IPL 2021: The IPL's second round is just over a week away, and it will be the greatest test of players' talents, temperament, and fortitude yet. It's an extravaganza that players want to be a part of, but at its heart, it's a tournament that provides up-and-comers with an opportunity to rise to greater heights.
The IPL's tagline is 'Where Talent Meets Opportunity,' and the tournament has been a godsend for domestic players in India over the years since their exploits here typically garner them the attention they deserve. As the cricketing world prepares to be engulfed by the second phase, many players will be eager to make their mark.
Avesh Khan (Delhi Capitals)
In the first part of the IPL, the 24-year-old was one of the outstanding players. He beat off Ishant Sharma to join the Delhi Capitals and was as brilliant with the new ball in the match's closing overs. Avesh finished the phase as the second-highest wicket-keeper, with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.70. As a result of his strong domestic season, he was named as a standby call for India's upcoming tour of England.
Harshal Patel (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
When the second phase of the IPL begins in 2021, the 30-year-old will be the leading wicket-taker. With an economy rate of 9.17 and top statistics of 5/27, he took 17 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 9.17. On sluggish surfaces, his slower deliveries and variations were superb, and he was incredibly tough to hit in the opening few games. His bowling performance in live T20 matches, particularly on slow surfaces in Chennai, was crucial to RCB's strong start to the season.
Shahrukh Khan (Punjab Kings)
The big-hitting Chennai batsman entered the IPL with a lot of buzz and anticipation. He began his career with Punjab Kings in a strong fashion, but he was inconsistent. He will enter the IPL in good form, having scored 210 runs in eight matches for Lyca Kovai Kings in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) with an average of 52.50 and a strike rate of 177.96.