MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 by beating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 8 wickets in a one-sided match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May 27. This was Chennai’s third IPL title after they won the trophy in 2010 and 2011.
This year’s IPL carried such a strong buzz that it recorded over 14 percent higher viewership as compared to the matches of IPL 2017.
Each franchise fought hard till the last league match to secure their berth in the playoffs. In the end, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals managed to qualify for the playoffs. Bigwigs like Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab, however, failed to make much impact.
What made IPL 2018 more interesting was the performance by the youngsters. Young guns like Rishabh Pant, Mayank Markande and others impressed cricket fans with their commitment to the game.
Here are some of the promising youngsters:
Rishabh Pant —
Delhi Daredevils’ batsman Rishabh Pant had an amazing IPL 2018 season. He was the first Indian to score a century this season. His 128 was also the highest score this season. In 14 games, Pant scored 684—his highest in IPL history—at an average of 52.61. Pant also topped the list of the most boundaries hit with 68 fours and 37 sixes. For his superb show, Pant was awarded the Emerging Player Award which includes Rs 10 lakh and a trophy.
14 Matches
684 Runs
Highest 128*
Average: 52.61
Strike Rate: 173.60Emerging Player Of The Tournament: Rishabh Pant.
Stylish Player Of The Tournament: Rishabh Pant#IPL2018Final #IPLFinal #CSKvsSRH #CSKvSRH #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/7EV4dbqYWa— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadejaaaa) May 27, 2018
Prithvi Shaw –
India’s U-19 World Cup-winning captain played some fearless cricket this IPL season. He opened the innings for the Delhi franchise in all his 9 games and scored 245, including 2 fifties under his belt, with 65 being his highest. He showed some class with the bat as he struck 27 fours and 10 sixes.
Mayank Markande —
Right-arm leg-break bowler is the latest spin sensation. Mayank, who represented Mumbai Indians, played 14 games and managed to grab 15 wickets for his side, including a 4-wicket haul. He ended the IPL 2018 season as the third-highest wicket-taker for Mumbai.
Rashid Khan –
He needs no introduction. The 19-year-old leggie from Afghanistan impressed all the Indian cricket fans with his all-round performance, so much so that they even demanded Indian citizenship for him. Rashid, who represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, took 21 wickets in 17 games with an economy of 6.73. He bowled most dot balls (167) this season and leaked just 458 runs.
Shubman Gill –
Another U-19 Indian cricketer, Shubman Gill made full use of the opportunity and showed that he got the skills with the bat as he scored 203 runs, with 57 being his highest, in 13 games he played for Kolkata Knight Riders. Besides his timings, Gill also showed that he has the ability to clear the ropes with ease as he struck 22 fours and 5 sixes in his stint this IPL season.
Which youngster impressed you the most in this IPL season? Post your answers in the comments section below.
