The IPL committee has now officially announced the retention rules, and every team is about to retain some of their crucial players. From explosive batters to economical bowlers, crucial all-rounders help in the balance of the team.
However, alongside all, the most important position in a setup is that of a wicketkeeper position; however, not many teams will have the possible spot to retain their wicketkeepers from the previous edition.
Several crucial players, who have been original stars with both the bat and have also given special performances as glovemen, might be targeted ahead of the mega-auction as many teams look to reinforce their side.
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Top 5 wicketkeepers who might make it big as wicketkeepers:
Devon Conway
After failing to take part in an entire edition of the IPL for the Chennai Super Kings, the Kiwi batter might not be retained ahead of the mega-auction. The star wicketkeeper batter for New Zealand might be seen in a key role.
Conway might be picked by many sides, like the Mumbai Indians, who might be in quest of a new wicketkeeper, though also the likes of teams like the Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers might find semblance in the role of a wk-bat despite his status as an overseas player.
Josh Inglis
The Aussie Australian batter has been a star for Australia when he plays for them in the shortest format of the game. The player is a genuine batter in the middle order, as Inglis has often been seen in the role for the Australians.
Though this might only be the debut edition for Inglis if he is picked into the IPL mega-auction, as teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings, and also Gujarat Titans might be looking to surf in the player.
Abhishek Porel
This name might be a bit surprising for the readers, as among the finest of Indian as well as overseas glovesmen, the Indian uncapped youngster has been prolific with his performance in IPL 2024.
Porel’s crucial role as a middle-order batter, as he provided a fine blend between his attacking gameplay and his agility as well as supporting play, which he often did to rescue his team, the Delhi Capitals, from crucial junctures of the game.
An Indian as well as uncapped status is what adds to his chances to make it big for any site like the Mumbai Indians or the Kolkata Knight Riders in the middle order. Also, teams like the Gujarat Titans and LSG, who would be in the quest to strengthen their middle order with better-suited batters, might also include him in the role.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Gurbaz, the lead Afghanistan wicketkeeper batsman, is often considered one of the most explosive openers of the top order and among the very few batters who can make full use of the field restrictions during the powerplay.
Though Gurbaz, alongside several Global franchises, has also starred for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, and Kolkata might again look to have him if Phil Salt is not retained by the defending champions.
However, fellow countryman’s franchise team, the Gujarat Titans, might also have the likes of Gurbaz, which would strengthen their top-order alongside Gill and Sudarshan. Gurbaz’s form in 2024 internationally has been terrific and is highly considered to be essential from a team’s point of view.
Ishan Kishan
Jharkhand ace-batter and MI’s biggest acquired bid of 2022, where he was roped in for a whopping 15 crore INR, seemingly too hefty for a wicketkeeper. However, when it comes to T20 cricket, Ishan is not only a considerable option behind the wickets but also a stunning batter at the top of the order, as he can be seen playing his strokes as he smashes runs with an amazing six-hitting capacity.
Kishan can hence be a credible option to be picked at the top of the order, and every possible team in the IPL has considered him as one of the most reliable Indian wicketkeeper options, after the likes of the great Rishabh Pant.
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