Every IPL has seen a new star being born. This year, some old warhorses have proved themselves, while a few budding cricketers have transformed themselves from boy into a man with their performances in IPL.
Hashim Amla: He has always been regarded as a Test specialist. But the South African packs enough punch to walk into any limited-overs team. He has the strokes, power and style to score at a brisk pace. He became the second centurion in IPL 2017. He struck 104*against Mumbai Indians that came off just 60 balls with 8 fours and 6 sixes. He had the Mumbai bowling reeling under him and he never let foot off the pedal. He had reserved some special treatment for Lasith Malinga, the death-overs specialist, as the South African scored 51 runs off the total 58 runs conceded by the Sri Lankan. Unfortunately, Punjab lost the match. But Amla continued with his run-making spree, scoring 65 in a winning cause against Lions.
Nitish Rana: The hard-hitting batsman from Mumbai has been the find of the season. He was unheard of until he made everyone sit notice of his talent in this year’s IPL. Batting at No 3, he has made the most of the opportunity. He has struck three fifties in 8 innings for Mumbai Indians. His 50 against Kolkata Knight Riders came under trying circumstances when Gautam Gambhir-led team were on top of Mumbai. But Rana showed no nervousness and went on with his task of scoring runs. He was dismissed for 50, but not before giving hope of a win. The Pandya Brothers did the rest. Rana has caught the eye of all IPL fans.
Rishabh Pant: The young keeper-batsman from Delhi Daredevils has shown some character coming into the IPL. He has lost his father recently, but duty over personal loss has taken precedence for the young cricketer. And the Delhi batsman has been game for challenge. In the clash against RCB, he single-handedly took his team on the door to victory before falling at the last hurdle. His cameos with the bat in subsequent matches have been really helpful for his team. Pant has a bright future ahead.
Zaheer Khan: What to say about this veteran. At 38, he is fitter and hungry for success. He has led Delhi Daredevils with aplomb. He has marshaled his resources well. Although it has not translated into team’s success, the former Indian bowler has done well in keeping the unit together. His personal performances have been steady with 7 wickets in 6 games at less than 8 per over. He has defied age to keep performing in a highly competitive league called IPL.
Sunil Narine: He is more known for his off-spin bowling. But this season, Narine is in a different avatar of an opener for Kolkata Knight Riders. He has done well so far. Narine has scored 37 (18), 6 (9), 42 (17), 34 (17), 16 (11) in the five matches as an opener. He aggregates 137 at a strike rate of 182.66. Out of 137 runs, Narine has scored 122 runs in boundaries and sixes, 89 % of his runs have come in boundaries. Narine has done his job for KKR by providing quick starts and catching the opposition off guard.
