IPL 2020 UAE: Uncapped Player to Watch-out for in Each Team

Suryakumar Yadav and Nitish Rana amongst the high-profile uncapped players to watch out for in IPL 2020. 

Uncapped Players are an essential component for any IPL franchise. Not only do they fill the gaps for various positions in the team, but they also act as important backups to cover up for their main players. On certain occasions, franchises also use them as a ‘surprise’ element during a game.

Every year, teams spend hefty amounts on some of the potential superstars to acquire their services as a long term strategy. The IPL 2020 was no different as we saw many uncapped players getting more than 10-20 times their base salary.

Given the investments by the teams in the auction, the IPL 2020 is going to witness a pool of talented uncapped players; many of whom are already knocking the doors of the national team, while some are creating havoc in their teenage days in domestic competitions.

On that note, as we head into IPL 2020 UAE, here is a look at one uncapped player to watch out for in each franchise.

CSK || Ruturaj Gaikwad (Opening Batsman)

Alternative: R Sai Kishore

CSK are seemingly the only team in the competition that can finish the upcoming season without fielding an uncapped player. Their roster is filled with experienced professionals, all of whom have donned their respective national colours. Hence, any uncapped player will find it hard to stay long in the playing XI.

However, considering their openers’ struggle in IPL 2019, CSK could still try out Ruturaj Gaikwad in IPL 2020 for Suresh Raina. Ruturaj was the second-highest scorer in the 2019 edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 419 runs from 11 innings. The Maharastra batsman is technically proficient, and his fresh energy and aggressive approach could be a boon for CSK. 

DC || Harshal Patel (Bowling All-rounder)

Alternative: Avesh Khan

Just like the CSK, even Delhi Capitals could do without including an uncapped player in their line-up for IPL 2020. However, UAE’s pitches and Harshal Patel’s form, DC might be tempted to throw him into the mix for a few games. Harshal has evolved himself as a cricketer in the past couple of seasons. He has rectified his bowling issues, apart from fine-tuning his big-hitting skills. Along with this, the former RCB man has also added leadership skills to his resume. Hence, he could be the domestic seam-bowling all-rounder that DC badly need next season.

KXIP || Krishnappa Gowtham (Batting All-rounder)

Alternative: Ishan Porel 

Having spent two editions with the Rajasthan Royals, Krishnappa Gowtham will turn up for Kings XI Punjab next season. Gowtham will look to continue his great form in domestic cricket to IPL. While his batting in the lower-order can change games, Gowtham can set the tone for his team with his off-spinners in the power play.

KKR || Nitish Rana (Batting All-rounder)

Alternative: Prasidh Krishna 

More than the capped Shubman Gill and Dinesh Karthik, Nitish Rana’s role would be influential to KKR’s fortunes in IPL 2020. Nitish would take up an important role in the middle-order, and having been in fine form for Delhi, he would look to win a few games for his IPL side. As seen in the previous seasons, Nitish is an asset against the spinners with his power hitting. The left-hander can also take on the seamers when needed. Moreover, he is also a useful buck with his off-spinners against the left-handers. All of these make Nitish the uncapped player to watch out for in KKR.

MI || Suryakumar Yadav (Top-order Batsman)

Alternative: Ishan Kishan 

Among all uncapped players, Suryakumar Yadav seems to be the best of the lot. He has been a revelation playing for Mumbai Indians in the last few seasons. Moreover, his leadership skills along with his terrific batting in the middle-order have seen the domestic Mumbai team win numerous games. SKY can score runs, and win games single-handedly. He is good against both, the spinners and the fast-bowlers. Also, with talented batsmen around him, Surya can play with much lesser pressure in this line-up.

RR || Yashasvi Jaiswal (Opener)

Alternative: Shreyas Gopal 

The hotspot for raw talents, Rajasthan Royals will play host to a few U19 cricketers next season. Out of them, the 18-year-old, Yashasvi Jaiswal is a name that may draw the maximum attention being the find of 2019. The teenage prodigy’s batting talent is well-known, but having improved his bowling skills recently, Yashasvi’s stock has risen considerably in the team. His leg-breaks have been impressive, and RR would be keen to utilize this element of his game.

RCB || Devdutt Padikkal (Opener)

Alternative: Pavan Deshpande 

RCB’s domestic core looks better than the previous season, and given the form that Devdutt Padikkal is in, the Bangalore-based franchise can hope for improved performance in 2020. In fact, Devdutt might be the only uncapped player that RCB can afford in their playing XI, next season.

The Karnataka youngster top-scored in both the 2019 editions of Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, thereby showcasing his enormous talent. If given the freedom to express himself, Devdutt can play fearless cricket, something which RCB  would definitely want to do.

SRH || Priyam Garg (Middle-order Batsman)

Alternative: Virat Singh 

Having poached Priyam Garg at INR 1900L, Sunrisers Hyderabad seems to have kickstarted their preparations for the future. Hence, we could see a lot of the current India U19 Captain in IPL 2020.

His record is tailor-made for the No. 3 spot, something that SRH would be looking to plug next season. Priyam can score runs both ways, although his ideal game is suited to the anchor role. If he does get a few games next season, Priyam would surely be the uncapped player to watch out for from this squad.

Thanks for reading! Which uncapped player are you excited to see the most in IPL 2020? Please, share your thoughts on business@cricalytics.com

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