Debutants To Watch Out for In IPL 2024

IPL 2024 is about to begin on 22 March and is gearing up to welcome some fresh faces onto the cricketing scene. These debutants could bring a whole new dynamic to their teams. Let’s take a look at seven players who are poised to make their IPL debut this season and make a big impact.

 

Rachin Ravindra (Chennai Super Kings)

Ravindra, a talented New Zealand batsman, caught the attention of Chennai Super Kings despite his limited T20 experience. Hence CSK signed him for INR 1.8 crore in December last year. He might step in at the top of the order due to an injury sidelining Devon Conway. Known for his ability to disrupt opponents with his batting and spin bowling, Ravindra could be a game-changer for CSK.

 

Sameer Rizvi (Chennai Super Kings)

CSK doesn’t usually rely too much on uncapped players, but their big bid of INR 8.40 crore for Rizvi at the auction was based on his impressive performance against spin bowling in domestic matches. With CSK missing key players, Rizvi’s knack for dominating spinners could earn him a spot in the starting lineup. His unbeaten 75 off 46 balls against Tamil Nadu when playing for UP in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20, and his triple century for UP in the U-23 CK Nayudu Trophy are some of the reasons he has emerged on the radar.

 

Gerald Coetzee (Mumbai Indians)

South Africa’s Coetzee brings raw pace and clever variations to the table. Having performed well previously for RR, he could be a crucial asset for Mumbai Indians along with Tim David. Coetzee had picked up 20 wickets in eight games at a strike rate of 19.05 during the 2023 ODI World Cup.

 

Nuwan Thushara (Mumbai Indians)

Thushara, a slinger from Sri Lanka, just like the Sri Lankan star bowler Lasith Malinga, is next in the list. With a recent hat-trick when picking up a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in Sylhet added to his name, Thushara’s unique bowling style could add spice to Mumbai’s games. Nuwan Thushara, 29, has never been part of the IPL before, but has had notable moments in the LPL and PSL.

 

Azmatullah Omarzai (Gujarat Titans)

Dubbed as Afghanistan’s Hardik Pandya, Omarzai is a versatile player who can bat anywhere in the lineup and swing the ball effectively. His recent performances with both bat and ball make him an exciting prospect for Gujarat Titans. His way of swinging the ball and wrist position even impressed the Indian Cricket star Sachin Tendulkar, reminding him of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Praveen Kumar. He hit a career-best 149 not out in an ODI against Sri Lanka in Pallekele and was also among the runs for Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League.

 

Spencer Johnson (Gujarat Titans)

Johnson’s towering presence and ability to generate extra bounce make him a sought-after bowler in T20 cricket. With his knack for creating difficult angles, he could be a valuable addition to Gujarat’s bowling attack. Johnson has given some amazing performances in the Hundred, MLC, Global T20 Canada, and the BBL, which is why he got a deal worth INR 10 crore in the IPL auction. Since Mohammed Shami is out of the league as of now, Johnson could be one of the top performers in the  IPL 2024.

 

Kumar Kushagra (Delhi Capitals)

A hard-hitting wicketkeeper from Jharkhand, Kumar Kushagra impressed selectors with his performances in domestic tournaments. Bought for INR 7.20 crore by DC, Kushagra impressed Sourav Ganguly making 67 off 37 balls in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy. With the potential to slot in as a wicketkeeper-batsman, he could fill in for Rishabh Pant if needed.

 

These debutants are poised to shake up the IPL scene with their talent and potential. Keep an eye out for them as they make their mark in the world of cricket.