IPL 2018: Anil Kumble reveals young Indian players to watch out for
Indian cricketing legend, Anil Kumble expects certain young Indian players to shine at the upcoming Indian Premier League. The former India coach reckons all eyes will be on the recently crowned U-19 World Cup champions and he picked out two players specifically to look out for.
"The U-19 boys will certainly be in focus, you have Prithvi Shaw, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, these guys will certainly be in focus. It will be a big opportunity for these young players to showcase their talent on a big stage," he said at the Star Sports Select Dugout event.
Kumble cited examples of two Mumbai Indian players as a benchmark for the opportunities that lie ahead if a player manages to impress at the IPL- "Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, all of them have come through the IPL and really done well. It's an opportunity for everyone," he stated.
The right-arm leg-spinner took the time out to focus on one particular batsman who he reckons could be a dark-horse.
With an average of 53.90 after 46 First-Class matches, Kumble believes it's time for Shreyas Iyer to take the next step and possibly cement his place in the national side. Iyer was retained by Delhi Daredevils at the recent auctions and will be itching to get back into form as soon as possible.
"We know that Shreyas Iyer, no matter the number of domestic matches he's played, as soon as he's had a good IPL performance, suddenly people start noticing him. Everyone in Indian domestic cricket understands that IPL is a great platform and one step closer to making it into the Indian team," he explained.
Kumble also spoke about the absence of Harbhajan Singh in the Mumbai Indian's line up this time around. Having plied his trade for Mumbai for close to a decade, the spinner will don the Chennai Super Kings' jersey this time around.
"Mumbai Indians will certainly miss the experience of Harbhajan Singh as spinner. Krunal Pandya is a really good all-rounder, but he will have to lead the spinners now. They have Rahul Chahar as a leg spinner, but again an unknown youngster," he said.