Indian keepers make a statement
INDIAN WICKETKEEPERS THIS IPL
MUMBAI: Few years back, a wicket-keeper’s job was restricted behind the stumps. Then came Romesh Kaluwitharana, Adam Gilchrist and Mark Boucher and the equation changed in limitedovers format. From wicketkeepers who could bat, the preference shifted to batsmen who could keep wickets.
At 36, MS Dhoni isn’t getting younger. Although his age-defying finishing abilities coupled with lightning-fast reflexes behind the wickets suggest otherwise, in reality, he will hang up his boots in the near future. It’s impossible to find his replacement but this IPL has thrown up options that one can look forward to when the fateful day arrives.
Catch Player Stump Mths Runs
Dismissals
Had Ishan Kishan been a year younger, he would be half of Dhoni’s age. Yet, his batting prowess is something that might have even taken the veteran by surprise. The 19-year-old hits the ball clean and plays at a rate which startles the opposition.
Like Ishan, it has also been a dream season for his former under-19 teammate Rishabh Pant. Pant is the leading run-getter this season (see stats, collated before Sunday’s games), and has a 63-ball 128 knock against his name. The swashbuckling lefthander has already earned his national cap, having featured in four T20s. Attacking brand of cricket comes naturally to him.
It has also been a great season for Sanju Samson and the experienced KL Rahul. A significant reason why Kings XI Punjab have been enjoying a great run this season is because of Rahul’s partnership with Chris Gayle at the top. Like Rahul, Samson has been one of the main run-getters for Rajasthan Royals but needs to convert his starts into big scores. He, however, hasn’t been keeping wickets as Jos Buttler is in that role. Unlike Pant and Ishan, Rahul and Samson often switch gears if required to settle things down before upping the ante.
The other Indian keeper who has been enjoying a decent season is veteran Dinesh Karthik, the highest run-getter for Kolkata Knight Riders, but hasn’t quite impressed like Rahul, Ishan and Pant.