With BCCI reportedly considering allowing under-23 players to participate in The Hundred, we take a look at eight talented Indian cricketers who would be valuable additions to one of cricket’s most ambitious inventions.
On the back of IPL’s mega success, the BCCI have maintained a strict distance from foreign franchise leagues, keeping away active Indian players from featuring in overseas competitions. So far, the closest Indian link to The Hundred has been Harbhajan Singh’s dramatic inclusion and withdrawal from the tournament draft in 2019.
That could change with The Hundred, with reports suggesting that the board is tinkering with the idea of sending a young contingent for the unique competition in the UK. Whether it materialises or stays a pipe dream remains to be seen, but it doesn’t stop us from listing down the under-23 Indian cricketers who could actually get a gig in the 100-ball format.
Devdutt Padikkal
Few young Indian batsmen have merged technique and intent as seamlessly as Padikkal in the T20 game. Just 20, the left-handed opener recently hit a 51-ball century in IPL 2021, and was the third-youngest to reach the landmark in the tournament’s history. Even in a format as experimental as The Hundred, Padikkal’s technique-driven play would surely fetch him plenty of runs.
Prithvi Shaw
Shaw has been in exceptional form in white-ball cricket recently, racking up a List A double-century in the midst of a record-breaking patch in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. It was a quick turnaround for the 21-year-old who was widely panned for his dismal showing in Australia. Back in full flow, the delectable cover drives and leg-side whips would surely be a hit in the 100-ball format.
Shubman Gill
One of the country’s most sought-after young batsmen, Gill has already established a solid fanbase with his fluid strokeplay and levelheadedness. Even with his water-tight technique, Gill has consistently found success at the top in T20s; it won’t be surprising if he follows the same template to regularly pierce the infield in The Hundred’s 25-ball powerplay.
Ishan Kishan
The wicketkeeper-batsman adds flexibility to any line-up and is capable of both opening and playing in the middle order. With successful stints at the under-19 and A levels, Kishan is one of the most experienced uncapped players on this list. Given his ability to regularly improvise and take on the bowlers with aggression, his batting would fit right into the new-look format.
Washington Sundar
Skilled and crafty, Sundar is the ideal powerplay bowler to have, rarely giving any breathing space to batsmen with his nagging lines and subtle variations. In the IPL, his career economy stands at 6.94, and can also prise out early wickets (or outs) to snatch the advantage in powerplay, and is also a more than handy middle-order batsman.
Riyan Parag
A batsman who doesn’t shy away from pulling off audacious strokes irrespective of the situation of the game, Parag brings freshness to the middle order with his inventiveness. As a bonus, he’s a quick, athletic outfielder willing to put in the extra effort every time, and can also chip in with a few overs of a spin. His bizarre low-arm variation would exactly match the spirit of The Hundred competition.
Rahul Chahar
The leg-spinner has made a name for himself by being Rohit Sharma’s trusted weapon of choice in the IPL and has the ability to produce devastating spells in the T20 format. A master in setting up batsmen, Chahar’s strike-rate stands at an impressive 19.53, and his bagful of tricks would make him an excellent choice in a new format.
Ravi Bishnoi
Fresh out of the under-19 setup, Bishnoi has developed exceedingly well over the last year or so. A leg-spinner who never backs down, Bishnoi’s maturity and composure in the IPL has impressed many, including Punjab’s coach Anil Kumble himself. A no-nonsense bowler with plenty of self-confidence, Bishnoi’s spunkiness makes him a special talent that a bigger audience would surely appreciate.
