CL T20: Five young talents to watch out for

"The ladder of success is best climbed by stepping on the rungs of opportunity" - Ayn Rand (Russian-American novelist, playwright and screenwriter)

To some, the Champions League T20 is just another tournament crammed into the already asphyxiating cricket calender. For others, it serves as rungs of opportunity to climb the ladder of success. The likes of Samuel Badree, Jimmy Neesham and Aaron Phangiso have forayed into international cricket on the back of eye-catching displays in the CLT20. Quinton de Kock and Mitchell Starc have sharpened their skills through the CLT20.

The opportunity can't be ignored. Here's a look at five young talents to watch out for in the sixth edition of the tournament.

Akshar Patel (Kings XI Punjab): The all-rounder from Nadiad was the sensation of the 2014 Indian Premier League (IPL), taking 17 wickets at an economy rate of 6.22. Akshar's arm ball and flat trajectory helped Kings XI Punjab stay alive in the death overs. He also produced a couple of sparkling cameos with the bat, lower down the order.

Having reaped the 'Emerging Player of the Year' award in the IPL, Akshar progressed to make his ODI debut for India in Bangladesh in June 2014. He also cracked a counter-attacking 45 to steer India-A to title victory in the Quadrangular series final in Australia after his side was reduced to 182-6 in pursuit of a stiff target of 275. However, he was not picked for India's tour to England. He will be keen to perform an encore for Kings XI and with it spin himself back into the international radar.

Dane Piedt (Cape Cobras): A canny right-arm off-spinner, Dane Piedt enjoyed an incredible debut against Zimbabwe a Harare, claiming match figures of 8-162, the best by a South African spinner on his maiden Test appearance. His bag of variations, including the doosra, makes him a vital asset across multiple formats. It will be alluring to view his approach in the middle overs.

Mitchell Santner (Northern Knights): A left-arm twirler, Mitchell Santner has been given the nod to take the place of his idol - Daniel Vettori - in the Northern Knights squad. With Vettori ruled out of the tournament due to family health issues, Santner has a chance to prove himself on a bigger stage. He picked up 9 wickets in as many Ford Trophy games at a frugal economy rate of 3.75. Santner wouldn't buy a little kid a candy. He is also known to be a handy batsman lower down the order. Though, Ish Sodhi is the premier spinner for Northern Knights, Santner as a package gives cause for more excitement.

Niroshan Dickwella (Southern Express): A busy keeper-batsman, Niroshan Dickwella had created as much buzz as Mahela Jayawardene did in school cricket. The 21-year old recently celebrated his Test debut against South Africa with a fine 72. Dickwella, who is more free flowing in limited overs cricket, has been a regular in the Sri Lankan A team since 2013.

Although he had an ordinary time in the Super 4's T20 tournament, making only 66 runs in 4 innings, his pairing with Kushal Perera at the top of the order will be key for Southern Express if they are to advance further into the tournament proper.

Dilshan Munaweera: (Barbados Tridents): The absence of experienced T20 campaigners like Kieron Pollard and Shoaib Malik has punched holes through the Barbados unit. While their captain, Pollard is expected to take over the reins of Mumbai Indians, Malik will ply his trade for Hobart Hurricanes in the Champions League T20. Tridents will be also missing Dwayne Smith, who has commitments with Chennai Super Kings. In their absence, Dilshan Munaweera is expected to be the force multiplier for the CPL champions.

It may be recalled that the hard hitting right-hand batsman was the power steering of Uva Next's title winning SLPL campaign in 2012, walloping 22 boundaries and 12 sixes in 7 outings. His 23-ball-44 threw Angelo Mathews' heroics into the shade in a rain-affected final. He played 4 T20Is for Sri Lanka between 2012 and 2013, but has tailed off since then. Munaweera will be eager to step up now and strike big.

Barbados will be watching. Sri Lanka will be watching. The world will be watching.