A product of the U19 system, Akash Singh is a resourceful left-arm pacer who hits the deck hard and generates seam movement along with disconcerting bounce. He was part of India's potent bowling attack in the 2020 U19 World Cup where they finished runners-up. Like it happens with the U19 stars these days, those who make an impression in these World Cups eventually get an IPL contract. It happened with Akash too, as he got picked up by the Royals at the 2020 auctions. Being a native of Bhartpur, Rajasthan, the young man will be pleased to be representing his native State in the IPL, although it's unlikely that he will feature in the starting XI.

By Hariprasad Sadanandan