The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not only about the superstars of the game like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Rashid Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Rohit Sharma. It's also about others showcasing their outrageous skills and locking horns with each other. Moreover, It is also about the young upcoming players grabbing the opportunity and showcasing their talent on the biggest stage. And IPL 2021 season is not out of that list.

And, every year we saw a plethora of youngsters do exactly that. And, the IPL rewards them with the " Emerging Player " award at the end of every season. From the first leg in India to the second leg in UAE, we saw plenty of youngsters showcasing their talents.

In this article, we will discuss the 5 young talented players of IPL 2021, who can grab the "Emerging Player of the year" award this season. Meanwhile, SportzPoint.com gives you all the detailed stats and reasons to believe.

Read Also: 6 Oldest IPL Cricketers in History

"Emerging Player" award contenders of IPL 2021 :

Umran Malik (Sunrisers Hyderabad) :

The 21 years young talented Jammu & Kashmir speedster Umran Malik came in SRH's squad as a net bowler. Meanwhile, he made it to the main squad after Natranjan got Covid-19 positive in the initial stages of the UAE leg. Although, Umran Malik does not get a chance in the earlier stage. But, in the last three games, he got the chance to showcase his talent. This young gun from Kasmir bowls continuously at 145+ Kmph as each batsman fails into difficulty to play the pace that he generates.

He has played a total of three matches in IPL 2021 and all are in the second leg. Although, he picks up only 2 wickets with an average of 48 and with an economy rate of 8. He bowls brilliantly against Royal Challengers Bangalore as his bowling figure was 4-0-21-1. Although there are many more powerful contenders on this list than Umran Malik, but the pace he generates as an Indian is on another level.

Also Read: ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 fixture and schedule

Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals) :

Rajasthan Royals' destructive opener Yashasvi Jaiswal played brilliantly throughout the tournament. Especially, Jaiswal played superb innings in the second leg of IPL 2021 as he added his name to the fastest fifties list. Moreover, he is the second on the list of fastest fifty as an uncapped player. Jaiswal scored a 19 ball 50 against Chennai Super Kings to achieve these feet. However, Ishan Kishan is in the no. 1 place with a 17 ball fifty in 2018 against KKR.

Although, Jaiswal was in Rajasthan's squad in 2020, but he doesn't get much chance to showcase his talent which he did in 2021. Yashasvi Jaiswal played a total of 10 matches in IPL 2021, in which he scored 249 runs with an average of 24.90. Meanwhile, Jaiswal has an impressive strike rate of 148.29 in these games with a fifty against CSK.

Read Also: Every squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021

Arshdeep Singh (Punjab Kings) :

Punjab Kings' young talented pacer Arshdeep Singh is also a contender for this year's "Emerging Player" award. Arshdeep bowls in good areas, be it in powerplay overs or in the death. He always picks up the opponent's wickets in crucial times and drives his team to victory. However, his captain KL Rahul always looks at him when his team needs a wicket.

Although, he debuts in IPL was back in 2019, but did not get much chance. However, when he bowls well in the last edition of IPL Punjab Kings decided to give him more chances in IPL 2021. Arshdeep played a total of 12 matches in IPL 2021, in which he scalps 18 wickets with an impressive average of 19. Moreover, he also gets his first five-wicket haul in IPL against Rajasthan Royals.

So, as we can see Arshdeep is a strong contender for this season's award of the emerging player. Wish he will impress more in the future and maybe get a place in team India's squad.

Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings) :

Chennai Super Kings champion opener Ruturaj Gaikwad impresses the management in the last edition of IPL. For that reason, he makes it into the IPL 2021 squad of CSK. He scored with an average of 51 in the 2020 season. Although, he played only 6 matches in the 2020 edition. His performance is brilliant this season as he is the most powerful contender for this award.

Ruturaj scored a huge 533 runs in 14 matches so far in IPL 2021 and will add more in the playoffs. However, currently, his average is 44.41 in these 14 matches. Ruturaj smashes a century against Rajasthan Royals as he scored 101* runs in 62 balls. And the consistency he showed in every match is unmatchable in the IPL stage.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is currently also in the race of Orange Cap of this season. He is currently in the 4th position and will go future as Rahul, Dhawan, and Faf are also in the race.

Also Read: IPL Playoffs: Fixture, schedule, match details, and everything

Avesh Khan (Delhi Capitals) :

Delhi Capitals champion bowler Avesh Khan is another most deserving contender of this award this season. Be it in the first leg or in the second, Avesh always performs well in every match that he plays. Avesh Khan debuts in IPL back in the year 2017. Although, he does not plays much till 2020. But, in IPL 2021 he plays all the matches and will play in the playoffs also.

Avesh Khan played 14 matches so far in IPL 2021, in which he scalps 22 wickets with an average of 17.31. Avesh also has an impressive strike rate of 14.45 including best career bowling figures of 3/13. For Delhi Capitals, he is the best bowler so far in this season be it taking wickets or push a break on the opponent's runs flow.

However, the list also contains plenty of youngsters like Kartik Tyagi, Chetan Sakariya, Ravi Bishnoi, Shah Rukh Khan, etc. Everyone is talented in their own ways and if they get the chance, they can perform well on the International stage.

Last 10 years "Emerging Player of the year" award winners list :

N.B: The stats are accurate as of 09/10/2021.

Indian cricket team management suffered major setbacks ahead of the ENG vs IND, 4th test in Manchester, starting from Wednesday. Two Indian pacers, Akash Deep and Ashdeep Singh, have been ruled out of the 4th test along with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.

With three players already ruled out due to injuries, Shubman Gill and company will have to find solutions within the squad to name a strong playing XI at Old Trafford. 

Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who was hit on his bowling hand, needed stitches. As per the reports of the Indian Express on Sunday, the Medium Pacer will need at least 10 days to recover. This has already ruled him out of the fourth test, and he is unlikely to return for the final test starting on 31st July.

As per the same report by The Indian Express, another pacer, Akash Deep, who was India's hero in their first-ever Test win in Birmingham, has issues with his groin and back. The Indian team management does not want to take risks with his injuries, and thus, he will be monitored as a precaution.

On the other hand, Hindustan Times reported that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy suffered an injury during the gym session on Sunday. So he is also ruled out of the fourth test at Old Trafford Stadium. 

In the situation where India are trailing by 1-2 in the Test series and needs to win the 4th test, to be in contention to win the series, Gautam Gambhir and company will have to dig deep to find solutions.

Here are the solutions India can go for during the 4th test. 

#1 Bumrah, Siraj, Shardul, and who?

With both Akashdeep and Arshdeep Singh being ruled out, there is certainty that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj will be India's leading pacers in the fourth test. Although our questions on the workload management of both those pacers, they will have to be at their best if India wants to bring balance to the series. 

Now, with Nitish Kumar Reddy's injury, India will have to go back to Shardul Thakur, who played in the first test in Leeds. The Mumbai all-rounder only scored 4 runs and took two wickets in that match. 

But if India wants to go for another pacer, they will have the option of Prasidh Krishna and newcomer Anshul Kamboj. Krishna, who did not do very well in the first two test matches, might not be brought back. In that case, Kamboj, who has done well in the first-class games he has played so far, is likely to get his test cap.

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#2 Should Kuldeep Yadav play?

Now, this has been an inclusion that Indian fans have been waiting for from the first test. Kuldeep, who last featured in test matches for India in 2024 against New Zealand at home, can bring the ex-factor in the bowling lineup. But this will leave the batting lineup a bit thin. 

Since Gautam Gambhir has always looked to go for that added batting cushion, it will be hard for Kuldeep to find his place. Even if he plays, will India look to sacrifice Washington Sundar? This would be a very hard question to answer.

#3 Jurel to keep, Pant to play as a specialist batter

Along with these three injuries, we had already reported that Rishabh Pant has not recovered fully from the finger injury he suffered during the Lord's Test. In that case, Dhruv Jurel, who kept wicket at Lord's, is likely to play as a wicket keeper while Rishabh Pant could play as only a specialist batter.

If Jurel comes in, India can leave Shardul out and bring Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI. However, it will only depend on the pitch condition.

ENG vs IND, 4th test: India's possible lineup

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

The world of Test cricket rankings has recently witnessed a drastic shift. As per the ICC's latest Test player rankings update on July 6, 2025, a fresh wave of change is brought out to us, along with new names at the top.

The biggest headline undoubtedly belongs to England's fiery batter, Harry Brook, who has roared up to claim his place as the new No. 1 test batter, overtaking his teammate, Joe Root.

This is closely linked with the ongoing test series between India and England, which is nothing short of a run-scoring carnival. Nearly 1,700 runs were scored in the 2nd test at Edgbaston, which resulted in batters from both sides making big moves in the rankings.

Adding to the excitement, there's the sensational Indian star Shubman Gill, who has made a historic Top 10 debut, following his record-breaking, consistent performances.

From the gains of Wiaan Mulder and Akash Deep to NK Reddy's fall from batters and all-rounders' ranking, check out who is on fire in the longest format of the game right now.

ICC Test player rankings update: Top 10 Batters

Here's the latest ICC Test player rankings update on Men's Test Batting, featuring new no. 1 and Shubman Gill's historic debut.

Read Also: Every record Shubman Gill broke during the ENG vs IND, 2nd test at Edgbaston

Ranking rises and falls: A closer look at the gains and setbacks

After the updated ICC rankings have been released, we have seen many ups and downs in the numbers, based on the recent test performances. Let's take a closer look at them:

Harry Brook overtakes Joe Root to claim No. 1 spot (+1)

Harry Brook's performance in the 2nd test against India at Edgbaston, scoring 158 and 23, was enough to give him a boost in the rankings. He climbed from the second spot to the top (no. 1), overtaking his teammate, Joe Root.

This boost gave us a new ICC No. 1 test batter.

Wiaan Mulder's 367* earns him a massive rise (+34)

South Africa's Wiaan Mulder has made a monumental leap in the ICC test player rankings, climbing to No. 22 after his phenomenal 367* against Zimbabwe in the 2nd test at Bulawayo. Captaining for the first time, Mulder struck 49 fours and 4 sixes during his remarkable knock.

He made a decision to declare the innings and opt not to chase Brian Lara's 400*, out of respect for the legend, as well as to prioritise team victory.

Shubman Gill's historic Top 10 debut (+15)

Shubman Gill delivered a record-breaking performance at Edgbaston, scoring 269 in the first innings and following it up with 161 runs in the next one. He not only secured India's first test victory at the venue but also made a historic Top 10 debut in the ICC test player rankings.

Gill's batting has given him a 15-place push, into the 6th position.

Jamie Smith's fixates in the 10th spot (+16)

England's wicket-keeper batter, Jamie Smith, got a 16-place raise after his 184 and 88 scores at Edgbaston. His dedication to stand up for his team and deliver consistently has earned him the 10th spot.

Read Also: Test Record: Highest individual score by any batter in an innings in Test

Nitish Kumar Reddy down to no. 75 (-11)

In the latest ICC test player rankings update, India's Nitish Kumar Reddy was seen having a hard to with the bat, unable to contribute much for the team. He got dismissed for just 1 run in both innings at the Edgbaston test, resulting in an 11-place downgrade in the rankings.

ICC Test player rankings update: Top 10 Bowlers 

Here's the latest ICC Test player rankings update on Men's Test Bowling:

Ranking rises and falls: A closer look at the gains and setbacks

Take a look at the ups and downs in the rankings of individual players that are worth noting:

Akash Deep jumps to 45th in the World (+39)

The rising Indian fast bowler, Akash Deep has earned the no. 45 spot (gaining a 39-place push), following his 10-wicket haul against England at Edgbaston. He finished with figures of 10/187, and made history by becoming the only second non-english fast bowler to get ten wickets at this venue.

Read Also: Best test bowling figure in an inning by any Indian bowler at Lord's

South Africa's Codi Yusuf climbs to No. 55 (+32)

Following the performance of the South African pacer Codi Yusuf against Zimbabwe, he gained 32 places up in the latest ICC test player rankings update.

Yusuf has consistently proved to be a wicket-taking option for the team, grabbing 10 wickets across the 2 test matches.

Prasidh Krishna's fall to No. 82 (-13)

The lastest ICC test player rankings update also saw a 13-place downgrade for the India's Prasidh Krishna. He struggled to be economical in the English conditions, giving out too much during his spells, resulting in this fall.

Read Also: Most 5-wicket hauls by a captain in Tests

ICC Test player rankings update: Top 10 All-rounders

Here's the latest ICC Test player rankings update on Men's Test All-rounders:

In the history of Indian Test Cricket, reaching the 2000-run milestone has always been a matter of pride. While many have achieved this feat, only a few have done so with remarkable speed.

Currently, the record for the fastest Indians to score 2000 test runs is jointly held by Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid, accomplishing it in 40 innings. 

Let's look at the elite list of players who previously set the standard by being the fastest Indians to reach 2000 test runs.

🚨 Fastest to 2000 test runs by an Indian!

Yashasvi Jaiswal equals Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag's record to become the fastest Indian to reach 2000 test runs! 💯

He is just 23! A superstar in making ⭐#ENGvIND #ENGvsIND #YashasviJaiswal pic.twitter.com/SUgNijNPNO

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) July 4, 2025

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal (40 innings)

Young Yashasvi Jaiswal has been one of the brightest prospects of the Indian test cricket team since his debut. The 23-year-old just equalled the record for the fastest 2000 test run by an Indian during the second inning of the Edgbaston test against England. 

With an outstanding batting average of 53.10, Yashasvi now has 2018 runs in just 21 test matches. In his young career, the southpaw opener has scored 5 test centuries, among which three came in away conditions. 

Given the time left in his career and his determination to score big and quickly, Indian fans can surely hope that Yashasvi will keep on breaking many test records in future.

2. Rahul Dravid (40 innings)

Rahul Dravid, famously known as "The Wall" for his brilliant defensive technique and concentration in tests, reached 2000 test runs in just 40 innings. His ability to bat for longer periods and wear down the opposition was a key aspect of India's Test success.

Read Also: Most successful Test captains from India

3. Virender Sehwag (40 innings)

Virender Sehwag, the aggressive opening batsman, matched Dravid's record by also reaching 2000 test runs in 40 innings. He was known for his fearless approach while batting at the top of the order.

He is also the only Indian to score 2 triple centuries in his test career.

4. Vijay Hazare (43 innings)

An icon of Indian cricket's early era, Vijay Hazare reached 2000 test runs in 43 innings. He was an incredible run-scorer in his time, known for his elegant batting and contributions.

His contributions mattered highly during a period when Indian cricket was finding its status on the international stage.

5. Gautam Gambhir (43 innings)

The bold left-handed opener, Gautam Gambhir, also reached 2000 test runs in 43 innings. He was a crucial part of India's top order in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Gambhir was known for his mental toughness and ability to play long innings when required, with high determination and focus.

Read Also: India's 2011 World Cup winning squad: Where are they now?

6. Sunil Gavaskar (44 innings)

Sunil Gavaskar, one of the greatest openers in Test cricket history, scored 2000 test runs in 44 innings. He was known for batting fearlessly and facing West Indian fast bowlers without modern protective gear.

Gavaskar was the first player to reach the 10000-run mark in test cricket history, and also holds the 3rd place for most runs for India in tests.

A single social media activity has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world ahead of IPL 2026 auction. A recent 'hint' from Sanju Samson's manager has intensified the possibility of his transfer to Chennai Super Kings from Rajasthan Royals in the next season.

Fans are wondering whether this would come true and change the landscape for both the teams in the future, or is it just another false call.

There's been a mixed bag of positive and upsetting reactions in the past 24 hours, but the real question still stands: Will Sanju Samson join CSK for IPL 2026? Check out how Manager's hint fuels mega transfer rumours.

"Time to Move": Samson's recent viral Instagram post

On June 7, Sanju Samson posted a photo on Instagram that begin the rumors. The image featured him alongside his wife, crossing a prominent yellow line on the road. He captioned the post: "Time to MOVE..!!"

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A post shared by Sanju V Samson (@imsanjusamson)

This visual cue, combined with the caption and the fact that a Tamil song ('Mun Andhi' from 7 Aum Arivu) was also part of the post, immediately sparked discussion. The comments section was quickly flooded with fans linking the "yellow" color and the "move" message to the Chennai Super Kings.

Comments like "He is definitely moving to CSK" and "Welcome to CSK 💛" can be seen all over the post.

Read Also: "Whatever the future brings," Yashasvi Jasiwal's cryptic post after the Royals' end of IPL 2025

Manager's IPL 2026 hint that sparked Sanju Samson transfer rumours

The intense speculation regarding Sanju Samson moving to CSK for IPL 2026 intensified due to a subtle yet impactful social media action by his manager, Prashob Suvedan. He liked a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), which explicitly stated that Samson might be released from Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

This gets more interesting as the post also claimed CSK having already approached Samson regarding the move.

Therefore, the timing and nature of his manager's digital interaction ignited widespread speculation and put a layer of possibility about this matter.

Read Also: Value of the IPL Franchises since 2008 to the present

How the cricket fans reacted:

Fans have flooded with opinions and future calculations after the incident. Here's a glimpse of that:

Can’t blame them 😉 https://t.co/XviV2CVSM8 pic.twitter.com/RHsZDNJUZ7

— Sanju Samson Fans Page (@SanjuSamsonFP) June 16, 2025

🚨 Sanju Samson wants to join CSK, CSK wants Sanju Samson. Talks are on but it is not at all this simple.

RR doesn't want to trade Samson with any CSK's player, if Samson wants to join CSK then he will have to do it through auction. But then in Auction there is KKR who gonna… pic.twitter.com/Dy6mpX1Ke2

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) June 17, 2025

Sanju Samson's manager Prashobh Sudevan has liked a post which says that Sanju Samson will be released by Rajasthan Royals.

This means that Sanju is definitely joining CSK.💛#csk #WhistlePodu #IPL #SanjuSamson #MSDhoni𓃵 pic.twitter.com/VNtAiOzlrs

— kuldeep singh (@kuldeep0745) June 16, 2025

In October 2017, the ICC announced a Test League which would involve the top nine teams playing series over two years with the top two teams qualifying for a World Test Championship Final. The first ICC World Test Championship started with the 2019 Ashes series and finished with New Zealand lifting the trophy after defeating India in the final in June 2021. Let's take a look at the players with the most runs in WTC 2023-25 cycle.

As the WTC 2023-25 is approaching its end, it is now time to look at those huge numbers by some sensational test batters.

Also Read: Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship

Most Runs in WTC 2023-25

1. Joe Root | 1968 Runs

England's experienced batsman Joe Root leads the most runs in WTC 2023-25 list. Across a distinguished Test career that began in December 2012, Joe Root has scaled numerous batting peaks. However, it was during the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle that the English maestro arguably hit his most prolific stride. 

Scoring 1,968 runs from just 40 innings at an impressive average of 54.66, Root registered seven centuries in the span, elevating his career tally from 29 to 36 and breaking a host of long-standing records along the way.

Root scored 412 runs against Australia, helping England level a fighting 2023 Ashes at home. He also overcame Indian spinners with 320 runs from 10 innings in early 2024, and carried on his juggernaut with a monumental haul of 666 runs in just six Tests against West Indies and Sri Lanka at home with an average of over 70.

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal | 1798 Runs

India's young batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal comes second in the most runs in WTC 2023-25 list, having scored 1798 runs in 36 innings of 19 matches at an impressive average of 52.88. Jaiswal has four centuries (two double centuries) and ten half-centuries to his name.

Jaiswal, who made his Test debut at the onset of India’s 2023-25 WTC campaign. The talented left-hander started off his career with an epic 171 against West Indies in Roseau to conclude his maiden series with 266 runs at an average of 88.67. In just his second Test series later that year, Jaiswal’s vulnerability against the short ball was laid bare by South Africa’s fiery pace attack. Nonetheless, the youngster bounced back against England later in the same month, whacking 712 runs from nine innings at an average of 89, smashing two successive double hundreds at one stage, both in winning causes.

Jaiswal’s twin fifties in Kanpur, and another in Chennai against Bangladesh led to India’s comfortable 2-0 series win at home. However, he failed to replicate his home success against New Zealand during India’s 0-3 thrashing in October-November 2024. Jaiswal also aggregated 391 runs in five Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests in Australia, in a series where no other Indian player managed to scale 300.

3. Ben Duckett | 1470 Runs

England’s top-order batter Ben Duckett fetched 1,470 runs for his nation from 41 innings spanning 22 Tests from the 2023-25 WTC. The cricketer maintained an average of 36.75 and held on to a strike rate of 84.33, the highest among all WTC batters with over 200 runs to their names, let alone 1,400+. The attacking left-hander smashed two tons, including a hundred each in India and Pakistan, in addition to his eight half-centuries.

Duckett made 321 runs against Australia in the 2023 Ashes, 343 runs on hostile spin conditions of India in early 2024, and 364 runs in six home Tests in mid-2024 against West Indies and Sri Lanka. The star opening batter also scored 262 against Pakistan bowlers at 52.40, before concluding his campaign with 180 runs in New Zealand.

4. Harry Brook | 1463 Runs

Despite missing the entirety of England’s five-match Test series in India in early 2024, Harry Brook concluded his WTC 2023-25 campaign as one of its highest getters, gathering 1,463 runs from 29 innings at an average of 50.44 and with an impressive strike rate of 83.36. 

The attacking English batter blasted 363 runs against an experienced Australian attack during the 2023 Ashes at a strike rate of nearly 80, and followed up with 377 quick runs against West Indies and Sri Lanka in six home Tests the following season.

Brook also mounted a huge triple ton in England’s high-scoring win in Pakistan to accumulate 373 runs overall in five innings of the series, before flaying New Zealand with two tons and a fifty en route to 350 additional runs in three Tests to cap his WTC cycle.

Also Read: Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

5. Usman Khawaja | 1422 Runs

Australian opener Usman Khawaja, who was earlier at number one, is now fifth among the leading run-scorers in the WTC 2023-25. Khawaja tallied 1,422 runs from 37 innings spanning 19 Tests of the 2023-25 WTC cycle at an average of 41.82, whacking two centuries and six fifties in the process.

The elegant Australian opener started off by logging 496 runs in the drawn Ashes series of 2023 in England, which included a match-winning 141 in Edgbaston and three additional fifties in the remainder of the series. Khawaja dropped the ball, at least to a certain extent, in the subsequent five home Tests against Pakistan and West Indies, aggregating 359 runs in 10 innings at a below par average of 39.88 with just two fifty-plus scores across both series.

Also Read: Most Runs for India in a Test Series

The seasoned opener also struggled against New Zealand (away) and against India (at home), with Jasprit Bumrah largely tormenting him in the latter of the two series. Yet, just as when the flame seemed to fade, Khawaja made a return in Australia’s dominant 2-0 series victory in Sri Lanka, plundering a majestic 232 in Galle against a formidable spin attack.