The Indian Premier League (IPL) is considered the toughest T20 tournament globally. The 20-over competition is an exclusive destination where the world’s most admirable cricketers play under one roof. Further, IPL has always been a major platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent as they share the change room with the best in the business and get trained by top-quality coaches.
The cash-rich league has also emerged as the most expensive tournament in the history of cricket, with many cricketers bagging multi-million-dollar deals. Over the years, IPL has given top Indian players such as Ravichandran Ashwin, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shubman Gill. Now, as the 16th edition is just around the corner, a panel discussion was organised by Jio Cinema, which featured the likes of Chris Gayle, Anil Kumble, Parthiv Patel, Robin Uthappa, Scott Styris, and Aakash Chopra, where the former players gave their opinion regarding who can be the emerging star of IPL 2023.
Kumble, the former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper, reckoned that Arshdeep Singh and Ishan Kishan have all the potential to become the next superstars in Indian cricket.
“Having worked closely with someone like Arshdeep Singh, it’s wonderful to see him grow into what he has done for India. I would love to see Arshdeep as the next superstar bowler coming through, and from the batting perspective, Ishan Kishan is wonderful with the opportunities he has got, so he is someone whom I think can be a superstar,” said Kumble.
Notably, Arshdeep has proven his skills in both IPL and India. During the 2022 T20 World Cup, the left-armer took 10 wickets in six matches and finished as India’s highest wicket-taker.
Like Kumble, former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv also listed out his choice. The Gujarati cricketer went with fast bowling sensation Umran Malik and Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Verma as the next big thing.
“Umran Malik. Someone who is quick and bowling well, and he has already played for India, but yeah, I think he can be a superstar. Batting wise, having seen Tilak Verma in a couple of years. I had the opportunity to scout and back him and a kind of a cricketer he has become. He also has an ability to lead a side, so I think he can be a future leader,” said Parthiv.
Speaking about the lucrative league, the 16th season will begin from March 31, with defending champions Gujarat Titans taking on Chennai Super Kings in the tournament opener.
