India has produced some highly talented youngsters in the last few years. From domestic cricket to the Indian Premier League, India has got a huge talent pool which is good for the future of Indian cricket.
Former India batsman Suresh Raina named the ones who caught his attention and impressed him. Speaking in an interview with News24 Sports, he said Karnataka batsman Devdutt Padikkal and Maharashtra's Ruturaj Gaikwad are the ones to watch out.
"I think Devdutt Padikkal from Karnataka. After him, Ruturaj Gaikwad from Maharashtra. He is a gun player," Raina said. He further mentioned Akshar Patel's brilliant performance in the Test series at home against England.
"Akshar Patel has worked really hard, and he performed brilliantly well in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja," he added.
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The 34-year-old is a huge admirer of Rishabh Pant and he explained the reason for not putting him on the list. Raina said Pant has now entered the group of senior players.
"See, he has entered the senior category. He's grown. He is also hitting fours now and not only sixes," he explained.
When India's bench strength was tested on the last Australia tour, they not only managed to put up a fight but also defeated the Aussies in their home. Raina credited former India cricketer and NCA chief Rahul Dravid for playing a big role in the growth of budding cricketers.
"Even Mohammed Siraj is bowling so well. And somewhere I feel credit goes to Rahul Dravid who has worked extremely hard with the Under-19 team which is why he is with the senior team now and my best wishes to Shikhar Dhawan, that he does well and return to the Test team because he too is a very big player for India and he must be hoping to perform well in Sri Lanka," he said.
Raina also named the consistent performers in domestic cricket and IPL. "Then definitely Priyam Garg from Uttar Pradesh. Karn Sharma is another player from Uttar Pradesh who has performed really well. From Punjab, there is Abhishek Sharma, who has impressed me a lot. Sachin Baby is also putting in a lot of hard-work," he added.
