IPL 2021: Analysing the wicket-keeping options of all 8 teams

#4 Punjab Kings

KL Rahul kept wickets for PBKS in IPL 2020 despite having a lot on his plate

Options: KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran, Prabhsimran Singh

Although Rahul was handed captaincy of PBKS last year, he took up the wicket-keeping responsibilities throughout the season and did fairly well. The same should continue this year, although another option in Pooran should be part of the XI.

Young Prabhsimran has been in exceptional form in domestic cricket, and he could be handed the gloves if he makes the playing XI. But the most likely choice seems to be Rahul.

VERDICT - KL Rahul

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#3 Sunrisers Hyderabad

Jonny Bairstow is in stellar form

Options: Jonny Bairstow, Wriddhiman Saha, Shreevats Goswami

This decision is touch-and-go, as both Saha and Bairstow have valid cases to be included in the SRH XI. The Englishman should get the nod owing to the outrageous form he's in, even if that means all three of Warner, Bairstow and Williamson play.

Saha is a far better gloveman skill-wise, and if he makes the XI, he's a shoo-in. But Bairstow should keep, at least at the start of the season.

VERDICT - Jonny Bairstow

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#2 Kolkata Knight Riders

Dinesh Karthik isn't the captain now, but he's definitely the wicket-keeper

Options: Dinesh Karthik, Tim Seifert, Sheldon Jackson

There's no doubt in KKR's case as well. Former captain Karthik will keep wickets for the team in IPL 2021. Seifert is another option, but there's no way he fits into KKR's overseas combination, which is all but settled. Jackson will be nothing more than an injury backup for Karthik.

VERDICT - Dinesh Karthik

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#1 Royal Challengers Bangalore

AB de Villiers is ageing like fine wine

Options: AB de Villiers, Finn Allen, Mohammed Azharuddeen, KS Bharat

After the withdrawal of Josh Philippe, RCB have some choices to make. Devdutt Padikkal's availability for the first two games is still not known, and captain Virat Kohli is expected to open the batting with Azharuddeen in case Padikkal doesn't recover in time.

Even if Azharuddeen doesn't open, he's likely to be in the team in the middle order. And him donning the gloves would greatly help De Villiers, who is an asset in the field and shouldn't be burdened unnecessarily.

Young Allen played a stellar knock for New Zealand, and if an overseas slot in the team opens up, he is another choice.

VERDICT - Mohammed Azharuddeen