The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) has seen several young talents making their mark already. Despite not being in the limelight, these young players are doing quite well for their respective teams and can be termed as a ‘Dark Horse’. A dark horse is a player or competitor about whom little is known but who he/she unexpectedly performs well. On that note, let us take a look 5 probable IPL dark horses in the ongoing edition.
| Player | Team |
| Philip Salt | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Gujarat Titans |
| Abishek Porel | Delhi Capitals |
| Mayank Yadav | Lucknow Super Giants |
| Yash Dayal | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
IPL dark horses
Philip Salt (KKR)
Kolkata Knight Riders opener, Philip Salt has been in good form in the ongoing IPL 2024. Salt was named as a replacement for Jason Roy in the KKR camp. However, his inclusion in the playing XI has paid dividends to the Men in Purple and Gold so far.
Azmatullah Omarzai (GT)
The Afghanistan all-rounder was one of the biggest prospects coming out of the 2023 ODI World Cup. In IPL 2024 auction, he was picked at his base price of INR 50 lakhs. GT side has been using Omarzai as their new ball bowler and pacer has not disappointed so far. Apart with the ball, Omarzai is more than handy with the bat and can play big shots when required.
Abishek Porel (DC)
The young batter from Delhi Capitals, Abishek Porel played a blistering cameo in the recently completed PBKS vs DC match. Coming out to bat as an impact player, Porel played at a strike-rate of 192.31. So far, he has played three matches in the ongoing edition so far.
Mayank Yadav (LSG)
Mayank Yadav became an overnight sensation after clocking the fastest delivery (155.8 KMPH) bowled in IPL 2024. Mayank Yadav made a name for himself with his performances in the CK Nayudu Trophy (U23) last year, taking 15 wickets in the 6 matches of the tournament. Yadav has also represented Delhi in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy where he has been a consistent performer for his side.
Yash Dayal (RCB)
Last but not the least, Yash Dayal has been a proven performer in the domestic arena but has failed to repeat his antics in IPL. Yash Dayal’s name came to the limelight after he bowled that infamous last over against Rinku Singh in IPL 2023. Known for his ability to swing the ball, Dayal also has a very deceptive slower delivery in his arsenal.
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