Karnataka Premier League - A breeding ground for IPL

Karnataka Premier League, a BCCI-approved tournament which was played in Hubli and Mysore in 2015, is taking the game of cricket to mofussil regions. It is a good stage for players to get the experience of playing under lights, playing in front of big crowds and it gives them the opportunity to showcase their cricketing prowess. Most importantly, KPL provides a huge platform for players seeking a ticket to the bigger stages. Talented names have used KPL as a stage to get their careers on an upswing and it is from here that the likes of like J Suchith, KC Cariappa and Shishir Bhavane, to name a few, have earned IPL contracts.

IPL franchises are having a close look at KPL. There were quite a few moments of individual brilliance in KPL 2015 which would have not escaped the keen eyes of talent scouts like Pravin Amre and Rahul Sanghvi, who were present during different legs of the fourth edition. Praising KPL and Karnataka cricket for churning out quality cricketers, Amre, who is part of the Delhi Daredevils support staff, feels franchises are interested in leagues like KPL because of the abundant talent on display.

"The way the KPL is conducted (keeps the IPL teams interested). It's not the first year they are holding this tournament, they have had this for many years. Also, Karnataka's performance for the last two years in domestic cricket is outstanding. These are players who have the capacity to perform well at the domestic level. So that is what we are also looking at as franchises, if there are any good talents who fit in our system," says Amre.

Scouts look at foreign Leagues like the Big Bash and Ram Slam to rope in lesser known overseas players. While this is an important aspect of scouting, Amre says what matters more for the franchises is bringing in youngsters from the Indian domestic level and nurturing them. "In the IPL, there will always be a chance for seven Indians. Slots are always there and we can produce good back-up players to strengthen the bench. It is a long process. It is not that they will immediately come into the eleven when they are selected. But with their talent, we can nurture them and make them part of our regular team."

What is it that the scouts focus on when they are on the look out for budding cricketers? "It is about the abilities suited to the T20 format. Ability to strike the ball for a batsman. Players getting runs is fine, but how they handle themselves under pressure, how they perform when the team needs them the most, how they manage themselves - these are the key factors we look at in batsmen. For the bowlers, it's about their wicket-taking abilities, how they can keep things tight. We are also look at players who can field well and also good allrounders who can enter the team," explains Amre.

They may not quite be finished products that a league like IPL requires, but Amre feels recognising the talented players early, grooming them and getting them ready for the high-pressure matches of league cricket is part of the duties of the support staff of franchises. "Sometimes, it may be too early for players, but coaches like us are there to work with them, make them ready for IPL. We are very open, very neutral, just getting information on the players, looking if someone is there (who would fit in the team), we are watching these games closely, looking for some really good talents. We saw that last year. A couple of players from KPL were part of IPL teams."

KC Cariappa, picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise for a whooping sum of Rs. 2.5 Crore, attributes his IPL selection to the platform provided by KPL and is hopeful that the Karnataka League will pave way for more cricketers from the state going on to play for IPL teams. "KPL was a big thing for me because KPL gave me everything. In KPL I was among the top wicket-takers, I took 11 wickets last year. It was only after that performance that I got called for KKR. Suchith, Shishir Bhavane and me, we got selected for IPL because of KPL. This tournament is a big thing for youngsters who are aiming at IPL selections. I hope that we will have players getting into the IPL based on their performances in KPL this year."

Suchith, like Cariappa was selected for IPL despite not making a first-class appearance. The talented spin-bowling allrounder made it big as he featured in 13 matches for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2015 and put on an impressive display. Suchith too is of the opinion that KPL plays an important role in the development of cricketers, giving them an opportunity to move on to higher levels of cricket.

"It is a very good opportunity to play on a big stage, under lights, pressure situations and in front of big crowds. Many of the cricketers who have got opportunities have made complete utilization of that and they have done really well. Many of the scouts from IPL teams are looking forward to this particular tournament to find good quality cricketers. That is what you want (as an upcoming cricketer)," says Suchith, emphasising the importance of KPL.

"You need to keep doing well and you never know - one of these scouts will be impressed with your performance and they might look forward to buying you at the next auction. Everyone knows that IPL is the biggest league in the world. Scouts attending the KPL is a big boost for the (Karnataka) cricketers and if they get selected, it is the next level of cricket they will be playing," adds the 21-year-old, who was born in Mysore and plays for the Mysore franchise.

Shivil Koushik, a chinaman bowler with an action similar to that of South African Paul Adams, has already attended a Mumbai Indians camp. In the 2015 edition of KPL, there are few others who impressed, notably Sadiq Kirmani and Mohammad Taha, the top-two run-getters of the tournament, as well as Mitrakanth Yadav, one of the leading wicket-takers in the fourth edition. "There are a lot of them. Each and every team has a couple youngsters doing really well and if given the amount of exposure, they would also be better cricketers and experience what it is like on the bigger stage," says Suchith, who is confident that IPL spots are up for grabs for Karnataka cricketers.

A spot in an Indian Premier League team is a dream come true for young cricketers who hold a lot of promise. Future stars are aplenty in IPL and it is Karnataka Premier League that acts as a breeding ground for it.