IPL 2020: 3 All-rounders who can win the Emerging Player of the Year

Punjab all-rounder, Abhishek Sharma amongst the 3 young all-rounders who can win the Emerging Player of the Award in IPL 2020.

Of all the players who have won the ‘Emerging Player of the Year Award‘, Axar Patel is the only all-rounder in that list. While Axar may qualify as an all-rounder for his all-round skills, he had scored only 62 runs that season, and it was principally because of his bowling that he had won the award.

It is definitely hard for the youngsters to impress in one aspect of the game, and it is altogether a different story if these players have to make noise as all-rounders. Teams usually do not experiment with the multiple dimensions of the cricketers, given the narrow margin of failure in the IPL.

That said, the upcoming season boasts of certain young all-rounders who have the skills to bat and bowl well. They will play many games, and hence, they can win the ‘Emerging Player of the Year’ award with fine performances. So, let’s have a look at 3 such all-rounders.

Before that, let’s quickly re-look at the requirements to qualify for this award.

• Should be born on or after 1 April 1993
• Must have played five or fewer Test matches or 20 or less ODIs.
• Should have played 25 or fewer IPL matches (at of the start of the season)
• Should not have won the Emerging Player award in the past.

Please note, the requirement for IPL 2020 isn’t out yet. However, going by the trend, except for the age factor, the rest of the things should remain the same. 

#3: Darshan Nalkande – Kings XI Punjab

Kings XI Punjab will have a vacancy in their playing XI for a young Indian bowler next season. While Ishan Porel is the likely candidate to fill this spot, Anil Kumble and co. may also consider 21-year-old Vidharba cricketer, Darshan Nalkande for the role.

Darshan’s primary responsibility will be to work on his bowling, but since he can also bat well, KXIP could play the youngster often. Darshan has the highest score of 66* in his first-class career, and this might be enough for him to get the No.8 spot in the playing XI.

Of course, with his variations and ability to swing the ball both ways, Darshan can pick a lot of wickets, and thus make the necessary impression to win the ‘Emerging Player of the Year’ award next season.

#2: Riyan Parag – Rajasthan Royals

The talented Riyan Parag was a revelation for Rajasthan Royals last season. The Assam-born player scored 160 runs at an average of 32, and also picked 2 wickets for the Steve Smith-led franchise in IPL 2019. 

Riyan Parag is essentially a batsman, but with no reliable finger-spinner available in the team, RR will also utilize his bowling services next season. Hence, Parag would operate as an all-rounder in IPL 2020.

Having already showcased his skills last year, the upcoming season will serve as the perfect platform for Parag to enter the next phase of his career. A spot at No.6 in the line-up is almost confirmed for the player, and if he can remain consistent, he will have a good chance of lapping up the ‘Emerging Player of the Year’ award next season.

#1: Abhishek Sharma – Sunrisers Hyderabad

While the top-order and the lower half of the team look settled, Sunrisers Hyderabad will look for solid performances from their lower middle-order in the forthcoming season. It is here that Abhishek Sharma could play a crucial role in the SRH squad.

At just 19 years, Abhishek has already built a strong reputation for contributing well to both the departments of the game. In the 15 games he has played till now, the Punjab teenager has picked 5 wickets, apart from scoring 286 runs in the middle-order.

Naturally an attacking batsman, Abhishek can take on the fast bowlers at will while also tackling the spinners with equal measure. On the bowling front, he purchases additional flight off the pitch, a recipe that guarantees wickets in the T20 format.

Almost no other Indian player in SRH can offer this, and hence, game-time will also not be a problem for the player. So, if Abhishek can do well next season, he can be a solid contender for this prize.

Thanks for reading! Which among the above mentioned all-rounders do you think can win the emerging player of the year award in IPL 2020? Please, let’s know in the comments. 

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