IPL 2019: 5 foreigner debutants to watch out for
If you are an ardent fan of the T20 format, and expect fast-paced games, innovation, nail-biting finishes and close contests between bat and ball, then it can be safely assumed that the Indian Premier League hasn't failed you for 11 seasons so far.
Just over a month is left for 23 March 23 2019 to arrive - the day on which IPL 2019 kicks off. The IPL has always been a platform where both Indian and foreign players - both uncapped and high-profile names, have competed against each other and elevated their games.
Every year, talented foreign cricketers carrying high-name value as well as relatively unknown ones join the IPL auction to earn a lucrative contract.
Last year, pacer Jofra Archer debuted in IPL and left everyone impressed with his bowling capabilities. Nepali cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane and Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rehman also made their respective IPL debuts last season and delivered exquisitely whenever they donned their respective team's jerseys. Sam Billings and Lungi Ngidi rose to the occasion as well.
The IPL 2019 auctions led to the acquisition of some exceptional non-Indian cricketers as well as some uncapped non-Indian players. These new entrants have received big pay-cheques for their services, and it will be interesting to see how they repay their respective franchises' investments.
Let us take a look at top 5 foreign cricketers making their debut in IPL 2019.
#1 Shimron Hetmyer (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
The explosive Windies batsman was already an obvious choice for the T20 competition given the skills he possesses with the blade. But when the fearless youngster wreaked havoc against India in the ODI series a month prior to the date of auction, he grabbed the attention of every franchise - especially the RCB management, who went on to hire him for a whopping sum of Rs. 4.2 crore.
Shimron Hetmyer's addition to the RCB camp could prove to be a boon for the management, who have revamped the dugout this season. Hetmyer can strike big when batting at No. 4 or No. 5, and has the ability to take the game away from the opposition single-handedly.