Ranji Trophy 2017/18: 5 Bowlers who'll be gunning for the highest wicket-taker's prize

Another exciting edition of the Ranji Trophy is less than 4 days away from commencement and the excitement around is certainly palpable. With the emergence of IPL, Ranji Trophy might not be the same for the spectators, but for all the aspiring youngsters, it’s pretty much the same platform which helps you find your true self as a cricketer.

People often keep talking about how brilliant a stage this is for the youngsters to gain some attention and definitely, it’s pretty much one of the primary stepping stones towards a person going all the way as a cricketer. The journey till getting there from Under-14 or Under-16 days ain’t easy as well, but once a cricketer manages to get here, he/she tastes the real essence of cricket.

There was a time when First-Class cricket meant quite a big deal and there were a lot of fans eagerly waiting for the season to begin. Things have changed drastically with the audience preferring shorter formats, but cricket’s true allegiance remains with the First-Class level. With the greatest cricketing extravaganza in Indian cricket a whisker away from embarking, let’s take a look at five bowlers who stand as the favourites to bag the highest wickets this season.

1. Basil Thampi (Kerala)

A year ago, people were oblivious to his name, but after Basil Thampi won the Best Emerging Player award in the IPL this year, experts tout him to be the future of Indian fast bowling. The youngster is blessed with raw pace and clicks the 140 km/h mark at regular intervals with ease. His First-Class record doesn’t really justify the talent he is, but this time around, he’ll be available for one full season and Kerala team management is hopeful that this guy turns up with something brilliant.

2. Mohammad Siraj (Hyderabad)

Another IPL fame Mohammad Siraj made headlines with his rendition in the Ranji Trophy. He picked up a whopping 41 wickets last season and helped Hyderabad reach the Quarter-finals after a fairly long time. For the Sunrisers Hyderabad, the youngster announced his arrival with some sparks of brilliance. He has been touring around with the India A side and spent some valuable time with Rahul Dravid and other top coaches. Without a shadow of a doubt, Sira will hog a lot of limelight.

3. Shahbaz Nadeem (Jharkhand)

One of the most experienced cricketers in the Jharkhand squad, Shahbaz Nadeem is a perfect, no-nonsense spinner who sticks to his basics and dismantles batting lineups by doing the simple things perfectly. He picked up 51 wickets and was the highest wicket-taker in the 2015/16 season. Jharkhand skipper Varun Aaron will be vary of a fact that Nadeem is one of his most important weapons and their team’s success with the ball in hand will depend on how Aaron uses him. A highly under-rated cricketer, Nadeem being at the helm of this list won’t be surprising at all.

4. Washington Sundar (Tamil Nadu)

One of the brightest prospects in Indian cricket, Washington Sundar is one player who can bowls a stringent line and keeps things tight. People saw his exploits for the Rising Pune Supergiant in the IPL and Tamil Nadu will be pinning a lot of hopes on gim to get the big fishes. In the recently concluded Duleep Trophy, his all-round show in the final helped India Red bag the coveted prize. He’s one of those cricketers who aspires to make this domestic season count and definitely, he will give a tough time to the batsmen.

5. Shardul Thakur (Mumbai)

One of the most consistent performers in recent Ranji seasons, Shardul Thakur will once again be a vital cog in the Mumbai side. Mumbai is always a force to reckon with in the Ranji Trophy and over the years, the fast bowler has managed to bag splendid numbers. He picked up 175 wickets in 51 First-Class games and just like Siraj and Thampi, he has been traveling a lot with the Indi A side. He was the highest wicket-taker back in 2013/14 with 48 wickets and it’ll come as no surprise if he manages to do so again.