Best uncapped XI of IPL 2015
Over the 8 seasons of the Indian Premier League, a number of young Indian players have been unearthed and given a chance to shine on the global stage. Playing in front of big crowds alongside international superstars, these players get tremendous exposure and become well-equipped to handle the challenges of the highest level provided they make the cut.
This season, too, there was no shortage of young Indian talent on display. While a few had already played in the IPL before, there were also a few who were playing for the first time but managed to grasp what is essentially a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Here’s the best uncapped XI of IPL 2015:
(Note – Since a few of the players’ numbers weren’t as consistent as one would like, their overall ability has also been taken into account)
Shreyas Iyer
Delhi Daredevils’ Shreyas Iyer came into this IPL with a growing reputation of being one of the most talented young Indian batsmen going around, and the 20-year-old certainly justified that tag as he finished on top of DD’s run-scoring charts with 439 runs from 14 matches at an average just a shade under 35.
In a side that was desperately looking for contributions from their Indian batsmen, Iyer, most definitely, stepped up to the plate and gave enough of a glimpse of his enormous ability. His run at the IPL can’t be considered a flash in the pan either, having racked up 809 runs at an average of 50.56 during the last Ranji Trophy season for Mumbai.
Mandeep Singh
With the acquisition of Mandeep Singh prior to the start of IPL 2015, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) knew that they were getting a player with enormous ability. While he would have perhaps liked to make substantial contributions on a more consistent basis, he came to the fore on a couple of important occasions and played more than a helping hand in RCB reaching the playoffs for the first time in 4 years.
One such occasion was the eliminator against Rajasthan Royals, when he came in with RCB reeling at 46/2 and combined with AB de Villiers for a brilliant 113-run partnership to eventually see them through.
Unable to fulfill his potential with his previous side, Kings XI Punjab, he can hopefully make amends for that and push for higher honours in the years to come.
Sanju Samson
For a while now, Sanju Samson has been considered to be at the forefront of a wave of young Indian batting talent coming through. With that being the case, the fact that Samson’s 204 runs this season came at an average hovering around 20 is a tad disappointing. However, on a more encouraging note, his glove work was quite tidy right through the season, showing that he could be a contender for the wicketkeeping role once MS Dhoni calls it quits for the national side.
As far as his batting is concerned, his innings of 76 from 46 balls against Mumbai Indians showed what he is capable of when at his best. It is now up to him to make sure that he delivers on a more consistent basis next season.