In recent times, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a gateway for young aspirants to make it into the Indian team. And this IPL 2020 season is no different. After the 13th season ends, India will be flying for a long series to Australia. BCCI had announced its 49-member squad for the upcoming tour which starts from November 27.
At first look, the squad boasts the same regular faces of Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan and Jasprit Bumrah. But scratch the surface a little, and we can find some new faces amongst the regulars.
Here are 5 players who broke into the Indian squad due to their IPL 2020 performance
1) Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals
Samson made his way into the T20 side for India tour of Australia. In 14 matches, the RR batsman scored 375 runs at a strike rate of 158.89. The 25-year-old had started the season with a bang, scoring back-to-back fifties. However, after a string of bad performances, he bounced back, amassing 138 runs in the final three games of the league games. He will be part of the T20 squad.
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2) T Natarajan, Sunrisers Hyderabad
He is probably the find of the season, at least in terms of bowling. Nicknamed “Nattu”, he exceptional bowling display especially the pinpoint yorkers have earned him the title of “Yorker King”. In 16 games he chipped 16 wickets at an economy of 8.02. His best figure was 2/24. Natarajan replaced the injured Varun Chakravarthy to be included in the T20 squad.
3) Manish Pandey, Sunrisers Hyderabad
I am back! Mayank Agarwal would certainly have shouted this famous Terminator dialogue after he was included in the limited-overs squad. The 31-year-old had a time of his career this season scoring 435 runs in 16 games with an average and strike rate of 32.69 and 127.62.
4) Navdeep Saini, Royal Challengers Bangalore
Saini might not be the highest-wicket takers for his team or IPL in general, but he was an important piece in RCB’s jigsaw puzzle. With 6 wickets in 13 games, Saini was RCB’s spearhead in the power play. What he lacked in speed, he covered up with his shrewd tactical bowling and swingers. He is part of the Indian squad for all three formats.
5) Mayank Agarwal, Kings XI Punjab
If there was anyone after KL Rahul in Kings XI Punjab, who showed his mettle with the willow, it was Mayank Agarwal. In 11 matches, he scored 424 runs at a strike rate of 156.45. Thanks to his performance, he is part of the Indian squad for all three formats.