IPL 2024: Newcomers to Watch!

The IPL is back! Get ready for sixes soaring over long-on boundaries, unbelievable catches that defy gravity. But this year, there’s an extra layer of excitement. A whole bunch of brand-new players are ready to make their IPL debut! These rookies are young, hungry, and brimming with talent. They could be the ones to take the tournament by storm. Here’s a peek at a few rookies who might have a big impact:

 

Rachin Ravindra (Chennai Super Kings)

This young New Zealander can bat well and even bowl a bit of spin. Bought for INR 1.8 crore (USD 217,000 approx.) in December last year by CSK, the absence of Devon Conway has opened up a spot for him. He might open alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad and surprise everyone as a skillfull disruptor.

 

Sameer Rizvi (Chennai Super Kings)

This 20-year-old Indian is a six-hitting machine, especially against spin bowlers. His ability to dominate the spinners has worked as proof for the INR 8.40 crore budding by the CSK. His unbeaten 75 off 46 balls against a strong Tamil Nadu spin is a testament to his ability to single-handedly change the course of the game.  Dubbed as the right-handed Suresh Raina, he might take the place of Ambati Rayudu or Ajinkya Rahane.

 

Gerald Coetzee (Mumbai Indians)

Remember the World Cup? With 20 wickets in eight games at a strike rate of 19.05, this South African quick bowler was on fire! He’s fast, has cool tricks up his sleeve, and can even hit the ball hard.  Coetzee could be among Mumbai’s first-choice overseas players along with Tim David this season.

 

Nuwan Thushara (Mumbai Indians)

Another fast bowler, this time from Sri Lanka. He bowls with a unique slingy action and might remind fans of the legendary Lasith Malinga. Looking at his performances in the LPL and PSL, there’s a great chance that this pacer could be a game-changer for the Mumbai Indians. By taking a hat-trick on his way to a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in Sylhet on the international level, Thushara has already made a statement for himself.

 

Azmatullah Omarzai (Gujarat Titans)

Think of him as Afghanistan’s own Hardik Pandya! This all-rounder can both bat well and swing the new ball, just like Hardik. Impressing Sachin Tendulkar with his wrist position and swing bowling during the ODI World Cup, Omarzai’s performance so far has been a banger, one of which is his 149 not out in an ODI against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.

 

Spencer Johnson (Gujarat Titans)

This giant Australian fast bowler is known for making the ball bounce unpredictably. His performances in some of the T20 Leagues like the Hundred, MLC, and the BBL showcases his amazing talent. With an IPL deal worth INR 10 crore (USD 1,205,000 approx.) with Titans, and considering the injury to Mohammed Shami, he could be the perfect overseas option in the team.

 

Kumar Kushagra (Delhi Capitals)

This young wicketkeeper-batsman from Jharkhand is a hard hitter. Bought for INR 7.20 crore (USD 867,500 approx) by Delhi Capitals, 19-year-old Kushagra could slot in as the keeper if Rishabh Pant focuses on batting initially. His amazing stint in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy where he scored 67 runs off 37 balls displays his potential that needs to be polished and IPL could be that platform.

 

These are just a few of the exciting new players to watch out for in IPL 2024! Get ready for some surprises!