IPL 2017: 5 Emerging players of the league stage

Basil Thampi

The auction table was quite surprised when the Gujarat Lions snapped Basil Thampi for INR 85 lakh. When the Lions unleashed him after a couple of matches, many understood why he was such an asset. In a country that dominantly produces prolific batsmen and brilliant spinners, Basil Thampi is a rare talent who clicks over 140kmph on a regular basis. Apart from express pace, Thampi’s forte is to fire in the yorkers at will.

Basil Thampi was able to trouble the likes of Virat Kohli, Kieron Pollard and Chris Gayle, all fierce hitters of the ball. The speedster has gone for runs, but his major contribution has been 11 wickets to a predominantly batting-oriented Gujarat Lions. His side lacked experience in the bowling department, despite the presence of veteran Praveen Kumar. Thampi thus took it upon himself to support Andrew Tye.

The cricketing fraternity could soon witness Basil Thampi opening the bowling for Team India. As far as sheer pace is concerned, India currently has Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav at their disposal. With the way he’s faired in the IPL, Thampi could well go on to be a regular figure in India’s pace attack.