The global T20 competition ended with the Chennai Super Kings lifting the coveted trophy for the second time after winning the 2010 edition in South Africa. As Suresh Raina became the first Indian to create a number of milestones over the course of the tournament, here let me list out the five biggest gains from the high profile event that will benefit Team India in one way or another.
1. The discovery of Kuldeep Yadav
He is 19-year-old and had only 4 T20 appearances for Uttar Pradesh to show for apart from his Under-19 stint with the Indian side when he was named in the 15-member squad for the Kolkata Knight Riders. And on the day when the KKR played the final, Yadav received his maiden national call-up (gasp)!
A spectacular, unexpected steep rise for sure. The confidence on his abilities that was boosted by his bowling style: Left-arm chinaman is extremely crucial that made the selectors gamble on his inclusion for the upcoming ODI series against West Indies.
Even though Suresh Raina found it easy to read the chinaman variety owing to the U.P connection in the final, he troubled almost every other batsmen he bowled at throughout the tournament. If the spinner can master the craft, the bowler of this rare breed might serve India for many years in future.
2. Akshar Patel proved that he belongs to the big stage
The 20-year-old left-arm spinner is not a big turner of the ball but has the canny ability to contribute at key moments with precise wicket-to-wicket line. Having been named as the 'Emerging Player of IPL 2014,' the youngster picked up 8 wickets from 5 matches at an economy rate of 6.15 in CLT20.
Also as a batsman he played a couple of handy knocks with one being the match winning 9-ball 23 against Barbados Tridents. The Kings XI Punjab player who already has three ODI caps under his belt hence proved that he can be a reliable choice as an all-rounder in limited overs matches in future.
3. Ashish Nehra might be in contention for the 2015 World Cup
Ignoring a poor final where he succumbed to pressure on a good batting surface, the veteran had an amazing tournament with the Chennai Super Kings. He bowled with controlled line and length, was inviting mistakes from batsmen and was able to provide early inroads at the age of 35.
Considering the fact that India lack experience in the bowling department and seriously devoid of a left-arm pacer with Zaheer Khan sidelined due to injury, Nehra can be recalled for the World Cup Down Under.
Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan spearheaded Indian bowling attack in World Cup 2003 and 2011 respectively. No wonder the experience helped them reach the final on both the two occasions with India claiming the trophy in the latest edition. The same proves the need for wisdom in the bowling order.
4. Suresh Raina showcases his consistency
The experienced left-hander was criticized in the past for lack of regular contributions. However, with every passing day, the 27-year-old is turning each hater into a fan with his eye catching shots even in the slam-bang format.
After scoring a vital century in the England ODIs, his first in three years in the 50-over format, Raina smashed 90 against the Dolphins before scoring a match-winning century in the final against KKR. His reliable form is very essential for Indian middle order that lacks enough experience to handle pressure situations in a tournament as big as the World Cup.
With him in prime touch, India might find it easy to tackle testing pacers in the mega event.
5. Virat Kohli benefited of a much needed rest
This is one important thing no one would have realized: The Indian vice-captain has been playing continuous cricket ever since he made his Test debut and you don't need to be a doctorate in medicine to know that a sportsperson needs rest to refresh himself ahead of a grueling season.
Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore finishing second last with 10 points in IPL 2014 thereby not qualifying for CLT20. This resulted in the batsman getting a crucial couple of weeks to recover from his disappointing England tour.
The star is going to be the trump card for India's title defence in World Cup and having worked with the batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, he will be fortunate for the valuable time away from the game. The hours he spent in the nets will help him regroup his batting instincts and face the bowlers with the same authority he would fancy himself to.
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