After a triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup, the Indian Cricket team is now focusing on its future prospects. With the retirement of leading players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja from the T20I format, the management is keen to test the new and emerging talent that has evolved from the IPL.

The upcoming Zimbabwe tour, a crucial series in the team’s rebuilding phase, is a significant opportunity for these players to prove their calibre and make a mark in the future of the Indian team. While a few players have been exceptional in the recent IPL stint, they haven’t made it to the tour squad. Here’s a list of the five deserving IPL performers who should have sealed a spot in the upcoming Zimbabwe tour.

1. T Natarajan

T Natarajan has been a vital pacer for the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a long time. His ability to bowl consecutive unplayable yorkers and quick speed deliveries have been instrumental in the Orange Army’s path of success. Natarajan was introduced to the world of International cricket during the 2021 India tour of Australia series. He was a part of all the formats and scalped crucial wickets for the team.

But, with regular injuries, he couldn’t get another International call. His 2024 IPL performance includes scalping 19 wickets in 14 encounters, making him SRH’s highest wicket-taker. As it implies, T Natarajan’s name not available in the upcoming tour has been a surprise for many, with a hope to find him in the upcoming tours.

2. Shashank Singh

Shashank Singh was the buzz of the town during the IPL 2024. He had a terrible experience after the IPL auction, as the Punjab Kings claimed they had signed the player by mistake. Shashank batted in the middle order and scored 354 runs in 14 matches, with a strike rate of 164.25. Despite playing a pivotal role in Punjab’s victories, the 32-year-old was left out of India’s selection for the forthcoming series against Zimbabwe.

This startled many fans, especially following his crucial and heroic efforts in leading the Punjab Kings to triumphs, including the most successful run-chase against the Kolkata Knight Riders. With his current recognition, seeing him compete on the local circuit and potentially earn his maiden international call in the coming days would be intriguing.

3. Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma was one of Mumbai Indians’ most dependable hitters in times of need and adversity. The left-handed hitter scored 416 runs with an average of 42 and a strike rate of 150. Varma emerged as one of the most appropriate names for the middle order.

Due to injury, Varma missed Mumbai’s final match of the season against the Lucknow Super Giants, but there’s no reason he wasn’t picked for this series. He began his international career with the West Indies tour and has played an essential part in bolstering the team’s batting order, with many hoping that he will turn the tables and change the course of the team’s middle-order batting.

Also Read: Team India honored by PM Modi for T20 World Cup 2024 triumph

4. Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakravarthy had a great run in the recently finished IPL season. As a member of the winning Kolkata Knight Riders’ third title trail, his moniker “Mystery Spinner” has aided the three-time champions in boosting their spin attack, which Sunil Narine, the spinmeister, leads.

He took 21 wickets in 15 matches and finished second in the edition’s wicket-taker standings. He last played a T20I for the country in 2021. Still, his improved performance has made him a deserving candidate for a position on the next Zimbabwe trip, especially given the team’s ambitions to have a solid spinner.

5. Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar has made a commendable comeback through the 2024 IPL. After getting recognition for hitting a game-changing century against the Lucknow Supergiants in the eliminator of the 2022 edition, many expected him to be the next big thing in India.

However, a significant injury hindered his game, which led him to get ruled out of the 2023 edition. His performance in the 2024 edition didn’t comprise high scores. But his swashbuckling approach has helped in obtaining crucial runs for the team. He has scored 395 runs in 15 matches in 2024, with an average of 30.38 and a 177.13 strike rate.

Royal Challengers Bangalore ended their six-match losing streak in the IPL by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 35 runs. RCB batted first and scored a hefty 206 for seven, with Rajat Patidar leading the charge with a quickfire 50 off just 20 balls. Captain Virat Kohli also contributed with a measured 51 off 43 balls.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, known for their strong batting, couldn’t chase down the target and managed only 171 for eight in their 20 overs. RCB’s spinners played a crucial role, with Swapnil Singh making an impactful debut by taking two wickets in his first over.

Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar continue their half century 

RCB’s decision to open the bowling with part-time off-spinner Will Jacks paid off, as he dismissed Travis Head early in the innings. Abhishek Sharma entertained briefly with a quickfire 31, but SRH kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Patidar’s aggressive batting was in stark contrast to Kohli’s more conservative approach, but it proved effective as he smashed four consecutive sixes in the 11th over. Despite Patidar’s quick fifty, Kohli continued to anchor the innings, reaching his half-century in 37 balls.

RCB make a comeback 

RCB’s innings had a few hiccups, with Faf du Plessis and Jacks departing early, but Patidar and Kohli steadied the ship with a solid partnership. Cameron Green and Dinesh Karthik chipped in with crucial runs towards the end, helping RCB set a challenging target of 207 for SRH.

See Also: Virat Kohli called ‘selfish’ after his knock against SRH

In the end, SRH fell short despite some resistance from their lower order, giving RCB a much-needed victory in the tournament.

In Match 25 of the IPL 2024 at the Wankhede Stadium, the Mumbai Indians is facing off against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. MI wins the toss and opts to bowl against RCB. Hardik says the dew factor will be beneficial while chasing. Shreyas Gopal replaces Piyush Chawla.

In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, Rajat Patidar, the acclaimed star of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, emphatically shattered his recent spell of underwhelming performances by securing an impressive half-century in a critical match against Mumbai Indians. This was vividly illustrated in a recent match that saw Rajat Patidar’s bat speak volumes alongside strategic plays by other key players.

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Opening with Flair

Patidar wasted no time marking his presence, striking a confident four off the very first ball. It was a shot that set the tone for what was to become an innings filled with aggression and finesse. Hardik Pandya, known for his cunning bowling, attempted to keep the batters in check with a series of dots and cutters but found himself outmaneuvered as Patidar skillfully slapped the ball past cover for a double, followed by a monumental six over long-on.

The Coetzee Challenge

Gerald Coetzee, stepping into the attack, was met with Patidar’s relentless assault. A full toss was dispatched over midwicket for a six, followed by another six in a similar fashion. It was a display of sheer power and timing, propelling Patidar to a swift fifty. However, cricket’s unpredictable nature shone through as Coetzee’s short delivery found Patidar’s gloves, leading to an easy catch by Ishan Kishan, concluding Patidar’s explosive 50(26).

In five innings, Patidar has only managed for score 50 runs for RCB in IPL 2024, He scored 50 off 26 deliveries, striking four sixes and three fours. The batter’s knock comes as a handy contribution to the side that has been over-dependent on Virat Kohli.

RCB is 130/4 after the completion of 15 overs.

As per the reports, Devdutt Padikkal is set to make his Test match debut in the upcoming Test between India and England. Padikkal is likely to replace Rajat Patidar who has struggled in the series thus far.

Padikkal set for Test debut

Padikkal replaced KL Rahul after the latter had picked up an injury in the first Test in Hyderabad. Padikkal was added to the squad for the Third Test. Now reports are suggesting that he will be making his Test debut in Dharamsala. “Padikkal will make his debut in Dharamsala,” Hindustan Times quoted a BCCI source as saying. “Rahul is unlikely to be available and the team management wants to have a look at Padikkal as it is the last international fixture before the IPL.”

Devdutt Padikkal meanwhile has been in really good form in domestic red-ball cricket for the last few months. The Rajasthan Royals youngster has scored three centuries and a total of 556 runs at an average of 92.66 thus far. Overall, he has 2227 runs from 31 first-class games at an average of 44.54.

See also: IND vs ENG: 4th Test: How does Shubman Gill Dominate the Second Innings in the Series?

What happened to Rajat Patidar?

According to the report, the decision was taken by chief selector Ajit Agarkar after consultations with captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and other staff. If this happens Padikkal will become the fifth debutant in the series after Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, and Akash Deep. While Sarfaraz Khan and Jurel have done well, Patidar has failed to prove his worth. Patidar scored 32, 9, 5, 0, 17, and 0 in his appearances in the Test between India and England.

India will take on England in Dharamsala for the fifth Test match of the series the hosts are leading 3-1.

Madhya Pradesh’s Rajat Patidar, a people’s favourite in Bengaluru, hit a brisk hundred as he assisted the group with going past Mumbai first innings complete toward the beginning of the morning meeting on Saturday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Rajat Patidar proceeded his fine run the continuous Ranji Trophy season as the Madhya Pradesh player hit 100 in the last over against Mumbai on Day 4 of the grand final at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, June 25. Patidar got to his 100 in only 163 deliveries as the young batter rebuffed the Mumbai bowlers on a decent batting contribution to Bengaluru.

Patidar displayed his flair as the 29-year-old debilitated the Mumbai bowling assault with his free-streaming thump. Patidar had a respite when he was dismissed off a no-ball when he was batting soon after getting to his fifty. Patidar controlled his hostility and assumed a heavenly part in his 60-run stand with commander Aditya Shrivastava.

Rajat was likewise the third centurion for Madhya Pradesh in the first innings of the Ranji Trophy final as Yash Dubey (133) and Shubham Sharma (116) assisted them with concocting areas of strength for a to Mumbai’s aggregate. It was the eighth top of the line century for Patidar in the 42nd match.

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Rajat Patidar finished his century in the Ranji Trophy final against Mumbai. Because of his century innings, Madhya Pradesh has arrived at areas of strength. This is Patidar’s second century this season. Patidar, who came to dependably bat at number four, scored 100 years while playing. This is the third hundred years in MP’s most memorable innings. Prior, Yash Dubey and Shubham Sharma had scored hundreds of centuries.

Rajat Patidar finished his century in 164 balls in the Ranji Trophy final against Mumbai.

During this he hit 17 fours. He dazed the Mumbai bowlers a ton. This is his second century this season. Prior, he has played an innings of 142 runs. Aside from this, Rajat has additionally scored 5 half-centuries. By and large, these 7 innings of his changed the destiny of Madhya Pradesh. Because of which Madhya Pradesh is moving towards making history after 1953.

Rajat Patidar remains the trouble-shooter for Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy 2022.

He has played numerous significant innings for his group this season. Rajat Patidar scored 85 runs against Punjab in the quarter-last match. Simultaneously, against Bengal in the semi-last match, he scored 17 runs in the primary innings and 79 runs in the subsequent innings. Presently he has scored century in the final. These figures show that Rajat Patidar has played important- innings in crucial matches.

Rajat Patidar is in an amazing form as of now

This season he is the second most elevated run-scorer in Ranji Trophy. He has scored in excess of 600 runs up to this point. His IPL structure goes on in the Ranji Trophy too. In IPL 2022, Patidar played numerous significant innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Because of which the group of RCB was effective in qualifying in the end of the season games. In the fifteenth season, he scored 2 half-centuries including a century.