Eight breakout stars at the 2024 IPL

Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League has been a platform to nurture potential superstars. While the heavyweights give the tournament its brand value, the rags-to-riches stories and the entries of promising talents add to the excitement.

IPL 2024, too, had its share of breakout stars – not all of whom were unknown names or freshmen.

Jake Fraser-McGurk – Delhi Capitals

330 runs @ 33.66, SR: 234.04

The prodigious Australian arrived at the Delhi Capitals as a replacement with a reputation to tee off from the word go. Having shot to fame for scoring the fastest List A hundred off 29 balls and a 21-ball fifty in the BBL, Fraser-McGurk needed no second invitation in his first IPL stint. His 330 runs at the top came at a strike-rate of 234.04, the highest in the tournament for anyone who has faced at least 140 deliveries. In nine matches, he has hit four fifties, two of which came in just 15 balls, an IPL 2024 record.

Harshit Rana – Kolkata Knight Riders

19 wickets @ 20.15, ER: 9.08

With Mitchell Starc misfiring in the first half of the season, Rana’s importance for KKR was heightened. The second-highest wicket-taker for his side, nine of Rana’s 19 scalps came in the middle overs, while six were in the death. The highlight of his heroics was when he defended seven off five balls against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on a flat Eden Gardens deck despite conceding a six off the first ball to Heinrich Klaasen.

The 22-year Delhi pacer has been a vital cog in KKR’s third title win, ending on a high with 2-24 in the final against the Sunrisers.

Abhishek Porel – Delhi Capitals

327 runs @ 32.70, SR: 159.51

Abhishek Porel showcased his talent with an unbeaten 10-ball 32 while coming in as an Impact Player in Delhi Capitals’ campaign opener. Following his explosive cameo, he has been a regular feature at the top, even ahead of Prithvi Shaw.

The Bengal wicketkeeper scored 327 runs in 12 innings at an average of 32.70 and a strike-rate of 159.51, becoming Delhi’s fourth-highest run-getter.  The 21-year-old signed off in style after recording two fifties in his last three matches – 65 off 36 against Rajasthan Royals and 58 off 33 against Lucknow Super Giants.

Nitish Kumar Reddy – Sunrisers Hyderabad

303 runs @ 33.66, SR: 142.92

Sunrisers Hyderabad youngster Nitish Kumar Reddy was this year’s Emerging Player of the Season. At 21, he burst onto the scene with a vital 67 against Punjab in just his second IPL match. In another major contribution, Reddy hit an unbeaten 76 in a one-run win against Rajasthan Royals during the group stage.

Reddy amassed 303 runs in 11 innings at 33.66 and 142.92 in addition to picking up three wickets. If groomed well, he could be a potential pace-bowling all-rounder option for India.

Mayank Yadav – Lucknow Super Giants

7 wickets @ 12.14, ER: 6.98

Mayank lit up IPL 2024 with his 155 kmph thunderbolts. Player of the Match in his first two IPL matches, against Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, after taking 3-27 and 3-14, respectively, Mayank’s rise was short-lived due to a recurring abdominal soreness. He could only bowl 12.1 overs but that was enough for a pace-bowling contract from the BCCI.

Umran Malik is the only Indian to be clocked at a faster speed. Of the 24 balls he bowled against Punjab on debut, 18 touched the 145 kmph barrier.

Tristan Stubbs – Delhi Capitals

378 runs @ 54, SR: 190.90

Having plied his trade for Mumbai Indians in the previous two seasons, Stubbs changed allegiance to the Capitals. He was entrusted as the team’s designated finisher, ending as their second-leading run-scorer with 378 runs at a strike-rate of 190.90 while still averaging 54.

Stubbs was equally adept against pace and spin with his all-round stroke plays.

Shashank Singh – Punjab Kings

354 runs @ 44.25, SR: 164.65

After making the headlines for being purchased accidentally in the auction, Shashank’s redemption was of gargantuan proportion: he ended as Punjab Kings’ leading run-scorer while fulfilling his role as a finisher. The allrounder came to limelight with a 29-ball 61 not out, rescuing his team from 70-4 in a 200-run chase and then followed it up with an unbeaten 46. However, the innings which stole the show was his 69 not out off 28 in a 262-run record chase against KKR.

Riyan Parag – Rajasthan Royals

573 runs @ 52.09, SR: 149.21

After leading the run chart in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Parag has finally repaid his faith in Rajasthan Royals’ prolonged persistence in him.

Parag’s IPL career is of two contrasting halves. Before 2024, he only had 600 runs from 54 matches at an average of 16.21 and a strike rate of 123.96 with just two fifties, often drawing criticism for his place in RR’s side. IPL 2024 was when Parag unearthed his true potential, having notched up 573 runs – the third-highest this season – at 52.09 and 149.21, including four fifties.