5 Diamond-like players Team India could've missed if there was no IPL

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is an amazing platform for the players to showcase their talent. It often helps fast track the careers of players and provides them with enough limelight. While there has been criticism about the same, the IPL has also helped the players in many other ways.

Over the years, several talented players have been identified from all across the world. Some of these cricketers have even gone on to represent India at the highest level. However, if not for this cash-rich cricket league, some of the players might have never made it to the team.

Here are five players Team India could have missed if not for the IPL:

1. Rohit Sharma

It all began when an injured Yuvraj Singh had to be sidelined for a game against South Africa in T20 World Cup 2007. It was then when Rohit Sharma got his first opportunity. Even before he made his debut, there were several whispers all around about him and his elegant strokeplay. There were talks about a teenager from Mumbai who could play three to four shots off the same ball.

He was pleasing to the eye and a free stroke-maker. Back then, it was also claimed that Rohit could replace Sachin at number four in Tests in the future. However, his poor shot selection and the knack of gifting his wicket to the opposition have cost him dearly. Rohit Sharma had to pay the price and was not selected for the prestigious World Cup 2011 squad.

With the kind of lazy cricket that he played, he would have been long forgotten if it was not for the IPL. Being picked by the Deccan Chargers was a great turning point in his career. Then, he moved to the Mumbai Indians and time and again came up with performances that reminded the selectors of the talent that he possessed. If not for the IPL, Rohit Sharma might have surely not got as many opportunities at the start of his career.