IPL has helped players fast-track their career: Virender Sehwag

The Indian Premier League (IPL) definitely stands atop when we talk about the best cricketing leagues. The cash-rich league helped many cricketers build careers. It is the biggest platform for a young cricketer to showcase his talent. The IPL paves the way for young cricketers to appear on the next level. Also, it is a dream come true for any youngster to be picked for the IPL.

Sehwag credits the league for bringing up little-known cricketers

Virender Sehwag has been one of the biggest names in Indian cricket. The dashing opener now holds a crucial position in the IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab. He is the director of cricket and makes all the team selection and operational decisions for the team. In a recent interview, he opined that the Indian domestic T20 league helps young cricketers fast-track their careers.

“I think what the IPL did to the Indian cricket is that it gave unknown players to the Indian cricket team. If they play for their first class team, they will take at least five to six years to come and play for India. But through the IPL, those players, who have talent and who did well – they just did well in one season and next year they were part of team India, that is what IPL did,” Sehwag said.

He cited the examples of Ravindra Jadeja and Yusuf Pathan, rookie pacer Mohammed Siraj, Australian David Warner and Glenn Maxwell to buttress his view.

“Ravindra Jadeja is one of them and so is Yusuf Pathan. Recently Deepak Hooda, fast bowlers (Mohammed) Siraj and (Basil) Thampi – they got picked (in the Indian squad) because of IPL performance,” said the 39-year-old cricketer, who is associated with broadcasters Star Sports for `Election Se Selection’ campaign.

He said that both Indian and foreign players benefitted from the fast-tracking process. He added that Warner first played the IPL and only then played for Australia.

The financial factor

Sehwag added that IPL benefitted the players financially as well. He said earning 10-12 crores at once makes a cricketer feel financially secure. In his view, a player’s  prices in the IPL depends on his appearance for the national team.

The 39-year-old also hailed IPL as the biggest league in the world. He said that uncapped players from an entirely different country look forward to playing the IPL.

Catch up with more updates on IPL, other latest & breaking cricket news around the world on www.crictracker.com