The younger generation has taken over the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), particularly in the batting department.
The top ten Orange Cap list includes Indian Batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Others who have created a name for themselves include Tilak Varma, Prabhsimran Singh, and Ishan Kishan.
At the same time, some veteran players have shown that they still deserve a place at this level. Faf du Plessis has been a particular standout. A few well-known Indians have defied their ages with some outstanding performances.
Here are the 3 Indian Batsmen who have revived their glory in IPL 2023:
#3 Shikhar Dhawan (PBKS)
Shikhar Dhawan was dropped from the Indian ODI squad ahead of the IPL 2023. He has represented India in ODI format only. Shubman Gill’s development as a top-order powerhouse, along with his own strike rate concerns, led to his exclusion from the squad.
Dhawan has earned himself a slim chance of getting recalled for the 2023 World Cup with his performances in the IPL. Shikhar has 356 runs in nine innings at an average of 50.86 and a strike rate of 143.54, with 3 half centuries.
Dhawan’s results have slowed in recent years, but he has played some memorable innings in challenging conditions. The opener has also attempted to attack from the start which is better suited to the present day T20s.
#2 Vijay Shankar (GT)
Vijay Shankar was one of the IPL 2023‘s surprise packages. He did not have a fantastic season with the Gujarat Titans (GT) in 2022. Yet the reigning champions retained him in the lineup.
Shankar was in terrific form for Tamil Nadu throughout the domestic season, and he has taken that momentum into the IPL. In eight innings, the veteran all-rounder has scored 234 runs with a strike rate of 163.63 and an average of 39. He has scored 50 runs twice and had a number of important knocks when his side needed him.
Shankar’s batting against spin might be improved, but he is proven to be a significant asset for GT.
#1 Ajinkya Rahane (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) signed Ajinkya Rahane for his base price in the IPL 2023 auction. It did not appear to be a brilliant deal.
Rahane’s dull attitude to the T20 format, paired with his clear troubles against spin, showed that he was only a backup option for the four-time champions. MS Dhoni trusted the seasoned hitter to play a key role at No. 3. He has performed quite decent this year.
Rahane has 282 runs scored in nine innings, with a strike rate of 169.87 and an average of 35.25. He has two fifties, including a stunning 71 not out off 29 balls at Eden Gardens.
The CSK hitter has not been as effective in recent times, owing mostly to the slowish wickets he has faced. Rahane has defied all expectations with his achievements for CSK.