5 players who could win the Emerging Player award in IPL 2021

The IPL provides youngsters with the perfect opportunity to display their talent. Every year in the IPL, the best young talent is awarded the Emerging Player Award. There are a few eligibility criteria for the same. Firstly, the player cannot be eligible if he is over 25 years of age. Secondly, he must have played less than 25 IPL games. Thirdly, he must have 5 or fewer Tests, 20 or fewer T20Is, and cannot be a past recipient of the award. That said, here is a list of 5 players who might win the Emerging Player award in IPL 2021:

5. Riyan Parag

Parag made his IPL debut in the year 2019. The 19 year old helped RR win some crucial games in the past. With some consistent performances this season, we could see Riyan Paraj contend for the Emerging Player award. 

4. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad was one of the finds of the season in IPL 2020. Even though CSK endured a dismal season last year, Ruturaj Gaikwad had a solid IPL debut season. In 6 matches, Gaikwad amassed 204 runs with a career-best knock of 72. The 22-year-old is expected to open for the Men in Yellow in this year’s IPL. If Gaikwad puts in a successful outing with CSK this year, we could see him win the Emerging Player award this year. 

3. Shivam Mavi

Mavi came in the limelight after his fiery pace bowling for India in the U-19 level. However, Mavi did not have the best start to his IPL career. The bowler was taken to the cleaners by Shreyas Iyer in a match between DC and KKR in 2018. Mavi will look to bounce back in the IPL 2021 and could be a threat for opposition batsmen. Mavi could also contribute with the bat, and will be hopeful of contributing runs to the KKR batting lineup. 

2.  Ravi Bishnoi

The Punjab franchise bought Ravi Bishnoi after a superb outing with India in the U-19 World Cup. Bishnoi was the tournament’s highest wicket-taker and impressed the Punjab selectors. Bishnoi had a decent outing with Punjab last year, picking 12 wickets in 14 games. The 20-year-old certainly has the capability to win the Emerging Player award if he puts in a successful outing with Punjab this year in the IPL. 

1. Abdul Samad

At no 1 on this list is SRH all-rounder Abdul Samad. Samad’s batting style was compared with that of MS Dhoni, and it is clearly evident why. The 19-year-old boasted a terrific strike rate of 171 in IPL 2020. Moreover, Samad is also a part-time leg spinner. Hence, with the possibility to contribute with both ball and bat. Samoyed could easily contend for the Emerging Player award in IPL 2021. 

READ MORE Cricket articles here!