New Delhi: The Indian Premier League (IPL), over its 16 years, has not only captivated audiences with its cash-rich spectacle but has also served as a launching pad for countless cricketers. The league has provided a platform for young talents to exhibit their prowess, ultimately propelling them onto the international stage. From uncertain beginnings, the IPL has emerged as a cornerstone in the evolution of T20 cricket, nurturing talent and reshaping the landscape of the sport on a global scale.
Over the years, we have witnessed numerous examples of young players emerging in the IPL who later donned the Indian jersey and performed exceptionally well.
Players Who Made Their International Debut After Shining in the IPL:
Suryakumar Yadav:
Renowned for his stellar performances in T20 cricket, Suryakumar Yadav has etched his name as a prominent figure in international cricket, claiming the top spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings. The stylish right-handed batter’s journey to the pinnacle of T20 cricket began with his impactful displays for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
During the eleventh edition of the IPL in 2018, Suryakumar Yadav captured the spotlight with his sensational batting prowess. Making his debut for Mumbai, he emerged as the leading run scorer for his team, amassing 512 runs in 14 matches at an impressive strike rate of 133.33. Since then, Suryakumar has continued to shine for the five-time IPL champions, accumulating a total of 2303 runs in 78 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 142.42.
Ruturaj Gaikwad:
Ruturaj Gaikwad, now leading the Chennai Super Kings, made a notable IPL debut in 2020. Despite a decent start, Gaikwad truly announced his arrival in the following edition. The Pune-born batsman demonstrated his batting prowess by accumulating an impressive 635 runs in 16 matches at a formidable strike rate of 136.26. Gaikwad’s outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Orange Cap for being the highest run-scorer of the season.
Following his phenomenal performances in the IPL, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s talent and form couldn’t be overlooked, leading to his maiden international call-up. His stellar performance also earned him the opportunity to lead the Indian side at the Asian Games, where he led his team to clinch the gold medal.
Jasprit Bumrah:
Jasprit Bumrah, the cornerstone of India’s pace arsenal, continues to cement his status as one of the premier fast bowlers in the world. Bumrah’s talent was recognized early on when the Mumbai Indians (MI) snapped him up at the 2013 IPL auction.
Since his debut in 2016 during India’s tour of Australia, Bumrah has been a revelation, consistently troubling batsmen with his pace and precision. His impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been equally remarkable, where he remains an integral part of the MI squad.
Shreyas Iyer:
Shreyas Iyer’s meteoric rise from the Delhi Daredevils to the Indian national team has been nothing short of sensational. After being signed by the Daredevils for a hefty sum of INR 2.6 crore in the IPL 2015 auction, the Mumbai-born cricketer quickly proved his worth with his explosive batting performances.
Since then, Shreyas Iyer has only gone from strength to strength, leaving an indelible mark both in domestic and international cricket. With consistent performances in subsequent IPL seasons, Iyer’s prowess with the bat caught the attention of the Indian selectors. His impressive outings earned him a coveted spot in the national team, making his debut for the Men in Blue in November 2017.
Rinku Singh:
Rinku Singh, whose IPL journey began in 2017 with a base price tag of Rs 10 lakh, has truly emerged as a force to be reckoned with, showcasing his prowess as a finisher for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2023 season. Singh’s standout performance came in a league game against the Gujarat Titans, where he smashed five consecutive sixes off Yash Dayal’s final over, steering KKR to an improbable victory. The southpaw replicated such match-winning displays against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), solidifying his reputation as KKR’s designated finisher.
Singh’s stellar form wasn’t unnoticed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors, who rewarded his consistency with a call-up to the Indian squad in 2023 for the away T20I series against Ireland. Since his debut, Singh has been a pivotal part of the Indian team.
Hardik Pandya:
Hardik Pandya, renowned for his aggressive playing style and formidable all-round skills, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the international cricketing arena. Pandya made his international debut during India’s tour of Australia in 2015-16. His aggressive approach to the game quickly caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Notably, his journey into the limelight began with the Mumbai Indians (MI), where he showcased his talent during their triumphant 2015 IPL campaign, setting the stage for his remarkable career ahead.
Pandya embarked on a new chapter in his career by joining the newly-formed franchise Gujarat Titans (GT) in 2022. Under his leadership, the Gujarat Titans made an indelible mark in their inaugural IPL season, clinching the coveted trophy. The all-rounder has now returned to MI after a trade between both teams. Pandya now captains the MI side.
Ishan Kishan:
Ishan Kishan, the dynamic left-handed batter, continues to make waves in the cricketing world with his stellar performances. Since his induction into the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad at the 2018 IPL mega-auction, Kishan has been a consistent contributor with the bat. His significant role in MI’s fifth title victory in 2020 further solidified his position as a key player in the franchise.
Kishan made a memorable entry into international cricket during England’s tour of India in 2021. His debut in the second T20I saw him smash 56 runs, aiding India to a convincing seven-wicket victory. This marked the beginning of a promising international career for the young prodigy.
Kishan etched his name in cricketing history in December 2022 by becoming only the seventh player to achieve a double century in men’s ODI cricket, amassing an impressive 210 runs against Bangladesh in Chittagong.
Axar Patel:
Axar Patel, hailing from Anand, Gujarat, made headlines during the 2014 season of the T20 extravaganza with his stellar performances for Kings XI Punjab. The left-arm spinner proved to be a pivotal asset for his team, exhibiting remarkable control with the ball. Featuring in 17 IPL matches, Axar bagged an impressive tally of 17 wickets. Additionally, his adeptness with the bat, chipping in with crucial cameos lower down the order, further underscored his utility as an all-rounder.
His standout performances in the IPL catapulted Axar Patel into national recognition, earning him a spot in the Indian cricket team. Making his ODI debut in July 2014, Axar seamlessly transitioned to the international stage, establishing himself as a reliable performer across formats. Since then, Patel has represented the Men in Blue across all three formats.
Arshdeep Singh:
Arshdeep Singh, who made his IPL debut in 2019, truly shone through with standout performances in the 2021 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), showcasing his skill as a potent left-arm pacer. With 18 wickets in 12 games, he proved to be a key asset for the Punjab Kings, consistently troubling batters with his swing and delivering pinpoint yorkers, particularly effective at the death.
His consistent performance earned him a spot in the Indian national team. Singh made his international debut in 2022 against England. The left-arm pacer also showcased his match-winning abilities in the Indian team, claiming 62 wickets in 44 T20 matches and 10 wickets in 6 ODI matches.
