IPL 2018 Auction: 5 wicketkeeper batsmen to watch out for

In the shortest format of the game, wicketkeepers are expected to perform like specialist batsmen. In this format, teams go for wicketkeepers who can play the big shots rather than the traditional ones whose area of expertise is restricted to just behind the stumps.

In T20s batsmen are mostly caught near the boundary line rather than behind the stumps so teams can afford to go with non-specialist wicketkeepers. Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have done this experiment with Robin Uthappa and have had a lot of success. This experiment was largely successful with the bat but Uthappa used to make costly errors behind the stumps.

There are some specialist wicketkeepers who can be handy with the bat too. This is a rare breed and it is very valuable especially in T20 format. These are some of the wicketkeepers who can earn a good money in the IPL 2018 auction.

1. Quinton de Kock

De Kock is arguably the best wicketkeeper-batsman in the world right now. The South African is known for his attacking approach as a batter and was in great form in 2017. He was unlucky to miss out on 2017 season of IPL due to injury but he proved his mettle in International cricket. He was South African Cricketer of the Year, Test Cricketer of the Year and ODI Cricketer of the Year at South Africa’s annual awards in 2017.

The 25-year-old has been part of the league since 2013 but he had to wait till 2016 to become a regular. He has only played 26 matches in his IPL career and has a strike rate of more than 130. He has the ability to open the innings as can make full use of the powerplay overs. Expect him to earn big in the auction something in access of 7 crore.