It may be the off-season for BCCI tournaments, but across India, cricket hasn’t stopped. Instead, it has flourished in the form of state-run T20 leagues—vibrant, high-stakes platforms where emerging stars take center stage and scouts stay alert. From TNPL to the Pondicherry Premier League, these tournaments have become key stepping stones for talent chasing the IPL dream.
Tushar Raheja – TNPL
A fearless opener and occasional wicketkeeper, Tushar Raheja has dominated the TNPL batting charts for two seasons in a row. Once known for explosive starts in the powerplay, he has matured into a batter who can control the middle overs too. His takedown of Varun Chakravarthy and R Ashwin this year wasn’t just highlight-reel stuff—it was a sign of readiness. With 488 runs at a strike rate of 185.55 this season, he led the Tiruppur Tamizhans to the title, looking every bit like a future IPL contender.
In fact, his evolution as a leader in a domestic setup has drawn comparisons to how Jeetbuzz identifies and nurtures raw gaming talent across South Asia—focused, consistent, and always on the rise.
Akshat Raghuwanshi – Madhya Pradesh Premier League
Venkatesh Iyer called him “the most talented 21-year-old” he’s seen—and the hype seems justified. Raghuwanshi might not have topped the charts, but he won over fans and selectors alike with his dynamic strokeplay. His 105 off 45 balls against Bhopal Leopards was an announcement. Since his Ranji debut in 2022, things have been stop-start, but this tournament was his loudest reminder yet: he’s not finished, not by a long shot.
Krains Fuletra – Saurashtra Pro T20
Left-arm wristspin is rare, and Fuletra makes it look effortless. First scouted by Jaydev Unadkat, the 21-year-old debuted in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and soon found himself bowling to top IPL players as a net bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His 10 wickets in the Saurashtra Pro T20 League earned him the Emerging Player award and fast-tracked his entry into the U-23 state setup. It’s only a matter of time before he breaks into the senior side.
His sharp rise echoes the way Jeetwin supports breakout performers by giving them the infrastructure and platform to grow beyond the expected.
Sairaj Patil – T20 Mumbai League
He’s powerful, he’s adaptable, and he has the stats to back it up. Sairaj Patil was the heart of Eagle Thane Strikers’ campaign, smashing 16 sixes in six innings and taking seven wickets with the ball. His Player-of-the-Tournament award, handed by Rohit Sharma, was well-earned. At 28, he may be a late bloomer, but his skill set—an Indian allrounder who can finish games and bowl seam-ups—is gold dust in T20 cricket.
Atit Sheth – Baroda Premier League
A decade in the grind hasn’t dulled Atit Sheth’s fire. A mainstay for Baroda in red-ball cricket, Sheth exploded in the BPL by winning both Orange and Purple caps. His ability to float in the batting order and deliver with the ball makes him a rare asset. Despite being a standout at the U-19 level alongside names like Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson, IPL contracts have eluded him. For now.
Adil Ayub Tunda – Pondicherry Premier League
Tall, aggressive, and tactically smart, Adil Ayub Tunda is a bowler you don’t forget. Originally from Jammu & Kashmir, he moved south to chase better opportunities—and has made the most of them. After bagging 21 wickets last season, he’s already among the top wicket-takers this year. His skill set—hard lengths, subtle variations, and control at the death—make him a modern-day T20 weapon.
As Indian domestic cricket continues to evolve, these players remind us that the path to the top is no longer linear. Whether it’s a power-hitter from TNPL or a mystery spinner from Saurashtra, these leagues are producing players ready to challenge the status quo—and with the spotlight brighter than ever, their journey is just beginning.
