The thirteenth edition of the Indian Premier League is all set to begin on 29 March with the two finalists of last season taking on each other at the iconic Wankhede. IPL 2020 holds even greater context because of the T20 World Cup scheduled in October; meaning more overseas players being available for the season to get proper match practice as well as make a case for selection in the national team. As expected, the auctions saw a large number of players who pulled out of the 2019 auctions to prepare for the World Cup, apart from a few exceptions like Mitch Starc.
Also Read: IPL 2020: 5 Players who have the potential to win the Orange Cap
With most overseas players being available for the upcoming season, the upcoming season promises to be even more competitive. As we head into the start of the season, we look at one overseas player to watch out from each team:
Mumbai Indians: Quinton de Kock
The newly appointed South African captain, Quinton de Kock has been in terrific form off late, especially after taking over the captaincy. The left-handed opener, who was traded in from RCB before the 2019 season, scored 529 runs last season, which has been his best season till date. He not only scored as many as four fifties, his cameos including the one in the final helped MI take the attack to the opposition right from the beginning.
De Kock going after the bowlers right from the beginning is something which will help Rohit’s style of play by giving him some time to settle in. And this is what makes the wicket-keeper’s role even more important. MI will hope de Kock to continue his purple patch in the upcoming season and provide them flying starts.
Delhi Capitals: Kagiso Rabada
One of the best fast bowlers of this era, Kagiso Rabada is an all-format bowler, who has proven his ability to succeed on all kinds of pitches. The South African pacer proved to be a game-changer for DC last season with 25 wickets from 12 games. His injury just ahead of the playoffs proved them costly. With the Delhi pitch staying slow and low for most parts of the season, Rabada brings in the x-factor with his express pace and deadly accurate yorkers. He is doubly lethal on relatively faster wickets which will suit his style of bowling.
Not only with pace, Rabada has the ability to beat the batsmen with swing and bounce. Rabada, if available for the whole season, will be one of the prime contenders for the Purple Cap and will undoubtedly hold the key to Delhi’s fortunes in crunch games.
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Kolkata Knight Riders: Andre Russell
One of the most powerful hitters around the globe, Andre Russell has been KKR’s most valuable asset ever since he was bought by the franchise. The all-rounder’s monstrous hitting won a number of games for KKR last season from situations where almost no other batsman could finish off. Finishing the 2019 season with 500-plus runs and a 200-plus strike rate (highest for the season), Russell almost single-handedly took KKR to the brink of a playoff qualification.
Moreover, Russell is in terrific form going into the IPL, as evident from the ongoing T20I series in Sri Lanka. His bowling is an invaluable asset too, given his knack of picking wickets while bowling at crucial stages of the game. Not surprisingly, Russell will be the player to watch out from KKR yet again.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: David Warner
Reinstated as the skipper of SRH after 2 years, David Warner has been one of the best overseas players to have played the IPL. Warner, who led SRH to their only title in 2016, continues to be the most valuable player for his side. His form in the IPL since 2015 has been one of the major factors why SRH have been so consistent. Having scored more than 500 runs every single season since 2015 (barring 2018 when he was suspended), Warner has been one of the most reliable batsmen in the league.
Warner has been n terrific form in white-ball cricket ever since he resumed playing after the suspension. His form along with his record in the IPL is enough to give opposition bowlers a headache. With a huge burden of expectations like every season, Warner yet again will be the most important player for SRH.
Kings XI Punjab: Glenn Maxwell
The only time KXIP reached the finals of the IPL, Glenn Maxwell was the major architect. After a season with Delhi and a year of skipping the IPL, Maxwell is back again with KXIP. As evident from the last two seasons, KXIP’s poor middle order not being able to capitalize on the platform set by the openers cost them numerous games. However, with an in-form Maxwell in the side, the middle order now holds a formidable look. The much-needed finishing role now lies in the safe hands of Maxwell. The Aussie all-rounder is also a more than handy off-spinner who is known for giving crucial breakthroughs.
Also Read: IPL 2020: 5 Players who have the potential to win the Purple Cap
The KXIP management will be expecting their former skipper to repeat the heroics of the 2014 season, which will lead to a change in fortunes for the side. And Maxwell, being the big-match player that he is, is very much capable of bringing in the much-needed X-factor into the side.
Rajasthan Royals: Ben Stokes
One of the hottest properties in international cricket at the moment, Ben Stokes is undoubtedly the most valuable player for any team he plays for. Having won the Player of the Tournament in 2017, Stokes has so far underperformed for Rajasthan Royals. However, unlike the last two seasons, Stokes is in the form of his life coming into this season. Also, he has developed into a big match player and someone who the team can rely on in pressure situations.
The middle-order mainstay for RR will also have a key role to play in the bowling department. With not much experience in the pace department, Stokes might be handed over the responsibility of bowling the crucial death overs as well. If Stokes continues carries his rich form into the IPL, Rajasthan Royals might well be in for something big this season.
Chennai Super Kings: Shane Watson
The former Australian skipper has been a seasoned campaigner for more than a couple of years now. Playing T20 leagues around the globe, Watson has managed to stay match-fit and ready for the big stage. After two forgettable seasons for RCB, Watson was bought by CSK in the 2018 season and he repaid the faith shown by the franchise with a magnificent season with the bat, including a hundred in the final. Despite not being consistent enough in 2019, he was backed enough by the management and the Aussie all-rounder almost won CSK another final, scoring 80 in a nail-biting thriller before getting run out in the last over.
Having proven himself under pressure situations, there is no reason why CSK will not back the big man throughout the season yet again. Watson’s knack of taking his game a level up in the big matches makes him the player to watch out for from the three-time champions.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Chris Morris
Death bowling has been RCB’s nemesis for a long time now, something which has been the biggest obstacle between them and their maiden IPL trophy. South African all-rounder Chris Morris might just prove to be the solution for the problem this season. Released by Delhi Capitals, Morris was snapped by RCB in the recently concluded auctions. The lanky fast bowler is known for his ability to pick wickets regularly and for his crafty death bowling. Despite being a bit on the expensive side, Morris’ knack of getting wickets makes him a valuable asset.
Morris, with his ability to use the long handle, will also be handed over the responsibility to finish the innings with the bat too. RCB have always been a top-heavy side without much focus on finishing. However, with Morris coming in, they will have the cushion of someone who can fit into the role of a finisher. RCB’s fortunes depend to a large extent on how good a season Chris Morris has.