5 players who can make an IPL comeback in 2019

Preparations have begun for the biggest T20 league in the world, the IPL. Even though there is still some time for the tournament to start, with teams trying to change things around through trading and retaining players, there is a lot going on in the IPL circles keeping the fans interested.

IPL 2019 is going to be different in a lot of ways. With the World Cup just around the corner, the IPL governing council is working hard on the scheduling of this year's IPL. The tournament might be preponed by a couple of weeks in order to give some breathing time to the players before the World Cup.

Also, some popular players might make comebacks to the cash-rich league this year. While some of these players missed the last season due to injuries, some players didn't get picked because of poor form. Some players were left out on ethical grounds too. But the twelfth season of the cash-rich league might see these players returning back to the tournament.

Here are 5 players who can make a comeback to the IPL this year.

#5 Jason Holder

Holder in IPL 2013 playing for CSK

Jason Holder made his IPL debut in 2013, playing 6 matches for Chennai Super Kings. He then played a couple of seasons for the Sunrisers Hyderabad before playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2016.

But because of below-par performances, Holder remained unsold in the next two auctions. While his bowling has been decent, the West Indies skipper will be extremely disappointed with his batting returns. The Barbadian has scored just 38 runs in 11 IPL matches, which doesn't quite do justice to his talent.

But he has been in terrific form off late and was effective, with both bat and ball in the recently concluded tour of India. Hence, IPL teams might give one more chance to Holder and maybe he can be used as a batting all-rounder this season.

#4 Hanuma Vihari

Vihari last played in theIPL for SRH in 2015

After attracting no buyers for three continuous seasons, Hanuma Vihari, who last played in the IPL in 2015, is set to make a comeback to the IPL. The stylish right-hand batsman recently made his Test debut against England and impressed everyone with his temperament and tight technique.

Apart from his strong red-ball credentials, Vihari has been in scintillating form in limited-overs cricket as well. Playing for India A, the 25-year-old scored 253 runs in just three matches in the Tri-series against England Lions and West Indies A. The crucial thing to notice in these stats is his strike-rate which was over 100.

Indian players are always in high demand in the IPL and with the kind of consistency that Vihari has shown in the recent past, there are no doubts that a number of teams will be after him at the auction.

#3 David Warner

Warner has been a prolific run-scorer for SRH

David Warner is one of the most sought after T20 players in the world. Warner is known for his aggressive intent, both while batting and on the field. After spending five years with Delhi Daredevils, the left-handed batsman shifted base to Hyderabad in 2014. Warner averages more than 40 in the IPL and boasts a strike-rate of over 142. He successfully led Sunrisers Hyderabad to their first IPL title in 2016.

However, just before the start of IPL 2018, the Australian got involved in the ball tampering scandal and was banned by Cricket Australia for 12 months. He was subsequently dropped by the Sunrisers as well.

But Warner might be seen playing for Sunrisers once again this year. Warner's ban will be over by the time IPL begins and with Shikhar Dhawan already being traded, SRH will be more than happy to have Warner back. However, Warner might not be given the captaincy as Williamson might continue as the SRH skipper.

#2 Dale Steyn

Steyn hasn't been part of the IPL for

last

couple of years

When Dale Steyn's name came up at last year's auction, no IPL team showed any interest in buying him. It was ironic that once the most dreaded fast bowler in the IPL had no bidders. Even though Steyn hasn't been at his best in the IPL since 2015, his stats are more than impressive.

The speedster has 92 scalps to his name at an average 25.06. And despite the fact that he has bowled a maximum of his overs in powerplays and death overs, he has maintained an outrageous economy rate of 6.72.

Steyn has been struggling with injuries and poor form in the last couple of years and at times it seemed like his career is all but over.

But the Steyn-gun, as he is famously called, kept fighting and finally made it to the South African side this year. In the recently concluded ODI series against Australia, Steyn looked in full force taking 7 wickets in 3 matches.

Steyn has been clocking regularly in the 140kphs and it will be extremely hard for the franchises to oversee a class bowler like him again.

#1 Steve Smith

Smith led Rising Pune Supergiants to the finals in 2017

Rajasthan Royals suffered a huge blow before the start of IPL 2018 when their designated captain Steve Smith was axed from the squad following the infamous ball tampering controversy.

Smith has been successful in the IPL both as a player and as a captain. The Australian led Rising Pune Supergiant to the IPL final in 2017 and was supposed to lead the Royals in IPL 2018.

He also has a phenomenal IPL batting record to his name where he has scored 1703 runs at an outstanding average of over 37.

Even though Smith has been out of international cricket, he has been playing domestic cricket in Australia. He also seemed to be in decent form in the CPL. Also, Cricket Australia is contemplating lifting the ban on both Smith and Warner.

Moreover, the term of the ban will be over by the time IPL begins next year which means Smith will be back in Rajasthan Royals colours.