Apoorv Wankhade under the eyes of quite a few IPL team selectors before the auctions 2021-22

By CG Reporter Last updated Jan 6, 2022

Apoorv Wankhade is a well-known name in the Indian domestic cricket circle. The right handed middle order batter has been playing for Vidarbha since 2012-13. His prolific performances at the domestic level were rewarded when he was picked by IPL franchises; Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders. The 29-year old was a part of the Mumbai Indians in 2012 and 2014, while he was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018.

With IPL 2022 just a few months away, the selection trials have already begun. Wankhade was called up by Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals for the selection trials. He was also called by one of the two new teams that will feature in the upcoming IPL; Lucknow and also by Punjab Kings. However, due to COVID-19, the selection trials of Lucknow and Punjab Kings were canceled.

Wankhade is an experienced campaigner having played 15 First Class matches, 29 List A games and 60 T20. Given that he will be eyeing a place in any of the IPL teams it is important to look at his T20 performance. In the 60 T20 matches that he has played, he has muscled 1029 runs at a strike rate of 133.11. He averages 27.81, with the best score of 56 not out.

In the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Wankhade showed his class as he hammered 158 runs in six innings at a stellar average of 158 and strike rate of 175.55. His average of 158 was the best in the tournament. He also smashed 11 sixes in the competition and was one among the 12 players in the competition to hit more than 10 sixes. His best score came against Manipur when he hammered 49 not out off just 16 balls. In that innings, he bludgeoned as many as six sixes, which was the second highest number of sixes in an innings in the tournament last year.

From his numbers it is quite evident that Wankhade is a hard hitting batter. Being a middle order batter, he can perfectly fit the role of a finisher in any team. Apart from his batting, he can also roll his arm over to bowl right arm medium pace.