IPL 2018: Key player battles
The Indian Premier League is only a week away. Only a handful of players have got the opportunity to showcase their talent on the biggest league in world cricket. A lot of players will go head to head in an intense battle to mark their supremacy amongst the others.
Over the first decade in the IPL, players have tried to outshine each other with their skills. Their battles on the field have been entertaining for the fans. However, in the 11th edition, we will see some fierce battles among some players who will look to outshine the others in terms of runs, wickets, etc.
Let the battle between these key players resume!
#6 Dinesh Karthik v Rishabh Pant v KL Rahul v Wriddhiman Saha
This is the battle of the wicketkeepers. The BCCI is looking for alternate wicketkeeping options after MS Dhoni's retirement. Dinesh Karthik's recent heroics provided him with an extra cushion but the age factor puts the Kolkata Knight Riders skipper into the backseat. With age on his side, Rishabh Pant is being groomed by the BCCI.
KL Rahul is a part-time wicketkeeper who is keen on making a spot for himself as a proper batsman. Wriddhiman Saha is India's wicketkeeper in Test cricket. Saha is often criticized for his inability to bat aggressively.
It will be interesting to see how these four players perform. With the added responsibility of captaincy, Karthik might look to take up the finishing duties for his side.
The recent Sunrisers Hyderabad recruit Saha may open the batting in the absence of David Warner. Saha will have an opportunity to prove himself in the shorter format. He scored a blistering hundred in the IPL final in 2014.
With a star-studded Kings XI Punjab lineup, Rahul will try to leave a mark with his batting abilities rather than his secondary wicketkeeping skills. Pant would like to bat up front despite a heavily equipped Delhi Daredevils top-order.