Which uncapped players rose to fame during IPL 2020 in UAE?


IPL 2023 Winner

IPL 2020 in the UAE turned out to be a launchpad for several uncapped Indian players, as the unique conditions and bio-bubble environment gave fresh faces more responsibility and spotlight. Here are the top uncapped breakout stars from that edition:

🌟 1. T Natarajan (SRH) – The Yorker King

  • Wickets: 16 in 16 matches

  • Known for: Pinpoint yorkers in death overs

  • Impact: Became a key death-over bowler for SRH; later fast-tracked into India’s national squad for the Australia tour.

📌 Fun Fact: He bowled *the most yorkers (60+) in the tournament— more than Bumrah and Rabada!

🌟 2. Devdutt Padikkal (RCB) – Stylish & Composed

  • Runs: 473 in 15 matches

  • 50s: 5 | Average: 31.53

  • Role: Opened with Finch/Kohli, outscoring both at times.

🧠 A calm head, left-handed elegance, and fearless strokeplay. Became a household name overnight and later debuted for India in 2021.

🌟 3. Rahul Tewatia (RR) – The Houdini Act

  • Runs: 255 | Wickets: 10

  • Highlight: 5 sixes in an over vs Sheldon Cottrell (KXIP)

  • Role: Lower-order finisher & handy leggie.

🔥 From obscurity to memes to hero – his comeback knock was one of the most viral moments of IPL 2020.

🌟 4. Ravi Bishnoi (KXIP, now PBKS) – Spin Sensation

  • Wickets: 12 in 14 matches

  • Economy: 7.37

  • Strength: Aggressive leg-spin & flight in the middle overs.

🎓 Mentored by Anil Kumble, Bishnoi quickly became a middle-over trump card and later earned his India cap.

🌟 5. Varun Chakravarthy (KKR) – Mystery Man

  • Wickets: 17 in 13 matches

  • Best: 5/20 vs DC

  • X-Factor: Mixed his leg-spin, carrom balls & googlies effectively.

🎯 His standout performance earned him a maiden call-up to India’s T20I squad (although he missed out due to injury).

💡 Honorable Mentions:

  • Kartik Tyagi (RR) – Raw pace and a fiery attitude.

  • Priyam Garg (SRH) – Scored a crucial 50 under pressure.

  • Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK) – Finished strong with three consecutive fifties after a slow start.

🎯 Summary:

The UAE leg helped uncapped players thrive due to:

  • Less pressure from crowds (empty stadiums)

  • Equalized conditions – neutral venues, no “home” crowd advantage

  • More chances due to bio-bubble withdrawals/injuries

Want a “where are they now?” update on these 2020 breakout stars?