The New Indian talents, putting the 'I' factor to IPL

This is the reason why so many players look at IPL as a springboard to be launched into the international cricketing world.

In fact, in the latest auctions for this season, we saw that franchisees were willing to play less with overseas players, not only because of injuries or availability issues but by being tactical on occasion and grabbing their chances on domestic faces. This step has added the 'I' (Indian) factor to the IPL. If domestic talent grabs their chances, it will put pressure on overseas talent to perform consistently to find game time.

Only 11 days since the 15th edition has begun, we already have a list of new talents emerging for India. The new talent has been so impressive with the debut performances that commentators, coaches and fellow international players can't stop raising heaps of praise for the players. Some names like Ayush Badoni, Tilak Varma, Vaibhav Arora, Jitesh Sharma, Lalit Yadav and Abhinav Manohar have all started very well. 

With all the expectations that these new players have set, let's see a few players who have shined on to add 'I' factor in the absence of overseas players.  

Akash Deep

Akash Deep debuted in IPL 2022 for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Punjab Kings after being picked up in mega-auctions for his base price of INR 20 lakhs. As a net bowler, he became a part of the same franchise in the second half of IPL 2021. He capitalized on that opportunity to have an idea about IPL's dynamics and today is the day when from nets, he has conquered to scalp four wickets in 3 matches of IPL. Hopefully, he will keep performing similarly and move forward and onward to play for India.   

Ayush Badoni

The 22-year-old player of Lucknow Super Giants, bought for a base price of INR 20 lakhs, has taken the cricket fraternity to shock since his debut performance against Gujarat Titans. The young fellow, though, ended on the losing side but smashed 54 off 41 to help his team get to a respectable total. Apart from this, in his second match against Chennai Super Kings, he went to play a nerve-wracking knock of 19 runs to seal the match in a win for his team. He emerged as the potential future cricketing star for his franchise and India. His shots until now have given reminiscence of Mr. 360, AB de Villiers, and hopefully, he will continue to perform up to the expectations of his team and captain.

Tilak Varma

From earthing talents like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, here comes the new find of Mumbai Indians in the form of Tilak Varma. The franchise bagged him after getting into a bidding war with SRH and CSK for INR 1.70 crore. He has scored 83 runs in 2 matches played so far. Though the franchise hasn't been able to win a match yet, the young player looks promising for the future. After failing to deliver in the U19 squad for India, the player looks to have found his form back from the IPL.  

Vaibhav Arora

The 24-year-old debutant for Punjab Kings caught the limelight in the match against Chennai Super Kings. He successfully dismissed CSK's opener Robin Uthappa in his first over and Moeen Ali in the next over. The player was first picked by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2021 for INR 20 lakhs but debuted this year when Punjab Kings picked him for INR 2 crore. To no doubt, he was very impressive in his first match, carrying an economy of 5.25 and 2 big wickets for his team and will continue to do so for his team.  

Raj Bawa

The U19 star cricketer who came to notice through his U19 World Cup performance made big in IPL 2022. The youngster bagged INR 2 crore bid from Punjab Kings in mega-auctions. Coming with the baggage of expectation from his U19 performance, the young fellow did not have a very impactful start in IPL. He has just 11 runs scored in the two matches played so far. Hopefully, he will be able to find his form and showcase his capabilities well among the international stars.