SMAT 2023: From Rinku Singh to Jitesh Sharma - Aakash Chopra names five players to keep an eye on

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023 has started and there are a huge list of players who are in action for their respective states and associations.

With the 2024 T20 World Cup on the horizon, there are a number of youngsters who will be hoping to showcase their talents in the tournament. With the T20 tournament, there will be players who will be hoping to get themselves at the threshold of a national team call-up for the T20 World Cup.

With the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are probably not taking part in the T20 World Cup. There will be ample opportunity for youngsters to get themselves into the Indian team if they perform well in the tournament.

Former India player Aakash Chopra reckons five players will be under the scrutiny in the tournament. He spoke recently at the JioCinema programme 'Aakashvani' and had his say on the potential players to keep an eye on.

Rinku Singh

Team: Uttar Pradesh

Rinku Singh has made a name for himself with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and also represented India in the Asian Games 2023.

"Everyone has seen Rinku Singh and knows what he's capable of. The T20 World Cup will be held in 2024 and I want to see him be a part of the Indian team there. He played a good knock at the Asian Games. The best thing about him is that he's short in height, his build is not that muscular, but he hits cleanly and uses his wrists very well," Chopra says.

Sai Sudharsan

Team: Tamil Nadu

On Sai Sudharsan, Chopra believes the player has the ability to liberate himself and has the class to be a dependable player for India.

"Sudharsan's is a beautiful story. The work he is doing is praiseworthy. We speak a lot about Tilak Varma but forget about Sai Sudharsan. He scored in the IPL, then he went to play county cricket. He's an example of a batter whose technique liberates him and does not shackle him," the former India opener said.

Jitesh Sharma

Team: Vidarbha

Jitesh got to the Indian team for his outstanding performance with Punjab Kings in the IPL. He played in the Asian games, but didn't do too well. And Akash Chopra believes the youngster will have to cash in in the SMAT.

"He's a wicketkeeper-batter. He played at the Asian Games recently, but he wasn't that successful there. Jitesh is a good finisher. He plays very well in front of the wickets. This will be an important tournament where you would want to see him dominate," Chopra reckons.

Rajat Patidar

Team: Madhya Pradesh

An unfortunate injury caused an hindrance in Rajat Patidars carrier. He was in excellent form for both Royal challengers Bangalore and his domestic team. It is to be seen how he recuperates after a long lay-off.

"Rajat Patidar is another player I would like to see succeed. He missed one season but in the season before that, he played really well. He was close to playing for India but was hit by injuries. This tournament will be very important for him."

Nehal Wadhera

Team: Mumbai

"Nehal plays for Mumbai Indians in the IPL and is from Punjab. He bats and bowls. Again, it's important for him to do things so well that he's brought into the scheme of things. He can bat at No. 4, 5 or 6. So I am focusing on him too," Chopra concluded.