Top 5 Wicketkeepers Who Could Shine in the IPL Mega-Auction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is preparing for a mega-auction, and all the teams are deciding which players to keep. This time, teams are carefully choosing their players, including hard hitter batters, solid bowlers, and crucial all-rounders. One of the most vital roles every team needs to fill is that of a wicketkeeper. Not all teams will hold on to their current wicketkeepers, which means some talented keepers could be up for grabs.

These wicketkeepers are not just good behind the stumps; they can also contribute greatly with the bat. In the upcoming auction, these players might be highly sought after, as teams look to fill that important wicketkeeping position.

Top 5 Wicketkeepers Who Could Shine in the Mega-Auction

1. Abhishek Porel

Abhishek Porel might be a surprise name for many. He is an uncapped Indian player, meaning he hasn’t yet played for the Indian national team, but he has already made a mark in the IPL. In the 2024 season, Porel played for Delhi Capitals and delivered some key performances, especially in the middle order.

Porel’s ability to bat aggressively while also taking responsibility as a wicketkeeper makes him a strong candidate for any team. Teams like Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders might want to add Porel to their squad for more depth in the middle order. Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants could also consider him if they need a reliable Indian player who can handle the pressure.

2. Devon Conway

Devon Conway is a star wicketkeeper-batter from New Zealand. Unfortunately, he missed the chance to play an entire season for the Chennai Super Kings. Because of that, there’s a possibility that the team may not retain him this time. However, Conway is a talented player, and many teams would be eager to have him.

Mumbai Indians, for example, might be searching for a new wicketkeeper, and Conway could be a perfect fit. Teams like Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore could also be interested in him, especially for his ability to both bat and keep wickets, despite his status as an overseas player.

3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the Afghan wicketkeeper-batter, is known for his explosive batting style. He is excellent at taking advantage of the powerplay with his aggressive approach. Gurbaz has played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the past, and Kolkata may want to keep him if their current wicketkeeper, Phil Salt, is not retained.

Apart from Kolkata, the Gujarat Titans could also be interested in Gurbaz. His recent form has been impressive, and his batting can provide a great boost at the top of the order. Pairing him with players like Shubman Gill could make Gujarat’s lineup even stronger.

4. Josh Inglis

Josh Inglis, from Australia, is another wicketkeeper who stands out. Inglis plays in the middle order for Australia during T20 matches, and he brings stability and experience. If he is selected in the mega-auction, this will be his first IPL appearance.

Teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings, and Gujarat Titans could benefit greatly from his skills. His solid batting and wicketkeeping make him a strong choice, and he has the potential to impress in his debut IPL season.

5. Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan is a well-established name in the IPL. Mumbai Indians bought him for a huge sum of 15 crore INR in 2022. Even though that was a big price for a wicketkeeper, Ishan has proven his worth. He is not just a great wicketkeeper but also a powerful opening batter who can score quickly.

Kishan’s ability to hit big shots makes him an asset at the top of the batting order. Every IPL team knows his value, and if Mumbai Indians decide not to retain him, there will surely be a big competition to sign this talented player.

Conclusion

Wicketkeepers are a crucial part of any IPL team. A good wicketkeeper not only needs to be quick behind the stumps but should also be capable of contributing valuable runs. The upcoming mega-auction could see fierce bidding for these top 5 wicketkeepers—Devon Conway, Josh Inglis, Abhishek Porel, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ishan Kishan.