NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg has lauded youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, expressing confidence that the upcoming season will showcase the best of the left-handed batter's abilities.
Having debuted in the 2020 season with the Rajasthan-based franchise, Jaiswal has emerged as a promising talent, amassing 1172 runs in 37 matches at an impressive strike rate of 148.73.
Also See: IPL schedule 2024
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Hogg emphasized Jaiswal's boosted confidence following his remarkable performance in the recent Test series against England.
"I've been studying the RR team, and I could find only two holes in their lineup. They are set up by a very strong top order. Jaiswal has got extra confidence going into this particular season, the way his Test career has taken off. I think we are going to see the best of him in IPL 2024," remarked Hogg.
Highlighting Rajasthan Royals' well-balanced batting lineup, Hogg singled out big names like Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, and Rovman Powell, contributing to a formidable top six.
"RR have a well-balanced top six with Hetmyer, Parag and Powell in that line-up. The other thing I like about this lineup is that Ashwin can play as a floater. If they lose early wickets, they can drop their hitters down the order and Ashwin can come up the order. Their bowling, although quality, none of them can hold a bat," he added.
However, Hogg acknowledged the setback caused by India pacer Prasidh Krishna's injury to the Rajasthan-based franchise, lamenting the missed opportunity for Krishna to shine in IPL 2024.
"Prasidh Krishna's injury really hurts RR, he could have had a real big season. I really like Avesh Khan, I think he is going to have one of the best seasons that we have seen of him," Hogg further added.
1/6:Players who are returning to their old team in IPL 2024
Agencies
2/6:Manish Pandey
<p>Manish Pandey, now with Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2024, returns to the team where he won the title nearly a decade ago. In between, he's had stints with SRH, LSG, and DC.<br /></p>Agencies
3/6:Shreyas Gopal
<p>Shreyas Gopal began his IPL journey with Mumbai Indians (MI). After missing some seasons, the leg-spinner is eager to make a strong comeback, having been picked by MI for Rs 20 lakh at the auction.<br /></p>Agencies
4/6:Mitchell Starc
<p>Mitchell Starc's IPL appearances have been sparse, with his last match dating back to 2015. Although picked by KKR for IPL 2018, he withdrew. However, he's now set to return to the same team that secured him for INR 24.75 crore.<br /></p>Agencies
5/6:Hardik Pandya
<p>Hardik Pandya is poised to lead Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, following his captaincy success with Gujarat Titans, winning the inaugural 2022 season and finishing as runners-up in the previous one. His trade value stands at a hefty 15 crore.<br /></p>Agencies
6/6:Shardul Thakur
<p>Shardul Thakur switched teams after IPL 2021 when CSK released him before the mega auction. He then played for Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders before rejoining CSK for IPL 2024. He has been bought for 4 crore. <br /></p>AgenciesRajasthan Royals will commence their IPL 2024 campaign against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
The franchise bolstered its squad in the IPL 2024 auction with acquisitions like Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Abid Mushtaq, and Nandre Burger, adding depth and versatility to their lineup.
Rajasthan Royals' IPL 2024 Squad: Sanju Samson (c), Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Navdeep Saini, Prasidh Krishna, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, Avesh Khan, Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Abid Mushtaq, Nandre Burger.
(With inputs from ANI)
