Virat Kohli is enjoying a stellar run of form in IPL 2023 for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The former skipper, who also stepped into Faf du Plessis’ shoes for three games, has tallied 420 runs so far from 11 outings at an average of 42 and a strike-rate of 133.75, scoring six half-centuries along the way.
India’s most successful Test skipper, Kohli is arguably the country’s biggest brand and one of the biggest global superstars in the game at present. From his swagger on the field to his charm off the field, he certainly knows how to sport it and ace every facet that has made him the brand that he is.
He might be on the wrong side of his thirties but he continues to go strong. That said, there will be a time where he will move into the sunset of his career, leaving huge boots to fill in the process.
Of course, there are a number of young stars who have lit up IPL 2023 and cast themselves as potential heirs for Kohli. Let’s look at three such names here:
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#1 Shubman Gill
The most obvious name that springs to mind is the prodigious Shubman Gill, who has not only wowed fans with his stylish batting in IPL 2023, but has also emerged as one of the top youngsters on the international circuit.
The 23-year old opener from Punjab plies his trade for the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL and carries a burgeoning reputation on his shoulders. His incredible double-hundred in an ODI against New Zealand earlier this year certainly gave the impression that #YehTohBadaToingHai.
If Kohli is the King, Gill has been touted as the Prince and his true heir in the Indian cricket team. As for his style quotient, he certainly knows how to sport it as well. He is bound to produce many Toing moments in time to come with sky being the limit for this superstar in the making. The youngster will have a huge role to play at the business end of IPL 2023 if GT are to defend their crown.
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#2 Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad has emerged as the batting lynchpin of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) over the last couple of years and is enjoying a good run of form in IPL 2023 as well. He has got his team off to consistent starts and on the back of a strong domestic season, is hammering the door down for a longer run in the Indian team.
Gaikwad has also been touted as the potential heir to MS Dhoni, with IPL 2023 largely rumoured to be the latter’s swansong. That is bound to see his stock rise, much like it did with Kohli when he took over as captain of RCB and India. His stroke play is as Toing as they come and continues to wow fans and critics to leave them awestruck.
His maturity and game awareness have come for lavish praise from all quarters and there is no reason as to why he cannot match what Kohli has done in all these years. Don’t be surprised one bit if he becomes a mainstay in the Indian team in time to come.
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#3 Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s #YehTohBadaToingHai style of batting has made him the flavor of the season in IPL 2023. Having just struck the fastest fifty in the league’s history, he continues to produce breath-taking displays of batting that enthral fans every time.
Jaiswal might be a left-handed batter unlike Kohli, but carries the same hunger and penchant for runs. That automatically makes him a long-term India prospect and as one of the brightest young talents in the country, he certainly sports an exhilarating batting style that is bound to draw spectators into the stands.
Of course, by virtue of being a left-handed batter, he has his different grace and elegance that comes with multiple Toing moments. He has cast himself as a potential superstar who could #StayToing and headline the sport for many years to come and the big stage certainly awaits the youngster from Mumbai.
Who do you think will be the next Virat Kohli among these young IPL 2023 stars? Let us know what you think. #StayToing #SportoMacho
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