The buildup to an IPL debut can often be extremely nerve-wracking and daunting but for these young men, the millions watching and the incredible competition brought out the best of them as they thoroughly impressed everyone on their debuts in the grandest T20 league of them all. So today at Man’s Life, we’re taking a look at 5 debutants that left a real mark on the first week of the IPL (until 2nd April, 2022):
5. ABHINAV MANOHAR – GUJARAT TITANS
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It’s daunting enough to make an IPL debut but it’s even more challenging when you’re thrown in the deep end on debut to win a franchise’s first-ever game in the IPL. But the moment brought out the best of Abhinav Manohar. Abhinav Manohar who was picked up for 2.6Cr at the auction, helped Gujarat Titans get over the line in their maiden IPL encounter against the other newbies Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium. With 11 needed off the final over Manohar, struck two back-to-back fours to make the job simple for Rahul Tewatia to seal the win at the other end. Abhinav was the top scorer for Karnataka in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament and he’s carried that form into the IPL for Gujarat.
4. ODEAN SMITH – PUNJAB KINGS
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We’ve seen a few big, burly West Indians grace the IPL and we can add another one to the list in 2022 in Windies all-rounder Odean Smith who emerged as the hero on his Punjab Kings debut vs the Royal Challengers Bangalore with an unbeaten 25 off eight balls as PBKS chased down 206 with an over to spare. A man who bowls a heavy ball, Smith also proved why there was a bidding war for him at the auction table as he backed his ability to make it a memorable start to the season for PBKS and a memorable career in the IPL for himself!
3. TILAK VARMA – MUMBAI INDIANS
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A lot was said about Tilak Varma coming into this IPL and being a part of the most successful franchise in history, it takes something special to find a place in the playing XI in your debut season. Tilak made his debut vs the Delhi Capitals with an innings of 22 off 15 balls but backed that up with a brilliant showing on the field vs the Rajasthan Royals with 2 catches and a Run Out followed by a scintillating maiden fifty off just 28 deliveries to lift the Mumbai Indians in their 2nd outing vs the Rajasthan Royals. That reverse sweep six vs Ashwin will be remembered for a long time!
2. BHANUKA RAJAPAKSA – PUNJAB KINGS
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This pocket-sized-dynamo has lit up the IPL and taken his opportunity to shine with both hands. The 30 year old Sri Lankan who has been battling thoughts of retirement and withdrawing retirement from Sri Lankan Cricket, has not let it affect his performances in the IPL in his debut season with 43 of just 22 deliveries on a match-winning debut for the Punjab Kings vs Virat Kohli and the RCB men followed by another whirlwind knock of 31 off just 9 balls vs KKR at a strike rate of 344!!! Whether or not he’s retiring from Sri Lankan Cricket, we just hope this man continues to entertain us in the IPL for a while to come.
1. AYUSH BADONI – LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS
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54 off 41 balls vs Gujarat Titans, 19* off 9 balls vs defending champions, Chennai Super Kings. These are extraordinary numbers for young Ayush Badoni who in the span of a week has gone from oblivion to being a household name across the country. Spotted by Gautam Gambhir and picked up by the Lucknow Super Giants at a base price of ₹20 lakh, this 22 year old has already displayed maturity beyond his years and proved that he belongs on the biggest stage with game-changing innings in his first two outings, even though the first knock vs Gujarat Titans went in vain.
[Featured Image Credit: ANI]
Suhail Chandhok
Vertical Head - Sports