2019 IPL auction: 5 players who can debut this season
The eight franchises of the Indian Premier League had a fruitful trade window. Almost all of the teams have retained their core base. Chennai Super Kings look the most settled, whereas, Kings XI Punjab have gone for an overhaul. During the auction, the franchises would look to acquire some fresh talent. Here we analyze five players who can make their debut in IPL 2019.
West Indian Shimron Hetmyer could be the headline buy
Hetmyer set the CPL 2018 alive after finishing as the third highest run-scorer in the global T20 League. Playing for Guyana Amazon Warriors, he amassed 440 runs, which included a century and two fifties. Further, Hetmyer showed his prowess last month in the first two ODIs against India, slamming 106 and 94. He could be one of the most significant debutants in IPL 12.
Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad could set IPL on fire
Opening batsman Mohammad Shahzad has hit the right chords and could join other Afghanistan players in the IPL. The wicket-keeper batsman won hearts of the Indian fans when he smashed a 116-ball 124 against India in the Asia Cup 2018. Earlier this month, the batsman hit a 16-ball 74* in the ongoing T10 League for his side Rajputs. Shahzad could be an interesting hire.
Windies youngster Oshane Thomas is making right noise
Oshane Thomas was electric and grabbed eyeballs when West Indies played against India in the T20I series earlier this month. He has got the pace and his height allows him to extract bounce. Oshane has the knack of picking wickets as we witnessed in the T20I series. He could add depth and be a genuine option for franchises looking to buy a promising pacer.
Adil Rashid could finally get his IPL break
Adil Rashid was one of the surprise exclusions in 2018 auction. He has done everything right this year and could see his hard work pay-off. Rashid has bagged 42 ODI wickets this year. He has also grabbed the highest number of wickets for England in T20Is in 2018 (12). The in-form bowler could finally get his IPL break and make a well-deserved debut.
Kamlesh Nagarkoti could finally make his debut for KKR
We missed watching this Kolkata Knight Riders youngster in IPL 11. He missed the tournament because of injury. Nagarkoti was one of the top bowlers for the Indian colts in the U-19 World Cup victory earlier in 2018. He can bowl in excess of 140 kph. The bowler is a lot like fellow team-mate Shivam Mavi and could finally make his debut this time.
