qualities
DD made him the skipper for a reason after Gautam Gambhir stepped down. Iyer has been a phenomenal player and his hardworking has paid dividends off late. He has been in the Indian squad for quite some time and that has helped him gain significant prowess as a batsman.
The 23-year-old has been selected for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England in July as he kept his place intact. Shreyas is one of the players for DD that is captain material for years to come. Yes, he will be learning the trades with time and that bodes well for the franchise.
354 runs in 11 games and four fifties in his name, the player has shown his capabilities to lead the line. A special season indeed individually for the Mumbaikar.
What about their India hopes?
BCCI need to nurture the trio in the very best way possible. What the board has done well is to make sure they have limited workload in the training sessions in IPL 2018. In the three groups BCCI has created, the players fall in each of the different categories in which 23 players have been selected.
Shaw could go on to become the future captain of India and step in the place that Virat Kohli achieved in his glittering career. What depends is how he makes use of the domestic season count from here on.
Pant could be India’s number one player with the caliber he is showing. He has already played in the Nidahas Trophy in March and is being groomed well to stay in line. For Iyer, the chances are to make use of the time he gets while representing India. He needs to be patient and keep going ahead.