Top Indian Players to Watch at MLC 2023
The Major League Cricket (MLC) 2023 season promises to be an exciting tournament for cricket enthusiasts, and India has a talented contingent of players who are set to make their mark. This article highlights the top Indian players at MLC 2023, showcasing their exceptional skills and contributions to the sport. From established stars to emerging talents, these players possess the ability to shape matches and captivate audiences with their cricketing prowess. Keep an eye on these Indian players as they take the field in the MLC 2023, ready to leave an indelible mark on the tournament.
1. Harmeet Singh (Seattle Orcas)
Ian Chappell ranked Harmeet as the second-best spinner globally after India's U19 World Cup victory 2012, just behind Graeme Swann. Harmeet drew comparisons to Bishan Bedi due to his smooth bowling action and effortless ball release. IPL teams engaged in fierce competition to sign him outside of the draft. The captain of the Rajasthan Royals personally called Harmeet to persuade him to join the team in the 2013 IPL season.
Unfortunately, Harmeet's career took a downturn due to the spot-fixing scandal in 2013, which made him an outcast in Indian cricket. Despite being cleared by a BCCI investigation, he struggled to find opportunities and severed ties with the Mumbai team after playing only 9 Ranji Trophy games in 6 seasons. He then played for Jammu and Kashmir and later Tripura.
In February 2020, Harmeet relocated to the United States and signed a contract with the MLC. He excelled there, leading the Seattle Thunderbolts to victory in the Minor League Cricket T20 campaign 2022. His power-hitting skills and refined bowling action tailored for the shorter format earned him a contract with the Nepal T20 team. Eventually, he became the first overall draft pick in the MLC.
2. Unmukt Chand (Lost Angeles Knight Riders)
Chand hailed as the future star of Indian cricket after his magnificent century against Australia in the 2012 U19 World Cup, faced ups and downs in the Indian domestic circuit. Experts believed Chand would soon debut for India, with Ian Chappell expressing concern that his progress would stagnate if he didn't. Sources reveal that Chand came close to being selected for the Indian team during the home ODI series against the West Indies in 2014, thanks to his consecutive hundreds in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Despite an impressive average of over 49 in India A matches, Chand's opportunities in that arena dwindled, and his home state Delhi eventually dropped him. In the IPL, he played 21 games across six seasons, managing only one fifty. Chand bid farewell to Delhi in 2019 and joined Uttarakhand, fading away from the Indian cricket scene.
However, Chand's fortunes turned around when he signed up with MLC in 2020. He has been in phenomenal form in the US domestic circuit, making a strong debut season with over 600 runs and leading the Silicon Valley Strikers to victory. Chand also made history as the first Indian player in the BBL, representing the Melbourne Renegades, and in the BPL, playing for the Chattogram Challengers.
3. Milind Kumar (Texas Super Kings)
Milind Kumar made a stunning entry into the cricketing world, capturing everyone's attention with a remarkable century in his debut Ranji Trophy match at 20. He displayed his batting prowess against notable bowlers like Harshal Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal. In 2013, he again impressed cricket fans with a brave, unbeaten 78 off 85 balls, leading Delhi to victory against England. Despite these early achievements, he didn't get a chance to play in the IPL with Delhi Daredevils and remained on the sidelines.
However, Kumar found a new opportunity when the BCCI expanded the domestic circuit to include several northeastern states. Sikkim enlisted him as a professional player in 2018, and he proved his worth by scoring an astonishing 1331 runs at an incredible average of 121 in his debut season. These outstanding performances earned him another IPL contract with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2019. Unfortunately, he spent the entire season on the bench and was eventually released.
After deciding to join Major League Cricket (MLC), Kumar bid farewell to his BCCI career following his final List A match for Tripura in February 2021. He continued to shine in the 2022 Minor League season, scoring over 500 runs at an average of 40 while batting in the middle order. These impressive displays made him a player to watch in the upcoming MLC tournament and garnered attention from cricket enthusiasts. Despite facing ups and downs, Kumar's determination and consistent run-scoring ability make him an exciting prospect in Indian cricket.
"Stay updated with all the action on the field by following our platform for live cricket score, and never miss a moment of the game."
4. Shubham Ranjane (Seattle Orcas)
Shubham Ranjane, a rare talent in Indian cricket, could hit the ball hard and bowl a medium pace effortlessly. As a T20 player, Ranjane was a complete package, showcasing a wide range of strokes, raw power, and successful execution of slower balls. Overlooked by Maharashtra after just three white ball games in two seasons, he took an unconventional path by honing his skills in Mumbai. He was impressed with impactful performances in the DY Patil Tournament against notable Indian bowlers. He displayed flashes of brilliance for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Trophy and Mumbai Premier League.
His remarkable performances caught the attention of the Rajasthan Royals, who included him in their roster for the 2019 season. In 2022, Ranjane signed an MLC deal and joined the Seattle Thunderbolts, where he made an immediate impact. He was awarded the Player of the Match in the final, contributing with a gritty half-century and a 4-wicket haul, ultimately leading the Thunderbolts to their first Minor League title. Ranjane's journey showcases his resilience and talent, making him one of the top Indian players to watch at MLC 2023.
5. Sarabjit Ladda (MI New York)
Sarabjit Ladda, a talented leg spinner, possesses many tricks and demonstrates remarkable accuracy. His skills have captivated IPL scouts for over 6 seasons, leading to stints with Delhi Daredevils, KKR, and the Gujarat Lions, where he played 9 games, the last one dating back to 2016. His sporadic IPL career mirrors his first-class journey with Punjab, as he played his final first-class match in the 2015 season, despite taking an impressive 25 wickets in just 5 games.
In 2016, after playing his last representative game in the Indian domestic circuit, Ladda ventured to America in search of better opportunities. Despite being over 35 years old and primarily playing on astroturf surfaces, he spun a formidable web around opposing batsmen in the Minor League. His performances proved too challenging for the opposition, amassing 56 wickets in 30 games over 2 seasons.
6. Tajinder Singh Dhillon (San Francisco Unicorns)
Dhillon, a towering opening batsman, emerged as a late bloomer in the Indian domestic scene. He made his first-class debut at 25, defying the traditional path of age-group cricket. Despite not getting opportunities in UPCA's age group sides, Dhillon showcased his extraordinary talent in Rajasthan Cricket Association's T20 tournament. In a stunning display, he smashed 69 runs off just 21 deliveries, including a brutal assault on Test fast bowler Pankaj Singh, hitting him for 52 runs off only 10 balls. This remarkable performance earned him a place in Rajasthan's team across all three formats.
In the 2018 season, Dhillon was picked up by the Mumbai Indians for 55 lakhs, and later, Kings 11 secured his services for the 2020 season. However, he remained on the bench for both teams. Undeterred, Dhillon made a bold decision in 2023, bidding farewell to his BCCI career and signing up with MLC, ready to embark on a new chapter in his cricketing journey.
Conclusion -
As MLC 2023 approaches, Indian cricket fans have plenty to look forward to, with talented players set to showcase their skills on the big stage. With these top Indian players to watch at MLC 2023, fans can expect thrilling performances and memorable moments throughout the competition. Looking for a reliable and comprehensive platform to stay updated with live cricket scores and the latest match updates? Look no further than Fast Live Line, the ultimate live match app and website. With Fast Live Line, you'll never miss a moment of the action on the cricket field.
One of the standout features of Fast Live Line is the "Live Line Guru." This feature gives you access to expert insights, predictions, and tips, enhancing your cricket-watching experience and helping you make informed decisions.
