The DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a great platform for experienced cricketers and upcoming players to mingle in a positive way. Senior players are only too happy to share their expertise and knowledge with young talent in the hope that someday, these rookies will make a mark on the international scene as well.
Rajasthan Royals’ captain and coach Shane Warne has had a fantastic run in the Twenty20 championship so far. Warne’s team, written off as underdogs at the start of the IPL, has managed to silence critics and emerged as the table toppers. The Royals is one such team that has relied on young cricketers eager to create an impact in every way possible.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Warne had words of praise for the budding young players in his side, and made special mention of Ravindra Jadeja and Dinesh Salunkhe’s potential.
"Jadeja and Salunkhe, I feel have the ability to play in one-day internationals and also Tests for India. The two are among several under-19 players who can go on to represent India," he stated with conviction.
Jadeja was a member of the Under-19 team that lost the finals of the 2006 World Cup against Pakistan. He also delivered a spell of 2 for 25 playing an important part in India’s victory in the finals of the ICC tournament’s 2008 edition in Malaysia. The left-hander has scored 105 runs from the 6 innings he has played in eleven IPL games. Shane Warne had even referred to the southpaw as a ‘superstar’.
On the other hand, all-rounder Dinesh Salunkhe first came to the limelight through India’s first-ever cricket talent hunt and reality show, Cricket Star, where he was the runner-up through which he got a scholarship to train with Leicestershire during the 2007 season. So far in the IPL, he has played four games scored 27 runs and also taken one wicket.
The Aussie leg spin king also believes that Taruwar Kohli would follow suit in the coming years. However, the legendary spinner did point out the significance of experienced players in the compressed format of the game.
"You need experience coming in for good use in tough situations, and players like Tendulkar, McGrath and Jayasuriya have proved that with their performances," he stated.
When quizzed about his retirement, Shane Warne indicated that his comeback was a far-fetched idea.
Rajasthan Royals were the first team to book a berth in the semi-finals of the IPL. Courtsey: iplt20.com