Each Indian T20 league season throws up some new players and this year's no different. So far in the league, we have seen some commendable performances by a lot of young Indian superstars. The national team looks short on middle-order firepower and the need of the hour could be one of these players.
Suryakumar Yadav
A consistent performer in the Indian T20 League in the last few years, Suryakumar Yadav made 512 runs in the 2018 season and 424 in 2019. Despite good performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament as well, Suryakumar is yet to crack into the Indian T20I team.
The Mumbai middle-order batsman might be a straight shoo-in for the No. 4 or 5 position given his versatility in tackling pace and spin and accessing every area of the ground with his 360° batting. Suryakumar has 233 runs this season so far at an average of 38.83 and a strike-rate of 155.33, improving markedly on his scoring rate.
Rahul Tewatia
A left-field option for the finisher slot alongside Hardik Pandya or as his back-up, Rahul Tewatia has been an impact player for Rajasthan with incredible knocks this year from impossible situations. First used to counter leg-spin, Tewatia has showcased his prowess against pace and spin alike and can be a floater in India's middle-order like he is used by Rajasthan.
The fact that he can chip in with a few overs too makes Tewatia an enticing pick. Although it's possibly too early to put him in frame for this position, the sheer lack of big hitters in the death for India gives his case a considerable boost.
Mayank Agarwal
While he has shone as an opener this season, Mayank Agarwal is adept against spin and can tackle pace too. His batting in the middle overs, particularly against the spinners, puts him in line for a middle-order berth in India's shortest format team. A terrific Indian T20 League season so far has seen Mayank rack up 337 runs at an average of 48.14 and a strike-rate of 158.96, which features amongst the top 10.
A mainstay in the Indian Test side as opener now, Mayank is a great choice for a middle-order spot given how well he starts against spin. A consolidator and attacker, Mayank can complement the likes of Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya perfectly.
Feature image courtesy: Twitter.com / Punjab
