3 IPL stars who are yet to play for India

Even since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, it has been a stepping stone for many youngsters to move up to the international stage. Before the domestic T20 league came into being, players were solely dependent on local tournaments to prove their worth. However, the IPL has given the cricketers a major platform to catapult themselves into the limelight.

Over the last decade, a number of Indian players have made their way into the national team using the IPL as a launch pad. And they have tasted success on the international stage too; Ravichandran Ashwin (then playing for Chennai Super Kings) and Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya (from Mumbai Indians) are among the more prominent names.

In recent seasons, a few more Indians have been highly impressive in the IPL, but are yet to get an India call-up. In this feature, we take a look at three such names.

Also see - Ranji Trophy schedule

#3 Shreyas Gopal

A promising leg-spinner from Karnataka, Shreyas Gopal has risen in status playing for Rajasthan Royals. He was the fourth highest wicket-taker in the 2019 season, with 20 wickets from 14 games.

Even as RR floundered, Gopal stood out with his guile and googlies. The fact that he bamboozled both Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in the matches against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) stands testimony to his talent; he registered a hat-trick against the same team.

With the bat, Gopal's 13 off seven balls aided Royals in a close chase against Mumbai Indians.

Before making a name in the IPL, Gopal picked up 22 wickets at an average of 18.22 in his debut Ranji Trophy season, playing a key role in Karnataka’s title triumph. He recently claimed 5 for 19 in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Services.

Another good IPL season could put him in contention for a place in the World T20 to be held in Australia next year.