3 Associate Member players who deserve to be in the IPL
IPL has carved a niche for itself as being a platform that unifies international and local players. Apart from drawing big names from top-ranked cricket playing countries, the league has also seen players from associate nations represent various franchises.
In addition to providing an opportunity for the associate members to exhibit their talents, IPL has also aided in their growth and has, in turn, helped enhance their skills. By rubbing shoulders with many top-ranked players of the world, the associate members have been able to learn some tricks of the trade.
Playing in front of thousands of spectators has encouraged them to give their best on the field. Additionally, IPL has helped the players to experience pressure situations and has also taught them how to come out trumps.
Over the years, several prominent associate members have made a mark for themselves and for their countries. Ryan Ten Doeschate from The Netherlands (KKR), Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman from Afghanistan (SRH and KXIP) and Sandeep Lamichhane from Nepal (DC) have played significant roles in the success of their respective franchises.
While Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeed Ur Rahman and Sandeep Lamichhane are a part of the current IPL as well, Ryan Ten Doeschate played for KKR from 2011 to 2015. Although Chirag Suri (UAE) got drafted into the Gujarat Lions squad, he did not get an opportunity to feature in the playing XI.
On the other hand, several talents from associate countries who are yet to be a part of the cash-rich league, have the potential to turn games on their heads. If provided an opportunity, these players can not only churn out match-winning performances, but can also develop the quality of their games and earn international recognition.
Here’s a look at three highly skilled players who ought to land an IPL contract.
#1 Calum MacLeod
Scotland’s top-order batsman Calum MacLeod made heads turn when he smashed a match winning 140 not out off just 94 balls against England in a recent ODI. He has replicated his ODI success in the T20 formats as well.
From the 36 innings that he has played in, he has scored 719 runs at an impressive strike rate of 108.12. Also, MacLeod has a terrific domestic T20 record having scored 2513 runs in 99 innings, hitting 251 fours and 58 sixes.
MacLeod's stellar 157 in the World Cup Qualifiers against Afghanistan, a team that boasts of top spinners like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, earned him a Derbyshire contract for the T20 blast.
He also landed a contract with the Paktia Panthers of Afghanistan Premier League. His prolific run also saw him win the esteemed “ICC Associate Cricketer of the year” award in 2018. It is, hence, no surprise that, given an opportunity, MacLeod can make a mark in the IPL too.
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