'IPL, a chance for India's young to shine'

Greg Shipperd, who guided Australian domestic side Victoria to a hat-trick of Twenty20 titles before joining the IPL, says the Indian youngsters can impress their national selectors by doing well.

The Indian Premier League is not merely a cash bonanza but also an opportunity for India's young to rub shoulders with some of cricket's biggest icons and earn their national stripes, feels Delhi Daredevils' Australian coach Greg Shipperd.

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Shipperd, who guided Australian domestic side Victoria to a hat-trick of Twenty20 titles before joining the IPL, said the Indian youngsters can impress their national selectors by doing well in the IPL.

"It's a big stage. The spotlight would be firmly on them and it gives them a great chance of showing their skills," Shipperd told reporters after the team's practice session on Tuesday.

The Daredevils have youngsters like Shikhar Dhawan, Rajat Bhatia and Mayank Tehlan in their fold and Shipperd said these rookies would add excitement to the series.

Bhatia echoed his coach's views and said he was excited about playing along side greats like Glenn McGrath besides homegrown heroes like skipper Virender Sehwag.

"We will only learn from them and it is a wonderful opportunity for us. In fact it would help the set-up of our domestic cricket," he said.