5 batsmen with a point to prove at this year's IPL

This year's Indian Premier League (IPL) looks set to be the most exciting season in its history. A lot of new faces have come into the tournament this year, significant changes have been made to each franchise's squad, and there were some surprise players who remained unsold at this year's auction.

The IPL has always featured the most destructive batsmen in world cricket, and this year's season is no different. But a few of the destructive batsmen have seen their fortunes decline lately, while some others haven't had the chance to showcase the full extent of their ability in front IPL fans yet.

Here's a look at five batsmen who will have a point to prove at this year's IPL:

#1 Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle will look to make a huge impression at this year's IPL

Has there ever been a more destructive batsman in T20 cricket than Chris Gayle? Well, if last year's IPL season was anything to go by, the answer would be a surprising yes.

Gayle had an extremely poor season last year, which led to the Royal Challengers Bangalore letting him go for this year's edition. Other franchises at this year's auction did not seem too keen to recruit the services of the big-hitting opening batsmen either, with him being a last-minute pick by the Kings XI Punjab.

However, Gayle remains a fearsome batsman and one poor season does not define his potential. Being let go by his former franchise team will be a bitter pill to swallow, and he will undoubtedly be seeking to prove his critics wrong this season.

#2 AB de Villiers

AB will be looking to make an impact at this year's IPL

One batsman who never fails to light up the crowd is AB de Villiers. He had something of a lean trot during last year's IPL and there is no doubt that he will be looking to make amends this season.

His return to Test cricket in the current series against Australia shows that he is in good touch and playing with a lot of confidence. He will be looking to replicate his performances in the shorter format, which will make for an exciting season for us all.

#3.Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock will be looking to make an impact for RCB

Another batsman to keep a close eye on will be Quinton de Kock. The South African opener id playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and will be looking to make an explosive impact.

It is likely that De Kock will be opening the batting with Kiwi batsman Brendon McCullum. If that is the case, RCB may have landed themselves the most potent opening pair in this year's IPL.

#4 David Miller

David Miller is in fine form

Another South African batsman making the list is the explosive David Miller. Having set the world record for the fastest T20 international century, Miller appears to have found some good form heading into this year's IPL.

He did not have the best season during the last IPL and will surely be looking to turn things around this year.

#5 Heinrich Klaasen

Klaasen came in as a surprising replacement for Steven Smith

The announcement of Heinrich Klaasen as a replacement for Steven Smith came as a huge shock to many. However, the hard-hitting South African batsman has the potential to justify the faith put in him by the Rajasthan Royals.

He is in a rich vein of form, having played spectacularly well against India when they toured South Africa, and has proven that he can perform against the top bowlers in the world.

Whichever way you look at it, one cannot argue that the spotlight will be on Klaasen this season.