Despite the fact that BCCI has to organize a truncated domestic season this year- comprising of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) and the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT)- managed to produce. With many IPL as well as national players in the mix, there was some quality cricket on display. Thus, the players picked by the franchises from the domestic circuit for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 are not likely to be lagging to win their skills and mentality with the international players.
In fact, given their level as well as that of the domestic cricket in India today, a lot of uncapped players spring a surprise to emerge as key players with their performances. Here is a look at some of the prominent names from the domestic circuit who will be hoping to continue their fantastic form in the IPL as well.
#5 Shahrukh Khan (Punjab Kings)
Tamil Nadu’s power hitter Shahrukh Khan was bought for ₹5.25 crores after he impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021. Je played a crucial knock of a 19-ball 40* in the quarter-finals helped him to grab a lot of eyeballs. The Punjab Kings lacked depth in the middle order last year, which can be filled by the 25-year-old big-hitting batsman. Shahrukh has played 31 T20s in which he had scored 293 runs at a strike rate of 131.39.
#4 Sachin Baby (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Sachin Baby played some eye-catching knocks in SMAT and it helped him to fetch a spot in the RCB squad at the auction. In the VHT, too, he managed to score 198 runs in 6 innings, which included two fifties. He is also a handy off-spinner and can roll his arm over if the team requires. What works in his favor is that he has played for RCB before and knows the IPL environment, while his game, as well as temperament, has tremendously evolved since then.