After India’s disappointing ICC T20 World Cup 2021 campaign, the Men in Blue will host New Zealand for three T20Is and two test matches. The tour kickstarts with the first T20I on November 17 in Jaipur.
India will be desperate to bounce back with a stronger performance at home. Owing to a rigid international calendar, the senior Indian players are likely to be rested for the T20I series. This opens a window for other young cricketers in the country, who showcased their talent in the Indian Premier League and in the domestic circuit.
On that note, let’s take a look at three young cricketers who could earn a maiden national call-up for the T20I series against New Zealand.
#1. Venkatesh Iyer
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Venkatesh Iyer was arguably the find of the Indian Premier League 2021. He took the UAE phase of the tournament by storm with his delightful strokes. Venkatesh Iyer scored 265 runs, including two fifties in 8 matches at an average of 37.85 in IPL 2021. He was also very handy with the ball.
The left-handed batter was drafted to India’s T20 World Cup 2021 contingent as a net bowler. However, was released to play the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he has amassed 154 runs so far in four games. Venkatesh Iyer is likely to receive his maiden India call-up for the T20I series against New Zealand.
#2. Avesh Khan
Avesh Khan carved a niche for himself playing alongside Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League 2021. He was the second leading wicket-taker in the tournament. The pacer took 24 wickets at an average of 18.75 and an economy rate of 7.37. He has also been a net bowler for the Indian team on previous tours.
The right-arm pacer is in great rhythm in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Playing for Madhya Pradesh, he has scalped 9 wickets, at an impressive average of 10 and an economy rate of 6. Avesh’s rise in the last year or so and his current form makes a strong case for a maiden India call-up.
#3. Rahul Tripathi
Rahul Tripathi played an instrumental role in the Kolkata Knight Riders campaign in the Indian Premier League 2021. He was the second leading run-scorer, with 397 runs in 17 matches. Rahul Tripathi also had an impressive strike rate of 140.28 in the tournament.
The right-handed batter’s last-ball heroics in Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League 2021 season against Delhi Capitals was one of the highlights of KKR’s journey. He is also a seasoned performer in domestic cricket and leads his state team Maharashtra. Rahul Tripathi might get earn a national call-up in the T20 format against New Zealand.
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