Oman's Vinayak Shukla: From Debut Sensation to Asia Cup Wicketkeeper Against Pakistan

Vinayak Shukla’s rise has been swift since breaking into Oman’s national side late last year. The wicketkeeper-batter, now 31, has already carved a reputation as a middle-order striker who can shift the momentum in T20 cricket. Shukla announced himself on debut in December 2024, blasting 40 off just 18 balls against Qatar to propel Oman past 200 in a commanding victory. Less than a week later, he underlined his potential with his first international half-century. Walking in at 67 for 4 against Kuwait, Shukla steadied the innings before accelerating to an unbeaten 52 from 29 deliveries. His attacking game has quickly made him Oman’s preferred option with both bat and gloves in the shortest format. In eight T20Is, Shukla has scored 190 runs at an average of 31.66 and a strike rate of 146.15, with one fifty to his name. His boundary count of 17 fours and seven sixes reflects his ability to clear the field, while his glovework has also been reliable with one catch and one stumping recorded so far. In ODIs, he has 9 catches and 3 stumpings. Shukla’s consistency earned him a place in the ODI side earlier this year, and he was included in Oman’s squad for their maiden Asia Cup campaign in Dubai. He was named in the XI for their opening match against Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, where Oman restricted their opponents to 160 for 7. Born on June 18, 1994, the right-hander may have arrived late on the international stage, but his early returns suggest he could be a crucial figure for Oman’s batting unit moving forward.