It’s IPL season and the frenzy is unmatched as the biggest T20 league is about to get underway. The 13th edition of the most successful T20 league will kick off from September 19 and will be played in the United Arab Emirates. The finest international cricketers of the world combined with the best domestic talent of India. We have tried to give you an in-depth analysis of everything related to the Indian Premier League.
In this feature, we look ahead at those 5 all-rounders who will be gold dust for their respective sides and to watch out for in IPL 2020. It is a well-known fact that if a team possess a quality all-rounder the entire balance of the side gets a notch higher.
He is able to contribute with both bat and ball and is arguably the most important players in a squad. The very best T20 all-rounders will unleash their skills in the upcoming IPL and lit up stadiums around UAE for close to two months.
Here are 5 All-Rounders To Watch Out For In IPL 2020:
5. Ravindra Jadeja
The spinning all-rounder of Chennai Super Kings will be an indispensable cog for the franchise on those spinning surfaces in the UAE. Jadeja is at his best when the pitch grips a little and he is able to complete his quota of overs in no time. The 31-year-old will be one of the star all-rounders that everyone will have their keen eye on during IPL 2020.
Jadeja has also evolved immensely as a batsman in the last few years. He has shown his class in difficult situations and led the CSK charge with the bat in hand. On top of that Jadeja is a gun fielder which will end up saving several runs in the field.
A true three-dimensional cricketer Jaddu is currently at the peak of his powers and will be looking to win matches for his successful franchise from next month.
Ravindra Jadeja IPL Record: 170 Matches, 1927 Runs, SR 122.7, 108 Wickets
4. Marcus Stoinis
The Australian is a highly underrated T20 all-rounder that closely does his job. The 31-year-old will be representing the Delhi Capitals in the upcoming IPL season. With Ricky Ponting as coach of the franchise, he will surely get the best out of his fellow Aussie for the Delhi Capitals franchise.
Stoinis is a terrific striker of the cricket ball that can turn the match on its head in a matter of few years. He is also handy with the bowl as his medium pace will be an asset on slow pitches in the UAE.
IPL 2020 might be the season when we see Stoinis in full flow and Delhi Capitals will hope that he produces match-winning throughout the competition this year.
Marcus Stoinis IPL Record: 29 Matches, 473 Runs, SR 130, 15 Wickets
3. Ben Stokes
The crown in the jewel of the Rajasthan Royals, Ben Stokes is arguably the game’s greatest all-rounder today. The 29-year-old has been scintillating form since the last year as he has helped England win miraculous games from impossible situations.
A wicket-taker, natural match-winner with the willow in hand and a freak fielder, Stokes is indeed a complete all-rounder. Rajasthan Royals wants Stokes to be on song throughout IPL 2020 as that will make a huge difference to their side this season.
It goes without saying that Stokes will garner attention whenever he plays in IPL 2020 as he is coming into the tournament on the back massive performances in international cricket.
Ben Stokes IPL Record: 34 Matches, 635 Runs, SR 132; 26 Wickets
2. Andre Russell
When Andre Russell takes a strike in a T20 match it is one of the scariest sights for any opposition time. The big man from Jamaica is a colossal T20 player that has entertained everyone in his IPL career. KKR like every other year will again bank on their superstar all-rounder to deliver the goods yet again.
The defending champion of IPL ‘MVP’ award, Russell just knows how to take his team home during a tense T20 match. He is one of those players that you just can’t keep out of the game. Time and time again he has produced breathtaking performances for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
This year Russell would be eyeing that elusive IPL crown that he still has to win. Get ready UAE there’s a Russell storm about to hit from next month in the IPL.
Andre Russell IPL Record: 64 Matches, 1400 Runs, SR 187, Average 34; 55 Wickets
1. Hardik Pandya
This man has already made quite a few headlines in 2020 and he will be looking to once again stamp his mark in the Indian Premier League. The star all-rounder of the Mumbai Indians if back to peak fitness and raring to go for the defending champion. Hardik is a showman that likes to play for the gallery and grab the limelight through his outstanding execution on the field.
Since his debut in the league, he has won 3 IPL titles with the Mumbai Indians. Much like all the all-rounders in this list, Hardik too is a gamechanger in every aspect as he likes to be the man that wins the game for his side. His ability to hit sixes outside the stadiums is well-known but his bowling has also improved remarkably in the lost few seasons. Hardik will be coming back to action after a year as he missed out due to injury last year.
The 26-year-old is certainly the numero-uno cricketer to watch out for in IPL 2020. Indian fans will be hoping that they see the absolute best of Hardik Pandya and he again shows why he is so highly rated as an all-rounder across the globe.
Hardik Pandya IPL Record: 66 Matches, 1068 Runs, SR 155; 42 Wickets