IPL Youngsters, Should They Be Considered?

There have been some big surprises from some unknown youngsters so far in the IPL but whether these youngsters should be considered to play for their international teams is open to debate. The question remains whether the performances from some of these youngsters in the IPL is proof they will be good enough to survive in the international arena.

Indian stalwart and Delhi Daredevils captain Virender Sehwag believes they should: “IPL performances should matter. Everyone is watching it,” he said. “I think the selectors should take IPL performances into account when they select the Indian squad.”

Some of the notable performances have been from youngsters such as Sohail Tanvir and Shane Watson who have already played for their prospective nations Pakistan and Australia so for these guys it is about proving they are good enough and should be considered in the future. So for these guys the IPL has provided a platform for them without the pressures to perform that are put upon them in international cricket. Incidentally, Tanvir tops the IPL wicket taking list with 21 wickets for leaders Rajasthan Royals.

Shaun Marsh is one who was almost unknown to those outside Australia before the IPL but his batting performances for Kings Xl Punjab must have opened not only cricket fans eyes but the Australian selectors, scoring 478 runs in just 9 IPL innings.

We are open to opinion and encourage your comments. Let us know what you think below.

 

Young Stars: Marsh & Tanvir

 

 

Aussie Batting v Indian Bowling

So far the IPL has proved successful. Looking over the figures for batting and bowling it seems the Aussies have been entertaining in terms of batting, whilst the Indians including the home grown, less know players have been the better bowlers. Not one player however, has managed to overtake Brendon McCullum’s 158 not out, scored in the opening game. In fact runs have come at a premium in May, with Jayasuriya’s century against Chennai the only notable innings as sides struggle to hit 200+ totals

IPL BATTING

The Australians are proving to be a force in the IPL. Five Australians are in the top ten for percentage of runs scored from boundaries and sixes including Adam Gilchrist who has scored nearly 78% of his runs in this manner.

In the batting averages, Shaun Marsh averages nearly 99 (IPL highest), Simon Katich 96, Mike Hussey 84, Andrew Symonds nearly 81 whilst Matthew Hayden is on 71. Adam Gilchrist is the highest total scorer of the Aussies on 322 but 103 less than leading IPL run scorer Gautam Gambhir. However, 3 Australians are in the top five of the highest score totals – Symonds (117*), M. Hussey (116*) and Gilchrist (109*) all unbeaten.

 

IPL BOWLING

In the bowling meanwhile, the Indians have been generally the better bowlers with Irfan Pathan, Sreesanth and Zaheer Khan all taking 13 wickets apiece (the highest in the IPL). Amit Mishra of the Delhi Daredevils has the most notable average at 8.14 from 10 overs including 7 wickets. Whilst Glenn McGraths economy rate of 6.17 is unbelievable from his 40 overs. This shows the importance of line and length over pace!

Rajasthan’s Sohail Tanvir’s 6 for 14 runs against Chennai is the best bowling performance whilst RP Singhs 59 runs from 4 overs against Kolkata is the worst for runs conceded.