The Indian Premier League (IPL) has proved to be a breeding ground for the future cricketing stars all over the globe. Also, the IPL over a decade proved to be a platform for Indian cricketers in the fringe squad to make sumptuous statements.
Many players who often go through a rough patch in international cricket, or have been out of favour for the selectors, have made their way back into the team through impressive IPL performances.
Former Indian cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra picked five players who would suffer the most if IPL 2020 is cancelled.
Chopra first-named India’s limited-overs stalwart, Suresh Raina, who is out of reckoning in the Indian team for a while now. Raina was provided sporadic opportunities since being axed out after the South Africa ODI series in 2015.
Raina was also looking forward to the eleventh edition of the IPL to put his name in contention for the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia, later this year.
With age catching up and Raina well past his prime, his return into the Indian colours will seem distant looking at the possible cancellation of IPL 2020.
“Suresh Raina hasn’t played any T20 tournament recently on home or foreign soil, and that makes it difficult for him to script a comeback into the Indian team if IPL doesn’t take place this year,” Chopra said.
With the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, Krunal Pandya has found it difficult to retain his place in the T20 squad. Chopra believes that Krunal’s World Cup ambitions will take a hit if IPL gets cancelled.
The last season has been mostly forgetful for Rishabh Pant who has lost his place in the Indian side. According to Chopra, Pant would be itching to answer his critics with the bat in the IPL, donning his successful Delhi Capitals’ jersey.
Chopra concluded by taking the names of Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson who have been warming the benches more often than not. Chopra reckons the two would have had a point or two to prove in the forthcoming edition of IPL.
