Cricket scout reveals how he selects players for IPL
What's the story
IPL, in recent years, has paved a way for young cricketers to their entry into the Indian national side. The "IPL breed" of cricketers who made it to the Indian team include Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal. Considering the exposure and opportunities IPL provides, let's look at its selection criteria as revealed by TA Sekhar, a former cricketer turned cricketing scout.
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IPL auction schedule
The IPL scouting process for the 11th edition is at full throttle, with the auction set to be held this month on 27th and 28th. Just last week, the teams' retention list was released with some teams retaining up to 3 players each.
For bowlers
Variations in bowling a key aspect
On his trip as an IPL scout for Mumbai Indians, TA Sekhar was in Delhi to catch a match between Delhi and Punjab. With respect to bowlers he said, "We are looking for fast bowlers who could bowl during powerplay and death overs...he should have variations- yorkers, slower balls, slow bouncer, and the bouncer, and should be able to use all variations effectively."
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Spinners should contain batsmen in Powerplay
In case of criteria for selecting a spinner Sekhar said, "If it is a spinner, he should be able to bowl an over in the powerplay and contain the batsmen who are know for going after bowlers."
Big hitters
Criteria for batsmen
Talking about batsmen, the veteran strategist said, "If it is an opening batsman, then we are looking at how he handles fast bowlers and whether he can hit the ball or give away more of dot balls. A middle-order batsman should be able to rotate the strike. We are also looking for batsman who can hit sixes and fours in the last four overs."
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Capability without fitness not to be rewarded
Sekhar highlighted the importance of fitness, saying that a capable but unfit player will be less likely to land an IPL deal as it is a long tournament which demands players to be fit consistently. Looks like it is a warning bell for unfit veterans?