Aakash Chopra has credited the IPL as a reason behind the depth in Indian cricket. He cited the example of keeper Ishan Kishan overshadowing Virat Kohli on his India debut to substantiate his point.
Ishan Kishan smashed 56 runs off just 32 deliveries during his T20I debut against England earlier this year. He was the dominant partner in his 94-run association with the Indian skipper for the second wicket.
Aakash Chopra: IPL Allowed 1st Class Cricketers To Play In Front Of Packed Houses
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra shed some light on the secrets behind Team India’s depth. The cricketer-turned-commentator highlighted that domestic cricketers getting to contest matches in a high-pressure atmosphere during the IPL has played a significant role.
“The IPL has allowed first-class cricketers to play in front of packed houses. My debut Test was the first game I played in front of a crowd. Ishan Kishan has played so much IPL, that when he got a chance for India, his batting made Virat Kohli look pale in front of him.”
Aakash Chopra added that not only Ishan Kishan but plenty of Indian cricketers like Suryakumar Yadav have also benefitted from the experience they have gained through the IPL.
“Nitish Rana has not yet made his debut but there is no pressure, he consistently goes in front of the crowd and does not feel any pressure. You can see anyone – Suryakumar Yadav who scooped his first ball for a six in international cricket. Devdutt Padikkal – the same story,” Aakash Chopra said.
The IPL certainly presents a huge stage for talented youngsters to showcase their talents and helps them get rid of their nerves.
Aakash Chopra: IPL Allowed Many Cricketers To Rub Shoulders With World’s Best
Aakash Chopra pointed out that the IPL gives Indian youngsters a chance to play with and against the cream of the crop in world cricket like star overseas bowlers Trent Boult, Kagiso Rabada, and Rashid Khan and batsmen Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, and David Warner.
“This storm has catapulted India’s journey to the No.1 cricketing nation in the world. The IPL has empowered you, it has encouraged you to dream, it has allowed so many domestic cricketers to rub shoulders with the best in the world.”
The 43-year-old signed off by stating that the IPL forces players to raise their game to meet the required standards.
“You get to know how to handle pressure and expectations, and you are forced to improve the quality of your cricket. So I think IPL has been absolutely phenomenal. It is a terrific vehicle to make you capable of playing for India,” Aakash Chopra said.
Aakash Chopra also credited the broad base of players available, the excellent domestic structure, and BCCI’s role in expanding the game, including the ‘A’ team tours, as other contributors to India’s immense bench strength.
Devdutt Padikkal was impressive in the IPL 2020 and 2021 as he brought up his maiden IPL century in 2021. He will be eager to make his debut for India sooner or later, but he may not be the first-choice opener though. The elegant left-hander is an excellent player of pace bowling.
Varun Chakravarthy was named in the Indian squad for the last two T20I series against Australia and England but the mystery spinner was unlucky to miss out on making his international debut with fitness issues and injury problems.
The left-arm seamer Chetan Sakariya has been a sensation in the IPL for the Rajasthan Royals and India’s long search for a left-arm fast bowler might just be fulfilled. Nitish Rana has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket and a left-hander is a useful option in the batting order as he can play the role of a top-order batsman as well as the finisher and he is going to be very handy with his part-time off-spin.
Krishnappa Gowtham has been a name that has been going around in the Indian domestic circuit for a long time now for his big-hitting capabilities as well as his economical bowling spells with the new ball.