D’Arcy Short (Rajasthan Royals): The leading run-scorer, 504 in 10 games, in this year’s Big Bash League (BBL) is set to make his debut for Rajasthan Royals. The southpaw was picked for ₹4 crore. His strike-rate and consistency has been the key to Hobart Hurricanes’ run to the finals of the BBL this season. Though the conditions will be totally different in India, but the Aussies are known to adjust to formats. They’ve always impressed in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Mujeeb Zadran (Kings XI Punjab): The Afghanistan cricketer could be the new mystery spinner in the IPL ranks after the likes of Ajantha Mendis and Sunil Narine. Last year, at 16, he became the youngest player to clinch an ODI five-for, against Zimbabwe in Sharjah. Kings XI Punjab picked him for ₹4 crore this season. Fresh from the World Cup qualifier glory, Zadran is set to unleash new tricks off his sleeve.
Sandeep Lamichhane (Delhi Daredevils): The leggie from Nepal is the first cricketer from Nepal to sign for an IPL team. Daredevils paid ₹20 lakh to acquire his services. Lamichhane had turned heads at the U-19 World Cup in 2016 where he took a hat-trick against Ireland. While playing in the Hong Kong T20 Blitz, he caught the eye of former Australia skipper Michael Clarke, who invited him to train under him and play grade cricket in Sydney.
Aryaman Birla (Rajasthan Royals): The 20-year-old batsman from Madhya Pradesh, who hails from the illustrious industrialist family of the Birlas, looks at the IPL as a ‘big platform’ to showcase his talent. Last year, Aryaman scored a double century (238) against Chhattisharh in a C.K. Nayudu Trophy match which opened his doors to the MP Ranji Trophy side. Despite luxuries and deep pockets, life has not been a bed of roses for the young gun, who had to move to a Madhya Pradesh small town, Rewa, to revive his career, for lack of opportunities in Mumbai. He went to Royals for ₹30 lakh.
Prithvi Shaw (Delhi Daredevils): He has clearly been the star among the younger crop. The skipper of the 2018 U-19 World Cup team will join the IPL bandwagon with heaps of domestic cricket experience too. The 18-year-old already has five hundreds under his belt at the first-class level and IPL could just be the stepping stone. The stylish right-hander, picked for ₹1.20 crore, is likely to open the innings for the Daredevils.
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