VIVO Indian Premier League has always been one of the biggest platforms for young cricketers to show off their skills. The league has been responsible for the rise of many talented Indian youngsters, who then went on to make a mark on the international stage. This season, Kings XI Punjab have an impressive arsenal when it comes to their uncapped players and there will be no stopping these young lions once they taste blood. These are the cubs.
Akshdeep Nath’s Aks effect
A young wicket-batsman who has proven his quality at the U-19 stage, Akshdeep is Nath one to be taken lightly. After consistent performances in the U-19 World Cup and the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, Akshdeep rose through the ranks to become one of the premium cricketers to come out of Uttar Pradesh. He plied his trade for Gujarat Lions last season where he performed well in the limited opportunities he got. This time he will be seen behind the wickets for KXIP and add more options to their already deep batting order.
Triple-treat Mayank Agarwal
Mayank is his name and aggression is his game. There are few who can outscore this rampaging batsman when he’s in full flow. He recently scored a triple century in a first-class match and joined the elite list of Karnataka cricketers to have achieved the feat (We have all three). He has mentioned Virender Sehwag to be his idol many times in the past and now that he has an opportunity to play under the Nawab of Najafgarh’s watchful eye there will be no stopping this young man. Saare teams ka karega bura haal, sadda gabru Mayank Agarwal.
Ankit Rajpoot, now a Punjabi
The angry young man from the state of Uttar Pradesh impressed one and all with his fiery pace and wicket-taking abilities since his initial days as a cricketer. Even India’s former pace spearhead Venkatesh Prasad rated the youngster very highly after coaching him in Uttar Pradesh’s state side. From being a ball boy in his early days to being one of the most impressive uncapped fast bowlers when he burst into the VIVO Indian Premier League scene, Rajpoot has seen it now. Now it is time for Ankit to poot the past behind him and Raj over opposition like only he knows how.
Head-spinning Mayank Dagar
You read about his classy looks. You’ve drooled over the sculpted abs. Now be ready to see his destructive left-arm spin in action. Mayank Dagar comes from a long line of sportspersons and is looking to make his mark in the sport he loves. He can turn the ball as easily as he can turn heads and can wash-rinse-and-spin the opposition out before they realise what hit them. His spin can leave the opposition sunk; you’re never safe jab attack mein hai Mayank.
Manzoor hai yeh Dar
He comes from Kashmir and hits the ball straight to the heavens when he comes in to bat. It is not for nothing that Manzoor ‘Pandav’ Dar is known in his home state as the ‘100-m six man’. He can make big contributions with both bat and ball making him one of the few genuine all-rounders currently in the game. He prefers to quietly practise his carpentry in his free time but, with his fans coming out of the wood work after his recent exploits, that has become rather difficult for the big man. He is a hard worker who constantly tries to up his game and this season, fans can expect him to give more than a 100 percent as he roars into the Sher-e-Punjab. For more on this Katar from Kashmir click HERE.
