The Breakout Cricketers of 2018
2018 has been an unforgettable year for the cricketing world. From Chennai Super King's fairytale IPL season to the dreadful ball-tampering actions of Cameron Bancroft, it has had its share of ups and downs.
The year has overseen a number of talented youngsters don their country colors for the first time. While some players have excelled in their trade, the others have succumbed to the pressures of international cricket. Walking along the same lines, here are five young cricketers who have had breakout years with their respective countries.
Honorable Mentions: Khaleel Ahmed (India), Keemo Paul (West Indies), Imam-ul-Haq (Pakistan), Shimron Hetmyer (West Indies) and Prithvi Shaw (India).
#5 Rishabh Pant (India)
Ever since his exploits in the 2016 ICC U-19 World Cup, Rishabh Pant has been destined for greatness and has also been touted to be MS Dhoni's successor in the limited overs formats. Although the Delhi keeper appeared in the famous blues of India last year, it was 2018 that Pant was able to fully establish himself at the international level.
Making his test debut in the middle of a heated contest with England, Pant was adept to the task with the gloves on and proving to be competent with the bat as well. In the fifth and final Test at the Kennington Oval, with India on the verge of defeat, Pant smashed a wonderful century against the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad to cement his position in the Indian Test setup.
He backed it up with a strong showing against West Indies at home with a pair of 92 in his two outings with the bat in the home series. With Pant already earning plaudits from all corners, West Indies felt the wrath of Pant in the third T20 when he sent their bowling attack on a leather hunt with a quickfire fifty.
While Pant's ongoing Australia tour proceeding along decently, he has already been earmarked and groomed for the wicket-keeper spot post-2019 World Cup. With exposure to quality attacks for a considerable period of time, Pant could be the answer as to how India could replace Dhoni.