Rajat Subhra Chatterjee
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IPL has been a happy hunting ground for all types of cricketing talents since its inception in 2008. Starting from Saurav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar to overseas cricketers like Shane Warne, Chris Gayle, Grem Smith, Dale Steyn, AB D Villiers, Michael Clarke, Brett Lee, Shane Watson, to name a few – every one had enjoyed and performed creditably so long they lasted. Time changes yielding place to new, so newer generation have taken over but the success rate has been enormously credible.
The IPL has also been a breeding ground for talented youngsters from both National and International circuit. This piece is being written focusing Indian cricket and as such, let me concentrate only on Indians as World T20 Cup is knocking at the door and one hardly can take things easily.
Well let me clear the air. Yes I am a cricket buff but am no longer a passionate cricket follower as I feel too much of cricket round the year has been bothering rather than entertaining us. But when national prestige comes, how can one sit back and relax ?
Particularly, this 2022 version IPL has given rise to lot of thoughts as to the future of Indian Cricket’s frame. The emergence of Ayush Badoni, Tilak Verma, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora has been phenomenal. While Umran has been clocking 150+ kmph at ease with deadly accuracy, Badoni reminds us Goutam Gambhir. What a flawless stroke maker. At the same time reemergence of Hardik Pandiya has been most satisfying. If he continues to click, a huge problem is solved at no 6 as a pacer allrounder will be assured. Emergence of Devdutt Padikkal at the opening slot is matching Jos Buttler in every match. Another flawless stroke maker. Md. Shami continues to fire. Umesh Jadav has come back with no uncertain means. His deadly accuracy is pinching. Yuzvendra Chahal is back where he was with confidence and credible performance.
Surjyakumar Jadav has consolidated at no 4 for India Team with sustained performance. Shreyas Iyer though continues to baffle, but is too good a batter to be ignored at no 5.
Yes there have been disappointments for awful form of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and few others. But these are all big games players and sure to rise to the occasion. One big score or one good wicket taking match will completely change their horizon. Still, so far it looks the game belongs to the younger generation.
While all the attention has mostly been on the stars, one man has quietly gone about his business. No one gave him a chance, but this year, with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Dinesh Karthik has left everyone stunned with his consistency. So impressive has Karthik been that it is believed that this is the best DK has looked in a long time. He seems to be in the right position all te time while making a stroke. Very strange that he is faltering ! If you see the way he is batting, he is literally picking his spot. He is moving early. He is anticipating what the bowler is doing. That makes a difference. DK is outsmarting the bowler everytime. So far in this IPL, DK is phenomenal. He has all the experience in the world. He has been around for long. He is fit and what’s great to see that the hunger is still there. He is playing for a new franchise and the responsibility has been given to him clear cut. He knows his job. And his keeping has been outstanding ! If we have such a finisher who keeps so well and is a sure finisher, why should we have to go back to Rishabh Pant who not only a second rated keeper but perhaps the most ugly batter in the Indian set up. Sure, if he gets going its different story but question is when he would get going no one knows. Better to have some one like Karthik who is proven.
So there are quite a few probabilities. In the opening slot, there are besides Rohit and Rahul, we have Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithbi Shaw, Shuvman Gill. Any one of these including Rahul could be played in the middle order at no 5.
If no 3 is kept for Virat Kohli, Surjykumar Jadav must be at no 4. And No 5 could be shared by Ayush Badoni, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Verma while no 6 must go to Hardik Pandiya which leaves no 7 open to DK only. Jadeja, Shami, Bumrah, Y. Chahal complete the XI. Lets not forget, Umesh Jadav, Umran Malik, Ravi Ashwin, Md. Siraj, Kuldeep Jadav, Rahul Chahar. Not Bad.
Meanwhile, let us continue to take our hats off for Jos Buttler who not only is the most handsome cricketer but also the most dangerous power hitter as well. Carry on good work Jos.
Featured Image : Courtesy Internet
