The excitement surrounding the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is palpable as it gears to kick off on March 22nd. The opening match will see the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squaring off against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the iconic M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The Indian Premier League is around the corner, and the stage is set for the young guns to showcase their talent on the big stage. The cash-rich league has provided a platform for several rookie players to make a name for themselves and acts as a bridge to international cricket.

See Also: IPL 2024: Is CSK getting a new captain in place of Dhoni?

Star India players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah first got significant attention through the Indian Premier League. Meanwhile, last season, Rinku Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Jitesh Sharma knocked on the national team’s doors with their supreme performances in the franchise league.

The youngsters will be all geared up to get some attention in the upcoming season of IPL. For years, the IPL has served as a prime stage for Indian cricketers to showcase their skills, catching the eye of selectors and fans alike. This season holds particular significance for many players, as it presents an opportunity to solidify their positions ahead of the upcoming mega auctions.

Here are the five exceptional talents to watch out for in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.

Rinku Singh- KKR

This season, Rinku Singh emerges as a critical figure for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), riding on his impressive form in recent months. With the T20 World Cup looming, Singh’s performance holds added importance. His remarkable 474 runs in the IPL 2023, boasting a strike rate exceeding 149, underscores his prowess with the bat. Often found batting at number five or six, Singh’s ability to power the ball from the outset and his adept finishing skills make him a player to watch out for this season.

Yashasvi Jaiswal- RR

The Rajasthan Royals opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal, enters the IPL 2024 season after a stellar performance in IPL 2023, where he amassed 623 runs at a strike rate shy of 164. Jaiswal’s aggressive style of play, reminiscent of Virender Sehwag, combined with his proficiency against both pace and spin, positions him as a formidable force at the top of the order. Fresh from a memorable Test series against England, Jaiswal will likely find his name inked on the team sheet even before the skipper, Sanju Samson.

Shivam Dube- CSK

Having enjoyed a stellar IPL campaign last year, Shivam Dube returns with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) following his impressive 418 runs at a strike rate exceeding 158. Often entrusted with batting at the top, Dube’s strike rate soared even higher against spinners, reaching 176.47. With his ability to clear the boundary ropes at will, CSK will once again rely on Dube to maintain a brisk scoring rate, particularly on slower tracks.

Dhruv Jurel- RR

A promising young wicketkeeper-batter, Dhruv Jurel made a mark in his IPL debut with the Rajasthan Royals last season. Impressively, he amassed 152 runs off just 88 balls at a blistering strike rate of 172.72, often batting towards the latter stages of the innings. Jurel’s adeptness against both spin and pace, evidenced by his strike rate of nearly 191 against pacers last season, positions him as a valuable asset in the Royals’ lineup. With another season under his belt, Jurel is poised to continue his role as a finisher, which could significantly impact Rajasthan’s campaign.

Shahrukh Khan- SRH

Despite commanding hefty sums in recent IPL auctions, Shahrukh Khan is yet to leave a significant mark in the league. However, the Gujarat Titans exhibited faith in his abilities by securing him with a substantial bid of INR 7.4 crore to bolster their batting lineup following Hardik Pandya’s departure. Khan’s role as a finisher alongside seasoned campaigner David Miller will be pivotal for the Titans this season.

As the IPL 2024 season unfolds, these players, among others, will strive to leave an indelible mark, not only for their respective franchises but also in the broader context of Indian cricket. With the stakes higher than ever, fans can expect nothing short of exhilarating cricketing action in the coming days.

How these talented players will fare in the upcoming season remains to be seen. Still, one thing is sure – the IPL 17th edition promises to be a spectacle filled with drama, excitement, and exceptional cricketing talent.