IPL 2018: 5 categories of players that can rule the auction 

#3 Fiery wicket-keepers

De Kock loves pace on the ball and can get the team off to a flier

Gone are the days when wicket-keepers were only expected to keep well and play as a stop-gap batting option. These days wicket-keepers not only open the innings or bat at crucial positions but also captain the side. Such are the demands of the T20 format that teams do not mind having more than one keeper in the playing 11 if they bat well.

Let us have a look at a few keepers who may draw franchises' attention at the auction (if not retained beforehand) -

Quinton de Kock (Delhi Daredevils) - Quinton de Kock is a typical left-handed opening batsman who loves cutting the ball and plays an aggressive brand of cricket. He loves pace on the ball and can get the team off to a flier. As a keeper too, he has been magnificent.

Quinton de Kock's IPL stats

Jos Buttler (Mumbai Indians) - One of the best modern-day batsmen for England, Buttler had a wonderful stint with MI in IPL 2017. He is flexible with his batting position and can play a role of an opener or a finisher. He takes no time to settle and gets going quickly. His glove-work is excellent as well.

Jos Buttler's IPL stats

Rishabh Pant (Delhi Daredevils) - The young fiery wicket-keeper batsman can keep the fans spellbound by his wide range of shots. His lethal combination of power and timing has always grabbed the attention of experts and fans. As a keeper, he is very agile and can move around swiftly.

Rishabh Pant's IPL stats

Robin Uthappa (Kolkata Knight Riders) - Uthappa has significantly improved his batting skills over a period of two years while playing for KKR. His deft touches and straight hits are worth applauding. Another area where he has improved is his glove-work. Keeping to the likes of Morne Morkel and Sunil Narine is not an easy job but he has been up to the mark.

Robin Uthappa's IPL stats

Sanju Samson (Delhi Daredevils) - Seen as the future of Indian cricket, this awe-inspiring youngster has impressed everyone including the pundits of the game. Even Rahul Dravid, the DD mentor, is all praise for him. Samson is a very orthodox batsman and a gifted timer of the ball. As a wicket-keeper, he has been up to the mark.

Sanju Samson's IPL stats