10 Indian Players To Watch Out In The 2014 CLT20

The Champions league T20 is back, and it's happening in India. Being a cricket crazy nation, we get to host the international T20 League for the fifth time in seven years. Keeping our love for cricket aside, the pressure would be immense on our players to perform in the CLT20 as the recent show in England was quite a disaster. This tournament will give youngsters an opportunity to perform and a book a probable seat in the upcoming series against West Indies next month.

Check out the 10 players who need to perform or will perform in the upcoming CLT20.

1. Gautam Gambhir (Kolkata Knight Riders)

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Even a failed series in England will not let the Kolkata Knight Riders' management lose faith in their beloved captain. The captain who got them two IPL trophies will try to make a mark in the CLT20. All the curtains will unfold when Kolkata Knight Riders will face the other IPL giant Chennai Super Kings in the opening game of the series.

2. Umesh Yadav (Kolkata Knight Riders)

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Australian bowling legend Glenn McGrath said this about Umesh yadav, "He's got that raw talent, good pace and can generate good bounce. He's got a lot going for him at the moment." Ex Delhi Daredevil player knocked off 11 wickets in the 2014 IPL and would like to continue the similar stride in the CLT20.

3. Ambati Rayudu (Mumbai Indians)

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The Mumbai Indians' middle order maestro would like to continue his fantastic form from the England series. Although he was not in the Indian test squad due to his aggressive batting style, it is his playing style that goes in his favor and also for the Mumbai Indians. He follows the footsteps of Shikhar Dhawan who also got the chance late in his career, but as we know, it's better late than never that he got the chance to play for the country. He is also one of the key players in the Mumbai Indian squad.

4. Aditya Tare (Mumbai Indians)

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The opening wicket-keeper batsman from Mumbai Indians has always been the dependable guy who can hit the ball hard right from the start. He joined the IPL side in 2010 after a fantastic campaign for Mumbai in the domestic circuit. The player still awaits a national squad call but that is not likely to happen soon.

5. Akshar Patel (Kings XI Punjab)

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This 20-year-old young gun who debuted for Indian national squad in the last tour to Bangladesh was benched for the entire first season with Mumbai Indians. But last year he joined Kings XI Punjab and under the guidance of their assistant coach Sanjay Bangar, he took 17 wickets in 17 games he played for Punjab.

6. Praveen Kumar (Mumbai Indians)

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After having a fantastic debut against Pakistan and later being picked up for the triumphant Commonwealth Bank Series, Praveen Kumar slowly faded out from the scene. With two ordinary seasons (2008-10) with Royal Challengers Bangalore and a decent stint with King XI Punjab, he was dropped due to higher base price in 2013. Mumbai Indians picked him this season after Zaheer Khan was out due to an injury.

7. Rishi Dhawan (Kings XI Punjab)

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Another fantastic all-rounder from Punjab is Rishi Dhawan. After being neglected by Kings XI Punjab, he was bought by Mumbai Indians in 2013 season. This year he came to the Punjab side and he delivered his best that landed Punjab in the finale of this year's IPL. He took 13 wickets in total.

8. Manan Vohra (Kings XI Punjab)

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From the young pool of talent of Punjab comes Manan Vohra, who debuted last year. After a below average performance in the opening season, he smashed 324 in 8 matches. He smashed 67 in the finals of this year's IPL and he is one of the key players in the lineup of Kings XI Punjab.

9. Pawan Negi (Chennai Super Kings)

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After two very low-profile seasons with Delhi Daredevils, Pawan Negi joined the Chennai Super Kings and played two matches with them. He was remarkable in the Delhi's domestic circuit which caught the attention of Delhi Daredevils selectors.

10. Mithun Manhas (Chennai Super Kings)

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Being in the same league as cricket legends from the last decade, Mithun Manhas (34) is probably one of the old guns from the Chennai side who can fire good number of strokes. After a brief stint with Delhi Daredevils, he joined the blacklisted team Pune Warriors.  From there, he joined Chennai Super Kings which is a good addition to their side. Manhas can replace big players and score decent runs. Plus, he is also a good bowler.