IPL 7: A golden opportunity for discarded Indian players

Zee Media Bureau/Chaitan Papnai

New Delhi: Two discarded Indian openers – Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir – have been struggling to make a comeback in the national team for quite some time now. While the swashbuckling opener Viru, looked totally off-colour while playing in the Ranji Trophy for Delhi, the southpaw couldn`t find a place in the team despite playing a few impressive knocks. Yuvraj Singh, who made a comeback in the side during the home series against Australia in 2013, had also been shown the doors after a dismal show. Apart from these big names, players like Pathan brothers – Irfan and Yusuf – have also been waiting for more than a year, to get back into the main fold. Indian Premier League`s seventh season is round the corner and the league has changed the fortunes of many players in the past. So, it would be a good opportunity for discarded players to prove their mettle in the cash-rich league, to not only earn handsome amount, but also get their pride back by playing for India once again. Gambhir has already been retained by his franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who had won its maiden IPL trophy in 2011 under his leadership. But the loyal player of Delhi Daredevils, Sehwag, hasn`t been retained by the franchise this season and will go under hammer during the auction. Whereas, Yuvraj Singh, who was part of the Pune Franchise will also look for a new team this season, as Pune Warriors is no more a part of the league. For all these ageing players, IPL-7 is a golden opportunity to get their forms back and knock the door of the selectors for the second wind of their respective careers.