The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 has witnessed some of the young guns outshine the old warhorses this year. One of the best T20 leagues across the globe, the IPL has over the years provided a much-needed platform for the Indian youngsters to shine and prove their worth.&nbsp;

India's domestic cricket structure is a formidable force in itself with thousands of players plying their trade across states, districts and other local sides in order to realise their dreams of playing for India one day. However, the demanding domestic structure had often been criticised for not identifying and nurturing proper talent at the grassroots level.

Thanks to the IPL, the gap between the national team and domestic cricket has been bridged smoothly as youngsters get a chance to rub&nbsp;shoulders with the best in the world in the cash-rich league. There have been a plethora of success stories in IPL that have gone on to represent India at the highest stage later in their careers.

With a number of young talents emerging every season, the ongoing edition of IPL has been no different. A number of youngsters have grabbed the opportunities coming their way with both hands and have shone for their respective teams. Here we take a look at five such Indian young guns who have taken IPL 2021 by a storm with their brilliant performances.

1) Ruturaj Gaikwad

<img alt="Ruturaj Gaikwad | Photo - PTI |" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f43bdbcd-3529-4fe9-9c71-dce1529997aa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ruturaj%20PTI.png" />

The young right-hand batsman has been a revelation for MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Gaikwad had proved his mettle last season by scoring runs consistently in the handful of opportunities coming his way in the UAE. However, he set the ball rolling from the word go in IPL 2021 and has been the second-highest run-getter for his side in the ongoing season.

Known for his terrific technique and ability to churn out runs consistently, Gaikwad seems to be a brilliant prospect for both CSK and team India in the future. The stylish batsman has so far amassed 533 runs in 14 matches this season at an excellent average of 44.41 and a strike rate of 137.01.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-hardik-pandya-virender-sehwag-names-3-players-mumbai-indians-should-retain-ahead-of-ipl-mega-auction-419581">No Hardik Pandya! Virender Sehwag names 3 players Mumbai Indians should retain ahead of IPL mega auction</a>

2) Venkatesh Iyer

<img alt="Venkatesh Iyer | Photo - IANS |" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="68cace55-e35a-4256-9859-c7fbe9c60d17" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Venkatesh%20Iyer%20IANS.png" />

Kolkata Knight Riders were among the least favourites to qualify for the playoffs this season after a disastrous start to their campaign in India. KKR managed just two wins in their first seven games of the season in the first leg and headed to UAE with their task cut out. They needed to win at least five of their remaining seven matches and they did exactly that to make it to the playoffs.

Venkatesh Iyer is one of the youngsters who has played an instrumental role in helping KKR secure a spot in the playoffs in IPL 2021. Making his debut for KKR against RCB, Iyer announced himself on the big stage with a cracking 41 off just 27 balls and has not looked back since. Known for his big-hitting prowess, Iyer has notched up 239 runs in just 7 games at a strike rate close to 130 and has also proven to be a handy bowler. The batting all-rounder has made heads turn with his performances and looks one for the future.

3) Avesh Khan&nbsp;

<img alt="Avesh Khan | Photo - IPL |" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8dc6f2a6-a241-4111-9aef-879d0133f266" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Avesh%20Khan%20IPL.png" />

24-year-old Avesh Khan has outshone the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje to emerge as Delhi Capitals' highest wicket-taker in the ongoing IPL 2021. One of the most promising fast-bowling prospects that India have at present, Avesh has impressed with his pace, accuracy and consistency for DC.

The right-arm fast bowler has enjoyed a stellar season so far with the ball and has already picked up 22 wickets in just 14 matches at an economy of 7.45. He has been captain Rishabh Pant's go-to-man at DC this season despite the likes of Rabada and Nortje in the team's ranks. Avesh was one of the net bowlers for India on their tour of England earlier this year and looks destined for bigger things in the future.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/video-analyst-captains-kkr-gautam-gambhir-fires-shots-at-eoin-morgan-ahead-of-ipl-2021-playoffs-419593">Video analyst captains KKR: Gautam Gambhir fires shots at Eoin Morgan ahead of IPL 2021 playoffs</a>

4) Arshdeep Singh

<img alt="Arshdeep Singh | Photo - IPL |" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a6fd75ec-4ffd-4b21-9eeb-880f0eca5d75" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Arshdeep.png" />

Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh enjoyed a memorable campaign in IPL 2021 and could be soon knocking at the selectors' doors for entry in Team India's squad in limited-overs. Arshdeep was one of the best&nbsp;bowlers for Punjab in the IPL last year and continued his brilliant run in the 2021 edition of the tournament as well.

Arshdeep picked up 18 wickets in just 12 matches in the league stages of IPL 2021 while bowling at an economy of just over 8. He formed a formidable partnership with senior Indian pacer Mohammed Shami for PBKS and delivered the goods for captain KL Rahul in several pressure situations. The 22-year-old is certainly one to watch out for in the future.

5) Ravi Bishnoi

<img alt="Ravi Bishnoi | Photo - IPL |" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3f579a96-56e5-4acb-96b6-a105031f82a7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ravi%20Bishnoi%20IPL.png" />

With the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav falling out of favour in&nbsp;the Indian team, the selectors are actively on the lookout for&nbsp;young spinners. Ravi Bishnoi, the former India U-19 star has caught the eye of many with his impressive performances for Punjab Kings in the IPL. A fearless customer, Bishnoi is known for his ability to trouble the best of batsmen.

Bishnoi can be fast-tracked into the Indian side owing to his impeccable skills and temperament. The young leg-spinner did not get a lot of chances in the India leg of IPL 2021 but redeemed himself in the UAE leg of the season to finish with 12 wickets from 9 matches.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 has witnessed some of the young guns outshine the old warhorses this year. One of the best T20 leagues across the globe, the IPL has over the years provided a much-needed platform for the Indian youngsters to shine and prove their worth.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 has witnessed some of the young guns outshine the old warhorses this year. One of the best T20 leagues across the globe, the IPL has over the years provided a much-needed platform for the Indian youngsters to shine and prove their worth. India's domestic cricket structure is a formidable force in itself with thousands of players plying their trade across states, districts and other local sides in order to realise their dreams of playing for India one day. However, the demanding domestic structure had often been criticised for not identifying and nurturing proper talent at the grassroots level. Thanks to the IPL, the gap between the national team and domestic cricket has been bridged smoothly as youngsters get a chance to rub shoulders with the best in the world in the cash-rich league. There have been a plethora of success stories in IPL that have gone on to represent India at the highest stage later in their careers. With a number of young talents emerging every season, the ongoing edition of IPL has been no different. A number of youngsters have grabbed the opportunities coming their way with both hands and have shone for their respective teams. Here we take a look at five such Indian young guns who have taken IPL 2021 by a storm with their brilliant performances. 1) Ruturaj Gaikwad The young right-hand batsman has been a revelation for MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Gaikwad had proved his mettle last season by scoring runs consistently in the handful of opportunities coming his way in the UAE. However, he set the ball rolling from the word go in IPL 2021 and has been the second-highest run-getter for his side in the ongoing season. Known for his terrific technique and ability to churn out runs consistently, Gaikwad seems to be a brilliant prospect for both CSK and team India in the future. The stylish batsman has so far amassed 533 runs in 14 matches this season at an excellent average of 44.41 and a strike rate of 137.01. Also Read: No Hardik Pandya! Virender Sehwag names 3 players Mumbai Indians should retain ahead of IPL mega auction 2) Venkatesh Iyer Kolkata Knight Riders were among the least favourites to qualify for the playoffs this season after a disastrous start to their campaign in India. KKR managed just two wins in their first seven games of the season in the first leg and headed to UAE with their task cut out. They needed to win at least five of their remaining seven matches and they did exactly that to make it to the playoffs. Venkatesh Iyer is one of the youngsters who has played an instrumental role in helping KKR secure a spot in the playoffs in IPL 2021. Making his debut for KKR against RCB, Iyer announced himself on the big stage with a cracking 41 off just 27 balls and has not looked back since. Known for his big-hitting prowess, Iyer has notched up 239 runs in just 7 games at a strike rate close to 130 and has also proven to be a handy bowler. The batting all-rounder has made heads turn with his performances and looks one for the future. 3) Avesh Khan 24-year-old Avesh Khan has outshone the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje to emerge as Delhi Capitals' highest wicket-taker in the ongoing IPL 2021. One of the most promising fast-bowling prospects that India have at present, Avesh has impressed with his pace, accuracy and consistency for DC. The right-arm fast bowler has enjoyed a stellar season so far with the ball and has already picked up 22 wickets in just 14 matches at an economy of 7.45. He has been captain Rishabh Pant's go-to-man at DC this season despite the likes of Rabada and Nortje in the team's ranks. Avesh was one of the net bowlers for India on their tour of England earlier this year and looks destined for bigger things in the future. Also Read: Video analyst captains KKR: Gautam Gambhir fires shots at Eoin Morgan ahead of IPL 2021 playoffs 4) Arshdeep Singh Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh enjoyed a memorable campaign in IPL 2021 and could be soon knocking at the selectors' doors for entry in Team India's squad in limited-overs. Arshdeep was one of the best bowlers for Punjab in the IPL last year and continued his brilliant run in the 2021 edition of the tournament as well. Arshdeep picked up 18 wickets in just 12 matches in the league stages of IPL 2021 while bowling at an economy of just over 8. He formed a formidable partnership with senior Indian pacer Mohammed Shami for PBKS and delivered the goods for captain KL Rahul in several pressure situations. The 22-year-old is certainly one to watch out for in the future. 5) Ravi Bishnoi With the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav falling out of favour in the Indian team, the selectors are actively on the lookout for young spinners. Ravi Bishnoi, the former India U-19 star has caught the eye of many with his impressive performances for Punjab Kings in the IPL. A fearless customer, Bishnoi is known for his ability to trouble the best of batsmen. Bishnoi can be fast-tracked into the Indian side owing to his impeccable skills and temperament. The young leg-spinner did not get a lot of chances in the India leg of IPL 2021 but redeemed himself in the UAE leg of the season to finish with 12 wickets from 9 matches.

Future superstars! Five Indian youngsters who took IPL 2021 by a storm with their performances

Indian Premier League (IPL) is known as a platform where ‘talent meets opportunity’. While many youngsters have used the platform to improve their game and gain the much-needed experience to take their talent a notch-above, many crumble under the sheer pressure and demand of arguably the best T20 tournament in the world.

One player, who has impressed in IPL is Kings XI Punjab’s left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh, who made his debut for the franchise in 2019, and has continued to impress with his control, variations while holding his nerves in pressure situations.&nbsp;

In an exclusive interview with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty, Kings XI Punjab pacer Arshdeep Singh spoke about sharing the dressing room with some of the biggest names in world cricket, KL Rahul’s captaincy, learning from Anil Kumble and Charl Langeveldt, bowling to Andre Russell and more.&nbsp;

Arshdeep has been a welcome addition to KXIP’s bowling unit in IPL 2020 and the youngster has made headlines by bowling crucial overs for the Punjab outfit while picking up four wickets in three matches. He further boasts an eye-catching economy of 7.80.&nbsp;

After having a successful trial in 2019, Arshdeep impressed the KXIP staff and scouts with his execution in death overs and was picked up by the franchise in the IPL 2019 auction. Still carving his way to the top, Arshdeep is steadily becoming a household name as he terms the KXIP franchise as a “family”. The 21-year-old is beaming with confidence while putting up some impressive numbers for his side in IPL 2020.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a>

“It is always a special feeling playing in the IPL and for Kings XI Punjab. Honestly, it is no less than a family and I have always felt comfortable playing for this franchise,” Arshdeep told WION in an exclusive interview.

“It’s all about confidence, I think. Last season, I was new to the tournament and different situations this tournament puts you in but this season, it doesn’t feel like an alien situation and I feel I belong to this competition. I have backed my abilities and continue to do so,” the member of Under-19 World Cup 2018 added.

<img alt="Arshdeep Singh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c21b50ad-1fa7-4c9c-a574-6d89be4776e5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ej9xVZ3VoAAzth5.jpg" />

Arshdeep has bowled in some crunch situations in the 13th edition of IPL but has left everyone impressed with the maturity he has shown with the ball.

“The plan has been to keep things simple. In the team meetings, with coach and support staff of the team, the talk is always to keep things simple and execute it. And you can see that it has come out for me well so far in this tournament.”

The likes of Mandeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi have already hailed the influence of Anil Kumble in the dressing room and how the former Indian skipper backs his players to bring confidence factor into the play. When asked about Anil Kumble and bowling coach Charl Langeveldt, Arshdeep spoke in similar lines as he heaped praise on the coaching staff while explaining how they give him and other players the freedom to come up with their own plans.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-dont-want-my-game-to-be-limited-to-googlys-says-kings-xi-punjabs-ravi-bishnoi-329890" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Don't want my game to be limited to googlys, says Kings XI Punjab's Ravi Bishnoi</a>

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-hope-to-carry-domestic-form-into-ipl-2020-says-kings-xi-punjabs-mandeep-singh-327464" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Hope to carry domestic form into IPL 2020, says Kings XI Punjab's Mandeep Singh</a>

“Both (Anil Kumble and Charl Langeveldt) have been legends of the game at their time. I am trying to pick their brains as much as possible. The experience they share is always helpful for me and other players as well. Charl just asks me to back my execution and talent and gives me the freedom to bowl according my comfort. And Anil sir is so helpful with everything. He always tells me to come to approach them or the captain and talk to them about whatever I am feeling about my bowling plans and gives me a free hand in what I want to do in a particular match or situation,” Arshdeep said.

<img alt="Arshdeep Singh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d875fc18-a228-4b21-98af-06d10578a093" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EkMuiE3XgAAedYe.jpg" />

KXIP added some big names to their squad for IPL 2020 with the likes of Sheldon Cottrell, Jimmy Neesham, Chris Jordan among many others joining in. The KXIP dressing room boasts some huge names in the world of cricket. For Arshdeep, it is simple. Just keep picking their brains and keep learning.&nbsp;

“It is a big boost for me as I have been learning plenty of things from these guys. They might not enjoy my company that much as I always keep on asking questions” (laughs) but I make sure that I take everything from them”

KXIP also have some good domestic talent in their ranks. While there is always competition for places within the team, Arshdeep is of the view that regardless of whoever finds his name in the playing XI or in the bench, the mantra is to keep backing the team.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-ipl-2020-excited-to-play-for-kings-xi-punjab-and-under-kl-rahul-ishan-porel-320231" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Excited to play for Kings XI Punjab and under KL Rahul: Ishan Porel</a>

“There is a healthy competition. It is really good to have great bunch of youngsters in the squad. We can share a laugh and talk about things. Some of us know each other from under-19 days. It is about enjoying each other’s company and not about who will play or who will sit out. We just back each other regardless of whoever play”

Arshdeep made a massive impact in KXIP’s match against KKR where he conceded just 25 runs off his four-over quota while sending Andre Russell packing in the 19th over. He also had a maiden in his spell as the youngster stunned the KKR batting unit with his impeccable execution of wider deliveries at an almost perfect angle. His celebration, after dismissing Russell summed it up all.

<img alt="Arshdeep Singh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e77c4c28-0a15-43dc-a51f-0e5a7fe08052" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ej93WO_VcAA8eBx.jpg" />

“No one would love to bowl to Andre (laughs). But we planned about Andre a lot in the meeting with coaching staff and KL. We always plan in-depth when facing the likes of AB de Villiers or Andre Russell or other big names in T20 cricket. The plan was to keep it simple and back our plans and when the execution comes off perfectly, it feels good.

“The feeling of picking any wicket is great. The celebration came out naturally due to the heat of Abu Dhabi (laughs). But on a serious note, it was a big wicket for the team and of course, myself. So it was pure passion, you can say. It was great to get that wicket,” Arshdeep explained.

<img alt="Arshdeep Singh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e540e3c9-1d3b-465d-b34f-0bb2e93c3685" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ej-KuAVXsAgQn_4.jpg" />

The most important thing for a youngster is to grasp everything in a bid to become better. While Arshdeep has shown great signs of improvement, he knows that players lose focus too early and doesn’t want to make the same mistake.

“My biggest learning has been that many lose their focus when they come to IPL and the environment but main thing is to keep yourself focused. Many people try too many things in IPL but for me, it is about backing my talent and skill-set," said the southpaw.

Irfan Pathan’s first-over hat-trick against Pakistan in 2006 made Arshdeep fall in love with his bowling. While Wasim Akram is the go-to favourite for all the pacers, the KXIP youngster is closely keeping a tab on how Mitchell Starc bowls and fires in those yorkers.

“When I didn’t start playing, I used to follow Irfan Pathan. His hat-trick against Pakistan made me fall in love with his bowling. And I loved watching Wasim Akram but now I am following Mitchell Starc, the yorkers he fires in are what I love the most.”

<img alt="Arshdeep Singh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99b25525-deab-4c51-b64d-f1b3162e8b54" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ej9b-F7VcAEKoIo_0.jpg" />

KXIP didn’t get off to the best of starts as they lost a few close matches. They aren’t in the best of position in the points table. However, things change quickly in the world of cricket and IPL is the pinnacle of twist and turns. Arshdeep thanked all the KXIP fans for supporting them while adding that they are ready to prove that they can do much better than what they did in the first phase of IPL.

“A huge thank you from me and the Kings XI Punjab family for supporting us. We are not in the best place in the points table but keep supporting us throughout our journey. A big thank you to all of you. Keep believing in us and I am sure we will prove we are better than what the points table is showing. Thank you supporting us.” 
&nbsp;

Indian Premier League (IPL) is known as a platform where ‘talent meets opportunity’. While many youngsters have used the platform to improve their game and gain the much-needed experience to take their talent a notch-above, many crumble under the sheer pressure and demand of arguably the best T20 tournament in the world.

Indian Premier League (IPL) is known as a platform where ‘talent meets opportunity’. While many youngsters have used the platform to improve their game and gain the much-needed experience to take their talent a notch-above, many crumble under the sheer pressure and demand of arguably the best T20 tournament in the world. One player, who has impressed in IPL is Kings XI Punjab’s left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh, who made his debut for the franchise in 2019, and has continued to impress with his control, variations while holding his nerves in pressure situations. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty, Kings XI Punjab pacer Arshdeep Singh spoke about sharing the dressing room with some of the biggest names in world cricket, KL Rahul’s captaincy, learning from Anil Kumble and Charl Langeveldt, bowling to Andre Russell and more. Arshdeep has been a welcome addition to KXIP’s bowling unit in IPL 2020 and the youngster has made headlines by bowling crucial overs for the Punjab outfit while picking up four wickets in three matches. He further boasts an eye-catching economy of 7.80. After having a successful trial in 2019, Arshdeep impressed the KXIP staff and scouts with his execution in death overs and was picked up by the franchise in the IPL 2019 auction. Still carving his way to the top, Arshdeep is steadily becoming a household name as he terms the KXIP franchise as a “family”. The 21-year-old is beaming with confidence while putting up some impressive numbers for his side in IPL 2020. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell “It is always a special feeling playing in the IPL and for Kings XI Punjab. Honestly, it is no less than a family and I have always felt comfortable playing for this franchise,” Arshdeep told WION in an exclusive interview. “It’s all about confidence, I think. Last season, I was new to the tournament and different situations this tournament puts you in but this season, it doesn’t feel like an alien situation and I feel I belong to this competition. I have backed my abilities and continue to do so,” the member of Under-19 World Cup 2018 added. Arshdeep has bowled in some crunch situations in the 13th edition of IPL but has left everyone impressed with the maturity he has shown with the ball. “The plan has been to keep things simple. In the team meetings, with coach and support staff of the team, the talk is always to keep things simple and execute it. And you can see that it has come out for me well so far in this tournament.” The likes of Mandeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi have already hailed the influence of Anil Kumble in the dressing room and how the former Indian skipper backs his players to bring confidence factor into the play. When asked about Anil Kumble and bowling coach Charl Langeveldt, Arshdeep spoke in similar lines as he heaped praise on the coaching staff while explaining how they give him and other players the freedom to come up with their own plans. ALSO READ: Exclusive: Don't want my game to be limited to googlys, says Kings XI Punjab's Ravi Bishnoi ALSO READ: Exclusive: Hope to carry domestic form into IPL 2020, says Kings XI Punjab's Mandeep Singh “Both (Anil Kumble and Charl Langeveldt) have been legends of the game at their time. I am trying to pick their brains as much as possible. The experience they share is always helpful for me and other players as well. Charl just asks me to back my execution and talent and gives me the freedom to bowl according my comfort. And Anil sir is so helpful with everything. He always tells me to come to approach them or the captain and talk to them about whatever I am feeling about my bowling plans and gives me a free hand in what I want to do in a particular match or situation,” Arshdeep said. KXIP added some big names to their squad for IPL 2020 with the likes of Sheldon Cottrell, Jimmy Neesham, Chris Jordan among many others joining in. The KXIP dressing room boasts some huge names in the world of cricket. For Arshdeep, it is simple. Just keep picking their brains and keep learning. “It is a big boost for me as I have been learning plenty of things from these guys. They might not enjoy my company that much as I always keep on asking questions” (laughs) but I make sure that I take everything from them” KXIP also have some good domestic talent in their ranks. While there is always competition for places within the team, Arshdeep is of the view that regardless of whoever finds his name in the playing XI or in the bench, the mantra is to keep backing the team. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Excited to play for Kings XI Punjab and under KL Rahul: Ishan Porel “There is a healthy competition. It is really good to have great bunch of youngsters in the squad. We can share a laugh and talk about things. Some of us know each other from under-19 days. It is about enjoying each other’s company and not about who will play or who will sit out. We just back each other regardless of whoever play” Arshdeep made a massive impact in KXIP’s match against KKR where he conceded just 25 runs off his four-over quota while sending Andre Russell packing in the 19th over. He also had a maiden in his spell as the youngster stunned the KKR batting unit with his impeccable execution of wider deliveries at an almost perfect angle. His celebration, after dismissing Russell summed it up all. “No one would love to bowl to Andre (laughs). But we planned about Andre a lot in the meeting with coaching staff and KL. We always plan in-depth when facing the likes of AB de Villiers or Andre Russell or other big names in T20 cricket. The plan was to keep it simple and back our plans and when the execution comes off perfectly, it feels good. “The feeling of picking any wicket is great. The celebration came out naturally due to the heat of Abu Dhabi (laughs). But on a serious note, it was a big wicket for the team and of course, myself. So it was pure passion, you can say. It was great to get that wicket,” Arshdeep explained. The most important thing for a youngster is to grasp everything in a bid to become better. While Arshdeep has shown great signs of improvement, he knows that players lose focus too early and doesn’t want to make the same mistake. “My biggest learning has been that many lose their focus when they come to IPL and the environment but main thing is to keep yourself focused. Many people try too many things in IPL but for me, it is about backing my talent and skill-set," said the southpaw. Irfan Pathan’s first-over hat-trick against Pakistan in 2006 made Arshdeep fall in love with his bowling. While Wasim Akram is the go-to favourite for all the pacers, the KXIP youngster is closely keeping a tab on how Mitchell Starc bowls and fires in those yorkers. “When I didn’t start playing, I used to follow Irfan Pathan. His hat-trick against Pakistan made me fall in love with his bowling. And I loved watching Wasim Akram but now I am following Mitchell Starc, the yorkers he fires in are what I love the most.” KXIP didn’t get off to the best of starts as they lost a few close matches. They aren’t in the best of position in the points table. However, things change quickly in the world of cricket and IPL is the pinnacle of twist and turns. Arshdeep thanked all the KXIP fans for supporting them while adding that they are ready to prove that they can do much better than what they did in the first phase of IPL. “A huge thank you from me and the Kings XI Punjab family for supporting us. We are not in the best place in the points table but keep supporting us throughout our journey. A big thank you to all of you. Keep believing in us and I am sure we will prove we are better than what the points table is showing. Thank you supporting us.”

Exclusive: 'By keeping things simple', Arshdeep Singh taking giant strides with Kings XI Punjab

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Future superstars! Five Indian youngsters who took IPL 2021 by a storm with their performances

Exclusive: 'By keeping things simple', Arshdeep Singh taking giant strides with Kings XI Punjab