IPL 2023: T20 cricket is a batsman’s game and it is mostly the batters who win matches for the IPL franchises. A proper T20 team consists of at least 7 batters, comprising batsmen and all-rounders. However, the most reliable batters are at the top of the innings, as openers play a very important role in a team’s batting innings; it is the openers who provide momentum to the innings in the initial powerplay overs of a match.
5. Jos Buttler
This name in no way can be left out when we talk of openers in the T20 format, especially the IPL. Buttler had a massive season scoring 850+ runs in IPL 2022 averaging 50+ throughout the tournament and excelling in T20 internationals with equal superiority.
His command over the T20 format was well depicted in his super run in the T20 World Cup where he marched his team to victory. Buttler is the most convincing cricketer currently in the T20 format.
4. Virat Kohli
It is due to his commanding return to form in T20s since Asia Cup 2022, that the King is back on our list of most dependable openers in the IPL. As Mike Hesson has already given us hints of Kohli opening for RCB in IPL 2023, the King can be expected to have a great run owing to the continuation of his amazing form from international T20 cricket.
3. Prithvi Shaw
The young and prolific aggressive batter from Maharashtra, contributed brilliantly to Mumbai’s win in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. With his eminent performance, he paved his way back into the national side ending his 2-year long exile from international cricket. His recent surge in form would make the spectators aspire for a good cricketing season from him in IPL 2023.
Shaw has anyway proven to be an outstanding opener for Delhi Capitals as he has been a consistent performer and always strikes at an alarming strike rate never below 150. This year Delhi would hope for an even better performance from him in the Indian Premier League.
2. Shubman Gill
Gill is in the form of his life in limited-overs cricket, scoring 3 100+ scores in his last 6 Odi appearances, converting one of these hundreds to a double ton. With the sublime touch in which Gill is, he can be the most promising batter in IPL 2023.
Gill also had an outstanding IPL in 2022, scoring 400+ runs for the Gujarat Titans and playing a major role in the Titans’ debut season win. Gill is hence expected to be amongst the best scorers in IPL 2023.
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad
Last but not least on the list is Gaikwad, who has shown prominence playing for CSK as he has had repeated good seasons with the bat first scoring 650+ runs in 2021 and playing a vital role in CSK’s commanding win in 2021 and then 400+ runs in 2022. CSK’s star performer, despite a few chances for the Indian team, could not manage to do anything much.
As Super Kings would look to revive their lost form in IPL 2023, Ruturaj would play the most vital role in their comeback. Based on his performance, in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Gaikwad would look to fancy his chances in the league to make a spot for himself in the Indian national side.
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