In a bygone era, Afghanistan’s left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad would have undoubtedly taken home the Purple Cap for being the highest wicket-taker at the end of the Indian Premier League’s league phase. Currently, Noor retains the lead this year with 24 wickets, despite his team, Chennai Super Kings, sitting at the bottom of the table for the first time in the tournament’s history. However, if Prasidh Krishna maintains his impressive form, he could improve upon his tally of 23 wickets when Gujarat Titans face off against Mumbai Indians in the upcoming Eliminator in Mullanpur.
The Dominance of Indian Players
The IPL is largely about the Indian players, although it does feature top international talent. This season, Indian stars, both established and emerging, have made a significant impact. While players like Noor, Trent Boult, and Josh Hazlewood have stood out among the bowlers, batsmen like Mitch Marsh, Jos Buttler, and Nicholas Pooran are notable exceptions. Nonetheless, homegrown talent has taken center stage, underscoring that the future of Indian T20 cricket is in capable, youthful hands.
Rising Stars
Among the youngest is Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Samastipur in Bihar, who was relatively unknown just two months ago. Vaibhav debuted in the Ranji Trophy at just 13 and had already scored a century for India Under-19 against Australia. However, it was the IPL stage that catapulted him into the spotlight. At 14 years and 32 days, he set a record as the youngest batter to score a century in senior T20 cricket, achieving this feat in just 35 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans.
Fielding New Talent
Suryavanshi is not alone; his U19 captain Ayush Mhatre has also left a mark after being introduced to CSK. Both players are instilling a mix of awe and fear among junior teams. The Indian U19 squad is set to travel to England for several matches next month, and former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming expressed concern about the upcoming opponents facing two such promising openers during the World Cup.
Impactful Performers
Though there are younger stars, others like Priyansh Arya (24) have also shone in their first IPL season. Bought for ₹3.8 crore by Punjab Kings, Arya has scored 424 runs at a strike rate of 183.6. His opening partner, Prabhsimran Singh, has also been impressive. At least two of them will have opportunities to further enhance their numbers as Punjab Kings have advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
The Bowling Lineup
While batting has dominated discussions this season, the bowlers have also made their impression. Out of the 17 bowlers with at least 15 wickets, only five are international players. India’s bowling talent includes Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakaravarthy. Prasidh Krishna has captivated audiences with his consistent wicket-taking deliveries, while R. Sai Kishore has caught the selectors’ attention with his performances.
Opportunities Ahead
As the tournament nears its conclusion, expect remarkable performances, but it will require something extraordinary to surpass the impressive achievements already showcased. The IPL not only serves as a platform for financial gain for many players but also as an opportunity for others to elevate their careers. The anticipation for what lies ahead only adds to the excitement.
Published – May 29, 2025 11:56 pm IST
