8 youngsters who remind us of legends

As is the case with most other sports, Cricket too suffers from the void created when a true gem of the game bids farewell. There's still plenty of room for improvement, but the influx of young talent is slowly but surely grabbing all the headlines. Having grown up watching a pool of cricketers, I so dearly admire; one can't help but make comparisons. Comparisons are inexorable and will continue being so as long as we treasure the memories of our idols in their yesteryears.

That said, more often than not, these comparisons are more a reflection of our wishful thinking. Having played in the major leagues for a while now, their skill set and perseverance give them every chance to match if not better these legends.

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Rashid Khan - Shahid Afridi

Having burst on to the scene during the 10th edition of the Indian Premier League, this prodigal wrist spinner has since taken the world by storm. Not a huge turner of the ball, Rashid possesses the ability to put batsmen under pressure by bowling quickly through the air, akin to his bowling idol Shahid Afridi, while maintaining an accurate stump-to-stump line. His biggest asset being his deadly googly, has often left batsmen bewildered, and hence, is reputed as one of the best limited overs bowlers of this generation.

With the bat, Rashid packs a punch and is reputed for his cameos often transforming middling totals to match - winning ones. His propensity to hit through the line and score unconventionally is highly valued by his teams. Rashid's charm has turned him into a crowd favorite. Having dominated in the franchisee tournaments and against the associates' competition, with Afghanistan's promotion to Full Membership and entry into Test cricket, now is the time for Rashid to truly assert his dominance in all formats.

Prithvi Shaw - Sachin Tendulkar

The man of the moment. Having impressed with the bat and captaincy during the recently concluded ICC U-19 World Cup, followed by an impressive string of performances during the IPL, Prithvi Shaw has hogged the spotlight. With a stunning domestic season for Mumbai, many have compared his prodigious talent with that of Sachin Tendulkar, who also burst onto the scene very early in his career. Much the same as young Sachin, Prithvi has the tendency to take the attack to the opposition.

Having modeled his game to that of Sachin's, Prithvi plays the ball late and is quite punchy in his stroke play. His excellent base allows him to play all the shots in the book scoring all around the park. Although slightly vulnerable in defense, with a little fine tuning, Prithvi has tremendous potential to become an all-time great.

Quinton de Kock - Adam Gilchrist

Gilchrist retired in 2008, his record of 5570 runs including 17 hundreds at an average of 47.60 is a testament to a man who redefined the role of the wicketkeeper in the modern era. He's been hailed as the greatest ever wicket keeping batsmen the cricketing fraternity has ever seen. Since then, almost every country has attempted to find their own Gilchrist, with Quinton de Kock probably coming the closest. Some of the feats he's accomplished at such a young age are unfathomable, and there's no surprise he's already being considered a future great.

Having become an integral part of the South African team across all formats with the bat, de Kock is equally good with the gloves in hand. His impeccably quick hands and extreme levels of fitness, has seen him pull off stunners from time to time, creating an opportunity out of nothing.

Abhishek Sharma - Yuvraj Singh

The crop of Indian U-19 players have been the stars of the latest edition of the Indian Premier League. The 17-year-old fearless character made his IPL debut for the Delhi Daredevils against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, as his nonchalant orthodox cricketing shots stole the spotlight. Idolizing Yuvraj Singh, Abhishek's game is almost identical to Yuvraj's. Similar to Yuvraj, he can be effortless and brutal at the same time. His nonchalant swing of the bat is a mesmerizing sight to behold. Contrary to his physique, can hit the ball a long way.

Similarly, Abhishek is no mug with the ball either. His canny left-arm spin has resulted in several economical spells and has a special ability of taking key wickets when required. His athleticism on the field again draws comparison to that of a much younger, more agile Yuvraj.

Haseeb Hameed - Rahul Dravid

Having made his Test debut at the age of 19 against India in 2016, Haseeb was one of the few bright sparks from the tour and looked destined to have an exemplary career in the future. Hameed was appropriately proclaimed as one of the outstanding young batsmen in the country, as his debut hinted he could become the opening partner for Alastair Cook that England had sought since the retirement of Andrew Strauss.

His batting technique drew comparison to Rahul Dravid as he's nicknamed 'The Wall' back in England. His disciplined and unflappable style which identifies him as a bit of a throwback, wears bowlers down, as he grinds each and every run. This enables batsmen lower down to express themselves and play around him.

Although slightly out of form, there's no doubt Haseeb will be back stronger than ever on the world stage.

Rishabh Pant - Brendon McCullum

Brash, brutal and brilliant to watch, Rishabh Pant can bruise bowling attacks like few other men in international cricket. Similar to Brendon, Rishabh has been used throughout the Indian line up, but whenever he arrives at the crease it's impossible to look away. He may have played a few exceptional knocks in the past, yet, this IPL Pant took his game to the next level.

Having been named the Emerging Player of IPL 2018, Pant demonstrated his talent by disdainfully muscling the ball to all corners of the grounds. Alongside his power hitting, he's got the ability to play all kinds of scoops, innovating his own this season. If he were to continue this scintillating form, no doubt, like Brendon, he'll slowly earn the reputation of being one of the most destructive batsman of this generation.

Kagiso Rabada - Dale Steyn

Extreme pace, the ability to swing the ball both ways, and accuracy have perhaps made Steyn the country's best ever. At his prime, Steyn had a steaming run - up, accompanied by a killer outswinger. He was almost unplayable at times. Similarly, a well-built, genuine quick like Rabada is arguably one of South Africa's best talents off late. At a mere age of 20, he announced himself to the world stage establishing himself as the leader of the South African pace attack.

Currently number one in the world Test rankings, he's been instrumental for South Africa across all formats. He also has a sound technique with the bat and looks at ease most of the times, regardless of the conditions. Scary potential!

Shubman Gill - Virat Kohli

Some may believe the hype for Prithvi Shaw is extensive; Shubman Gill's probably more! Player of the tournament in the ICC U-19 World Cup, Gill has a penchant for big runs. His average of 124 at a strike rate of 112.38 is a testament to what an amazing tournament he had. He continued his impressive form for the Kolkata Knight Riders, playing crucial innings from time to time.

There is an uncanny similarity in the way Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli play their shots. Having modeled his game to Virat's, their shots at times look near identical. Whether it is a short arm jab over midwicket or an imperious cover drive, the resemblance is uncanny. By the looks of it, Gill is destined for a great future and a potential future captain for the National side.