India play a five-match T20I series against South Africa next month and here are five uncapped players from the 2022 Indian Premier League who could make it into the squad.
A number of experienced India players are expected to be rested, which could open the doors for others who have impressed in this year’s IPL, with a few uncapped talents likely to be in contention as well.
Rahul Tewatia
The Gujarat Titans middle-order batter has been excellent in this year’s IPL, consistently finishing games off for his side. Tewatia has a strike rate of 183.53 in the last four overs this season, smashing eight sixes thus far. Overall, he has struck at over 150 six times from 11 innings and could be deployed as a finisher for India against South Africa. With Venkatesh Iyer, who recently filled that role in the absence of Hardik Pandya, struggling for runs in this season’s IPL, Tewatia emerges as a front-runner.
Tewatai was previously selected in the squad for India’s T20Is against England last year but is yet to make an appearance in international cricket.
Tilak Verma
Verma tops the run-scoring charts for the side this season and has been one of the few positives for the franchise in what has been a disastrous campaign for the five-time champions. Verma has impressed with his ability to absorb pressure after repeated failures above him in the order, scoring 346 runs at an average of 43.25. At 19, he’s a serious prospect.
Umran Malik
Arguably the fastest bowler in the this year’s IPL, Malik sent pulses racing when he sent down a 157kmph delivery earlier in the season, much to the delight of fans and pundits. Michael Vaughan has asked for Malik to develop his skills in county cricket, while Kevin Pietersen is of the view that the fast bowler should be in India’s Test side that takes on England later this year.
Though Malik can occasionally be expensive, his speed makes him tough to face and the India management could be tempted to try him out against South Africa as they begin shortlisting players for the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep was retained by Punjab Kings for 2022 after he burst on the scene last year, claiming 18 wickets in 12 games. Though the quick has picked up only seven wickets this season, he has an economy rate of just 7.69 and has been mightily impressive in the death overs. The left-armer has an economy rate of 7.14 in the last four overs this year and has been accurate in the toughest situations. With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested for the South Africa T20Is, Arshdeep has a decent chance of earning an India call-up.
Mohsin Khan
The Lucknow Super Giants pacer has been miserly and has an economy rate of 5.19 this year, the best among all bowlers to have bowled more than five overs. Mohsin was earlier associated with Mumbai Indians and was bought by LSG for INR 20 lakh in the mega-auction this year. He has bowled 126 deliveries in IPL 2022, of which 69 have been dots – giving him a dot ball percentage of 54.76.
