Since MS Dhoni’s retirement, Team India has experienced a shortage of wicket-keeper-batters in the T20I Cricket format.
Rishabh Pant has failed to ignite the format, while others such as Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul have flaws in many facets of their game. The national team management hasn’t allowed Sanju Samson much leeway, while Dinesh Karthik appears to be past his prime.
Given the current situation, the Men in Blue must look for new faces as they prepare for the 2024 T20 World Cup. They’ll undoubtedly analyse players’ achievements in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), where a few lesser-known names have entered the competition.
Here are three uncapped keeper-batters that have created a name for themselves in the IPL 2023
3) Prabhsimran Singh – Punjab Kings
Prabhsimran Singh entered the IPL 2023 after a strong domestic season and was rightfully trusted to handle the job at the top of the order for the Punjab Kings (PBKS). While he hasn’t been as steady as he would have liked, he has delivered some crucial hits for his team. Prabhsimran has 231 runs at an average of 21, but his strike rate of 151.97 stands out. He hasn’t been hesitant to take risks, hitting 24 fours and 13 sixes. The opening batter has pitched a few notable innings against the competition’s strongest teams.
Prabhsimran’s shot selection and overall application need to improve, but he has a lot of potentials. His attacking style of cricket is exactly what the T20 format requires.
2) Dhruv Jurel – Rajasthan Royals
This man has been one of the season’s best finds. A few knew Dhruv Jurel could bat consequently well in the shortest format before of the IPL 2023, but the Rajasthan Royals (RR) did.
The Royals have handed Jurel a difficult finisher’s duty, and the teenager has delivered on a regular basis. Jurel has 141 runs in nine innings pitched, with an average of 23.5 and a strike rate of 183.11. He has 11 fours and eight boundary clearances.
This season, Jurel’s range around the park, ability against pace, and temperament have been amazing to see. While he hasn’t had to put on the gloves due to the presence of skipper Sanju Samson, the 22-year-old is sure to improve in all areas in the coming matches.
1) Jitesh Sharma – Punjab Kings
Jitesh Sharma, who was on the outskirts of the Indian T20I squad prior to the IPL 2023, is now hammering on the door with his performances for PBKS. The energetic keeper-batter has been one of Punjab’s greatest performers in a variety of roles so far.
Jitesh has accumulated 260 runs in 11 innings pitched, with an average of 26 and a strike rate of 160.49. He has shown an ability to strike the ball well from the start of his innings and has butchered both pace and spin with similar ease. This year, the 29-year-old has hit 18 fours and sixes.
Jitesh has yet to score 50 runs in IPL 2023, but his furious cameos have been immensely effective for PBKS and a treat to watch for spectators. It only seems a matter of time before he represents the Men in Blue in the shortest possible format.
