Abhinav Mukund (Chennai Super Kings)
An unlikely name to figure in a list that would mainly consist of power hitters, the sedate opener might still have a vital role to play, in case of the absence of Michael Hussey at the top of the order. Known for constructing big innings at the Ranji level, Abhinav's role would not be too dissimilar; he will be required to hold one end up, allowing Chennai's batting heavy line-up to have repeated gos at the bowling. The English tour landed him a ton, but in a first class game and he returned with a largely untarnished scorecard. An effective showing here will do well to prevent him from being typecast as a stodgy bat.
Mayank Agarwal (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Mayank Agarwal may not have taken the IPL by storm earlier this year, but demonstrated what he was capable of, assuring RCB that it had another explosive opener. The 20-year-old played only eight matches in the IPL, before Chris Gayle arrived and after Tillakaratne Dilshan left, but looks set for a bigger role in the Champions League T20, as Dirk Nannes will take up another overseas-player slot. Agarwal also shone for India as it suffered a quarterfinal exit in the Under-19 World Cup last year, finishing as the side's highest run scorer.
Saurabh Tiwary (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
It is no fault of Saurabh Tiwary's that RCB had to bid $1.6 million to obtain his services in the IPL this year, but heads were inevitably shaken in disapproval when the 22-year-old had a rather lacklustre season. Tiwary, however, is undaunted. “The format is such that you can't perform consistently, but I have worked hard and I will do well in the Champions League,” he says. The Jharkhand-born middle order batsman has a decent domestic record and even made the Indian ODI team after his eye-catching performances for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Part of the under-19 World Cup-winning side from 2008, Tiwary will treat the Champions League as an opportunity to prove his worth again.
Mitchell Starc (NSW Blues)
Primarily a left-arm fast medium bowler with a good yorker, the 6 ft 4 in Australian is also a potential lower-middle order bat. The 21-year-old has played two ODIs for Australia, going wicket-less in 8.5 overs for 51 on debut against India, but coming back strongly with four for 26 against Sri Lanka in a big win, later in 2010. He impressed with bat and ball in the recently concluded Emerging Players Tournament, averaging 46 and picking up 9 wickets at less than 25 runs apiece. In a side that looks strong, Starc will provide balance and depth.
