The IPL season is finally set to return, and it will soon be the chance for cricket lovers to see some of the world’s greatest players in action once again. Obviously, there are some major names set to walk back out to the crease, and it will be enjoyable to see the likes of Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan once again. However, there are a few lesser-known players who could use the 2021 IPL campaign as a springboard for success. Here are the ones to watch when cricket makes its triumphant comeback.
Excitement Around the New Season
The buzz around the return of the IPL season is tangible, and you can almost taste the anticipation in the air for one of the most exhilarating forms of entertainment India has to offer. Certainly, in the online space, various sites of all different types are preparing. For example, there are expert tips and pundit reviews, churning out their predictions about which teams and players are likely to shine. This spills over to the betting industry, as various bookies are ready to take on an influx of wagers over the coming months. Many bettors will read the insider information online first, before placing their predictions.
The Indian betting market has ballooned over the last five years, thanks to the increasing availability of the internet and the sports enthusiasts in the nation wanting to stake. In 2016, only 34 per cent of people were online, but this shot up to 48 per cent by 2019. Cricket is one of the top sports in the country, and bettors now use options like Asiabet.org to find expert guides and reviews. There is additional information regarding safe payment methods, which should be considered too. Plus, there are also recommendations about where to play, based on the bonuses and user ratings. Having a pre-emptive flutter can be a great way to generate a buzz around the resuming of the 2021 IPL campaign.
Riley Meredith
Riley Meredith goes straight through the defences of Shaun Marsh
Riley Meredith was one of the most exciting additions in early 2021, bought by the Punjab Kings for Rs. 8 crores. This made him one of the most expensive signings in the league, and it is a lot to play for someone so new to professional cricket. The Australian made his debut in 2017 for Hobart Hurricanes but has since earned call ups to the national side in 2021.
Meredith is known for his blistering bowling pace, which can exceed 150 kmph. The 25-year-old certainly has the potential to go on to great things, if his new IPL franchise can handle his development carefully.
Chetan Sakariya
Another player who has recently made his international debut is Chetan Sakariya. The Indian left-arm bowler was called up to Ravi Shastri’s side for the first time in July 2021, and he will be buoyed by this in his upcoming IPL matches. The 23-year-old was bought by the Rajasthan Royals for 1.2 crores in the latest IPL auction, and he was instantly named as one of the stars to watch out for in the 2021 season.
Sakariya has a fair bit of top-level experience already and has been one of the key players for Saurashtra since 2018. There are plenty of medium-pacers that have been knocking on the door of the national side, and the fact that Sakariya made the cut shows his prowess.
Liam Livingstone
The final player to make the list of potential breakout stars this term is Liam Livingstone. The 28-year-old has been around for much longer than other hot prospects in the IPL, but he has only recently taken his game to the next level to earn recognition on the national stage.
After teetering around the England squad for some time, Livingstone made his debut in the ODI series against India in 2021. He was impressive, averaging 72 across the series. If he can carry that form on for Rajasthan Royals, he could be deadly this year. These players stand out as they have recently hit form for club and country at just the right time, and it will be thrilling to see them in action in the IPL this term. Of course, it should also be mentioned that there are other potential breakout stars, with Deepak Chahar and Shreyas Iyer also
