Top 5 Indian T20 Players - Who Can Play a Major Role in the Upcoming T20 World Cup 2021?

The 2021 Indian Premier League has brought to light a number of extremely talented players plying their trade for different franchises in the UAE edition of the tournament.

Youngsters such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rahul Tripathi, Devdutt Padikkal, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Venkatesh Iyer, and Arshdeep Singh have made a mark on this edition of the IPL, giving selectors much to think about as they prepare to pick India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

While all of them are vying for a spot in the final playing XI, only a select few will eventually make it. But there are five stand out players, we at Cricket Betting think, who will add value to India's squad, and will help the team win the World Cup.

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Gaikwad has, by far, been one of the most impressive youngsters in IPL 2021. The youngster has shone for Chennai Super Kings, making his mark on the tournament as his side reached yet another final after beating Delhi Capitals on Sunday.

With 1779 runs from 56 games at an average of 36.30 in his T20 career, Gaikwad is one of the contenders to win the Orange Cap and the Emerging Player of the Year award at this year's IPL.

2. Harshal Patel

The Royal Challengers Bangalore bowler has been the most impressive bowler in the death overs this IPL. 70-80 percent of his wickets have come from his famous low-dipping yorkers that have left batsmen stunned.

While he still hasn't been included in India's squad, Harshal definitely deserves to make the team, and would be a good option for Team India's death bowling alongside Jasprit Bumrah.

3. Yuzvendra Chahal

Chahal has proven to be one of the best spinners in the UAE edition of the 2021 IPL. In 214 T20 career games till date, Chahal has taken 239 wickets, at an average of 24.14 and an economy rate of 7.57.

Chahal has been crafty with the ball, helping keep the run-rate under check, especially in the middle overs, and if given a chance, he could fill the missing wrist-spin gap in India's bowling puzzle.

4. Shreyas Iyer

Iyer is on the reserves list for India's T20 World Cup squad but missed out on some crucial playing time in the lead up to the 2021 IPL due to a shoulder injury. However, Iyer has proved his worth to Delhi Capitals this IPL, and given selectors something to think about as they prepare their final picks.

Iyer has been a regular member of Team India’s squad in limited overs games, and his non-selection raised a few eyebrows. He was unlucky to be named on the reserves list behind Suryakumar Yadav, but there’s still a chance he makes the final playing XI.

5. Shardul Thakur

Shardul will be eyeing a spot in the final XI after doubts over Hardik Pandya's fitness emerged in the last few days. He can be classified as a bowling all-rounder and could be a great pinch-hitter in India's squad.

While Thakur is no Pandya and cannot replace him like-for-like, he still brings a unique offering to any team he is a part of. He can be extremely nifty with the ball while also contributing as a flashy middle-order batsman (his T20I strike-rate is 197.14).

While India have already announced a preliminary squad for the T20 World Cup, they still have until October 15, 2021, to submit their final list to the ICC.

India’s squad for the T20 World Cup:

Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul Chahar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami.

Reserves: Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur; Mentor: MS Dhoni.