IPL 2019: 5 Newcomers who can set the league on fire
The 12th edition of the IPL is set to get an early start this year owing to the ICC Cricket World Cup which is scheduled to begin on May 30. The IPL will begin on March 23rd and the cricketing boards of Australia, South Africa and England have announced that their players will return back home before May 1, meaning that they won't be present for the business end of the tournament.
This year's edition will be even more low-key with big stars like Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Finch opting out. There is a glimmer of hope though as there are a few promising overseas prospects who are set to make their IPL debut this season.
Though not all of them will be present for the entire tournament, they would offer something new and exciting for all the viewers. Let's take a look at the 5 newcomers who can shine this season.
Honorable Mentions: Shivam Dubey, Varun Chakravarthy
#5 Oshane Thomas (Rajasthan Royals)
Oshane Thomas was bought by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.1 crore at the IPL player auction 2019 and for the amount of promise he has shown, that is a real bargain. Though Thomas isn't guaranteed of starting all the games, with Jofra Archer being the main overseas pacer, he can certainly make an impact if provided enough chances.
There are a few fears that he is too erratic and that his economy rate is very high, but the IPL is the best platform for him to hone his skills. He has been backed by the West Indies Cricket Board and he is maturing.
Thomas is a real strike bowler and makes his presence felt whether he takes a wicket or not. Considering the fact that his name-earning exploits were on Indian soil, it seems he has what it takes to set the league on fire.