Emerging Player Award in IPL is a very exciting award. Indian Premier League is built on the motto of ‘where opportunity meets platform’, and if youngsters get into the mix, IPL becomes more than just a cricket competition. In this article, we will focus on this award and predict the likely winners of the same in the forthcoming campaign.
Emerging Player Award in IPL
After a player fulfils certain criteria, which are related to his age, international and IPL experience, he becomes eligible to win the award. In the past, we have seen the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill bag the honour. Here, we talk about five players who could win the Emerging Player Award in IPL 2021.
5. Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh Khan is a power-hitter who is known for his brute force with the bat. He is also a decent bowler. In the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he came out successful with a few important cameos for Tamil Nadu. The player was at the centre of a bidding war at the IPL 2021 Auctions and it was Punjab Kings who purchased him. The franchise could actually utilize him in every game. There is a phenomenal amount of talent in the cricketer, and if he can pull off a few match-winning knocks, the award could go to him.
4. Ravi Bishnoi
Ravi Bishnoi was exceptional in IPL 2020. Despite playing in only his first campaign, the leggie impressed with his maturity and variations. Although he picked a few wickets last season, he sometimes lost momentum by leaking runs. Considering he would have worked on the same after last season, Bishnoi will arrive as a better cricketer in 2021. He is likely to lead the spin-attack of the unit, and if that happens, there could be ample chances for him to bag this prize.
3. Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad was brilliant at the back end of IPL 2020. He literally pulled CSK out of the eighth position with his performances. Such was his impact that many CSK fans saw the franchise’s future in him. If the Maharashtra cricketer can keep his head down and repeat the show in the upcoming campaign, he could easily win the Emerging Player Award in IPL 2021. That said, if he fails to make use of chances, there is plenty of competition and the trophy will get farther.
2. Abhishek Sharma
Opening the batting for Punjab in SMAT, Abhishek Sharma struck plenty of runs and was one of the best players in the competition. Not only that, but the youngster was also good at times with his off-spin. Sunrisers Hyderabad might actually make use of him alongside David Warner at the top. This way, the balance of the XI would improve as there would be an extra bowling option in the top-order. Abhishek, if he does well, can impress in both departments and win the award.
1. Kartik Tyagi – The Likely Recipient of Emerging Player Award in IPL 2021
Our pick to win the Emerging Player Award in 2021 is definitely Kartik Tyagi. In the very few games that he played last season, the rookie showed plenty of promise. Since then, he has also attained some experience by being with the Indian Team as a net bowler. At Rajasthan, he is likely to be preferred ahead of Jaydev Unadkat in the XI. With so many opportunities coming his way, if he can manage to bring out his potential, this award is there for the taking.
