IPL 2020: Analysing the wicket-keeping options of all 8 teams

IPL 2020 will commence next month in the UAE [PC: InsideSport]
IPL 2020 will commence next month in the UAE [PC: InsideSport]

#3 Sunrisers Hyderabad

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Jonny Bairstow is part of arguably the IPL's best opening combination alongside David Warner
Jonny Bairstow is part of arguably the IPL's best opening combination alongside David Warner

Options: Jonny Bairstow, Wriddhiman Saha, Shreevats Goswami

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Englishman Jonny Bairstow is the front-runner to don the gloves for David Warner's side, although the presence of Indian Test wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha does pose a selection dilemma.

Bairstow amassed 445 runs in his debut IPL season in 2019, and is a sureshot fixture in the XI. Saha, on the other hand, made only 5 appearances but is a far more solid gloveman.

Shreevats Goswami is also in the squad, but it is highly likely that Bairstow will SRH's main keeper. If Saha finds a spot in the XI, however, he is certain to be behind the wickets.

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Verdict - Jonny Bairstow


#2 Kings XI Punjab

KL Rahul is KXIP's captain for the 2020 IPL
KL Rahul is KXIP's captain for the 2020 IPL

Options: KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran, Simran Singh

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KXIP captain KL Rahul is likely to be the third wicket-keeper-cum-captain in the 2020 IPL, although his appointment to the leadership role might open up a window of opportunity for Nicholas Pooran.

With the West Indian not guaranteed a spot in the XI, Rahul might just take it upon himself to do the role that has been entrusted to him in the Indian limited-overs setups, despite the additional responsibility.

The 28-year-old also has the young Simran Singh to call upon, but is likely to keep for KXIP in the 2020 IPL.

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Verdict - KL Rahul


#1 Rajasthan Royals

RR have two quality keepers in their first-choice XI for the 2020 IPL
RR have two quality keepers in their first-choice XI for the 2020 IPL

Options: Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Robin Uthappa, Anuj Rawat

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Perhaps the team that is most spoilt for choice in the wicket-keeping department, RR can call upon two world-class stumpers in Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler.

Both Buttler and Samson donned the gloves at different points during the 2019 season, so this is perhaps the toughest one to call. The purchase of veteran batsman Robin Uthappa, who has kept wickets for KKR, is another good - if unlikely - option.

With three leg-spinners in the side, RR will need their wicket-keeper to be at his best. Buttler and Samson are both good fielders, but the Englishman should get the nod since he has recently played the Test series against West Indies and Pakistan.

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Buttler's keeping did come under the scanner, but he alleviated some of the concerns with a few screamers in the 3rd Test vs Pakistan.

Verdict - Jos Buttler


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