Indian Premier League 2016: Ashish Nehra, Samuel Badree Among Top 5 Bowlers To Watch Out For

The 2016 T20 World Cup was a brilliant one for the bowlers. From Imran Tahir's outstanding spin bowling to Andre Russell's accuracy, bowlers troubled batsmen on many occasions. Indian Premier League 2016 could see similar skills from veteran Ashish Nehra and Samuel Badree. Here are the five bowlers who can make an impact: (IPL: Kohli, Simmons Among Top 5 Batsmen To Watch Out For)

1. Ashish Nehra (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Zaheer Khan, Delhi Daredevils' new skipper, rightly said that Ashish Nehra's good show in T20s for India this year, motivated him to train even harder to return to the field. Well, in broader perspective, the 36-year old Nehra has not just inspired Zaheer, he has taught many players a lesson that 'perseverance is actually the key to success'.  

When his international career was all but over, a good show in IPL 8 proved to be a lifeline for him. In that season, he picked up 22 wickets in 16 games at an economy rate of 7.24. From being selected for the T20s in Australia in January this year to ending the World T20 as India's most effective bowler, Nehra has done it all. T20 is generally a format for youngsters but players like Brad Hogg and Nehra have very well defied the trend.

Nehra, who was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad this season, will definitely hold the key to their chances and his presence will also be beneficial for someone like Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who will share the dressing room with the big names in IPL for the first time in his life.

2. Samuel Badree (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

The leg-spinner has been a revelation for West Indies in the last three T20 World Cups, where more often than not he has bowled 75% of his overs in the Power Play and hardly has he leaked runs in that phase. Impressive that is!

The best thing about Badree is that he understands his role as an opening bowler. For someone, who plays just one format for his team, to come out and perform like a champion in an all-important World Cup takes something very special.

Badree, who represented Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in past few seasons, will play for Royal Challengers Bangalore this year. Badree brings the perfect balance to Virat Kohli's side that doesn't have big names in the spin department.

NOTE: Badree is likely to miss the earlier stage of the IPL 9 due to a shoulder injury that he sustained in 2016 World T20 final against England.

3. Mohit Sharma (Kings XI Punjab)

Having been on the sidelines for almost five months because of an ankle injury, this IPL would be an ideal platform for medium-pacer Mohit Sharma to stake his claim for an international spot.

Mohit, who was a part of Chennai Super Kings in the last three seasons, was bought by Kings XI Punjab for a 6.5 crores for this season. With Mitchell Johnson, Sandeep Sharma and Rishi Dhawan already in their ranks, Mohit's addition will definitely be an extra boost because of his experience to bowl in both initial and the death overs.  

Throughout his stint with CSK, Mohit was one of Dhoni's go-to man and was extremely impressive with his slower ones especially the back of the hand cutters. In 47 matches, he has grabbed 57 scalps at a decent economy rate of 7.82.

Mustafizur Rahman continued his magnificent run in international cricket with a sparkling show in the World T20.

© AFP

4. Mustafizur Rahman (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Coming into the auctions for the first time, Bangladesh's left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for 1.4 crores. It might sound a bit surprising but this young sensation from Bangladesh will probably play ahead of the experienced Trent Boult in the playing eleven. Such has been his impact that even players like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson have found it difficult to read his slower one. In his short international career, Mustafizur has picked up four fifers, with one in T20Is and the remaining in ODIs. Mustafizur's partnership with Ashish Nehra will be one to look forward to.

5. Nathu Singh (Mumbai Indians)

This young fast-bowler from Rajasthan had really impressed former India batsman Gautam Gambhir so much that the KKR captain said Nathu was an India prospect. Nathu then got a chance to play for Board President's XI against South Africa last year and he impressed one and all. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2016 too, Nathu finished with 14 wickets in six games and was fifth on the list of top wicket-takers.

Bought by Mumbai Indians for 3.2 crores, Nathu will look to carry on his good form and the presence of Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar will help him fine tune his bowling.