Rohit Sharma named best under-23 player of IPL

Deccan Chargers' batsman Rohit Sharma has been named as the best Under-23 player of the second Indian Premier League which concludes here tomorrow.

Rohit was selected unanimously for the award, which carries a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, by former India captains Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri and MAK Pataudi, the adjudicators of the award.

The 22-year-old right-hander from Mumbai won the award by virtue of the 333 runs he scored in the league stages of the Twenty20 tournament at an average of 27.75 and a strike rate of 119. Apart from his brilliance with the bat, Rohit also shone with the ball, having taken 11 wickets at an average of 11.45, including a hat-trick.

"It is a great honour to be named the Under-23 Success of the League. I've been pleased with my form in South Africa, it has been a fantastic competition and I have really enjoyed it," an elated Rohit said.

"To be recognised for my achievements by three of the living legends of Indian cricket is a great thrill for me," he added.

Impressed with Rohit's performance, IPL Chairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi said, "Rohit's performances have helped light up the IPL. He is without doubt one of the best young cricketers in the world, and has a very exciting future with both Deccan Chargers and India. I congratulate him on becoming the Under-23 Success of the League."