5 Indian players who made it big on the back of their IPL performances
IPL, right from its inception, has been providing a world of opportunities to young players to show their art, and to prove their mettle before the selectors. With youngsters from humble backgrounds sharing dressing rooms with the modern greats and playing in front of full houses, IPL provides an experience no less than an international contest.
But, the internationals remain the highest bracket of active cricket and the dream for many budding cricketers. Nevertheless, IPL has proved to be a sojourn for those who dare to dream for national caps.
Here we look at five of those dreams made true by the IPL. These guys didn't just earn their caps but also went on to script a story of their own in the international arena.
Kuldeep Yadav
Yadav first gained traction during IPL 2016 when he debuted for Kolkata Knight Riders after having been a bench-warmer for them in 2015, and for Mumbai Indians in 2012 as well. Though he only played three matches in his debut-edition, he impressed one and all with his control of the ball and the ability to trick batsmen with flight.
He added six wickets to his scalp that season at a strike rate of only 12. Following his IPL exploits, he was also included in the Duleep Trophy, where he impressed just as much to get a Test call-up for the home series against the Aussies.
Last season of the IPL saw KKR using him as a wicket-taking option. He repaid their faith in him, finishing the season with a tally of 12 wickets in as many matches at a strike rate of 20.5. He finally got his ODI call-up later- in June- for the tour of West Indie where he again shone bright coming on top of the wicket-taking list along with Jason Holder.
But his high point in ODIs came two series later at the historic ground of Eden Gardens, where he took a hat-trick against the Aussies. On the back of all such performances- the most recent being his exploits in the rainbow nation- he continues to hold his place in the team without a doubt.