From 14-Year-Old Vaibhav to Ambidextrous Bowler Mendis’ Debut
The 18th season of the IPL is set to begin on March 22. As always, this season will also see several new players participating in the league for the first time. Among them are the youngest player in IPL history, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, ambidextrous bowler Kamindu Mendis, and young six-hitting machine Priyansh Arya. Let’s take a look at five such debutants…
Vaibhav Suryavanshi | Rajasthan
Left-handed batsman, bought for ₹1.10 crore in the auction
Bihar’s left-handed batsman Vaibhav was signed by Rajasthan in the mega auction for ₹1.10 crore. Vaibhav has delivered outstanding performances for the Indian Under-19 team and Bihar in the past few months. Last year, in the Under-19 Asia Cup, he scored 176 runs in 5 matches at an average of 44 and a strike rate of 145.45.
- He might open the innings alongside Yashasvi.
Priyansh Arya | Punjab
Top run-scorer in the Delhi league, specializes in big shots
Delhi’s big-hitting 24-year-old left-handed opener Priyansh was bought by Punjab for ₹3.80 crore. He was the highest run-scorer in the Delhi Premier League last year, amassing 608 runs. He also hit 43 sixes in the tournament, including 6 sixes in an over in one match.
- He could be a potential opener for Punjab.
Jacob Bethell | Bengaluru
Debuted in all three formats in three months, bought for ₹2.60 crore
England’s 21-year-old all-rounder Bethell was acquired by Bengaluru for ₹2.60 crore. He made his debut for England in all three formats within a span of three months from September to November last year.
- He could be a middle-order batsman and a spin-bowling option.
Kamindu Mendis | Hyderabad
Over 1000 runs in Tests, bought for ₹75 lakh
Sri Lanka’s 26-year-old all-rounder Mendis was picked by Hyderabad for his base price of ₹75 lakh. He is the highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) with 1123 runs.
- Kamindu is also known for his ability to bowl spin with both hands.
- He faces a challenge to secure a spot in the playing XI.
Gurjapneet Singh | Chennai
Left-arm fast bowler, bought for ₹2.20 crore
Tamil Nadu’s 26-year-old left-arm fast bowler Gurjapneet was signed by Chennai for ₹2.20 crore. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall, Gurjapneet impressed in the Tamil Nadu Premier League last year, taking 7 wickets in 7 matches with a remarkable economy rate of 7.38.
- He could be a valuable option for India’s pace attack.