IPL 2018: The impact player for each franchise

Going into this year's IPL, each team has put in considerable thought into how their squad composition should be. The squads have a good mix of international stars, Indian stars, and up-and-coming domestic prospects. Some of these sides have been relatively more successful at the auction by creating more balanced squads than others; however, the way T20 cricket is designed means that even one player can change the fate of a team. This slideshow looks at who that player could be for each franchise.

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Royal Challengers Bangalore - Virat Kohli

The presence of the Indian and RCB captain on this list should surprise no one. This man, who has been going through a perpetual purple patch in the past few years, has once again dominated India's tour of South Africa.

Kohli was the highest run-getter in both the Test and ODI series making 286 runs at 47.33 in the Test series and 558 runs at a whopping average of 186 in the ODI series. While he ceased to make an impact in the two T20s that he played, his overall brilliant form indicates that this might just be the year he leads RCB to IPL victory.

Kolkata Knight Riders - Andre Russell

Playing in a side which has other T20 stars such as Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine, Andre Russell may not be whom everyone would put on this list; however, given the West Indian's previous exploits in the IPL and the fact that he will be eager to make a mark coming back from his one year ban, he surely is the player who could carry Kolkata Knight Riders in the tournament.

Russell's recent form with the bat in the West Indies' List A competition has been good, and he has made scores of 108*, 51*, and 76 playing for Jamaica. His bowling form has also been decent, but much more will be expected of him going into the IPL.

With a little over a month left for the IPL, Russell's performance in the Pakistan Super League (where he is currently playing) could determine his mindset going into the IPL, and perhaps even KKR's fate in the tournament.

Kings XI Punjab - Andrew Tye

The Western Australian death overs specialist made a mark in last year's IPL playing for the Gujarat Lions and will be looking to replicate that form this year when he turns out for the Kings XI Punjab. Being the only truly world-class pace bowler in his team, the responsibility to spearhead the attack will fall on Tye and whether or not he steps up could determine how far KXIP could go in the season.

Andrew Tye, who took 12 wickets in 6 games in last year's IPL, has been in good form off late, taking 8 wickets in 4 games in the ODI series against England, and 10 wickets in 5 games in the Trans-Tansman T20 Tri-Series (comprising Australia, England, and New Zealand). While his economy rate has not been the best in recent times, this T20 specialist will surely be the one who determines Punjab's fortunes this season.

Chennai Super Kings - Suresh Raina

Mr. IPL, as they call him, is back where he belongs, at the Chennai Super Kings. Raina, who has been a consistent performer in all 10 editions of the IPL, will be looking to make an impact and take his side to victory on their return to the IPL. His recent form in the domestic cricket, which led to a call-up to the Indian team after being on the sidelines for a year, has been fantastic as he scored 314 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

On his return to international cricket, Suresh Raina showed flashes of brilliance, which eventually led to him getting the Player of the match award in the third 3rd and final T20 against South Africa. With his call-up to the Indian team, Raina will surely have a positive mindset going into the IPL and could perform better than he ever has before.

Delhi Daredevils - Glenn Maxwell

One of the biggest hitters in world cricket, Glenn Maxwell could be whom the Delhi Daredevils will look to change their fortunes and finally lead them to IPL glory. This Victorian batsman, who can also chip in with his handy off-spin, has had middling IPL seasons in the last few years and will be looking to change that on a personal front as well.

Maxwell's recent form has been brilliant as he won the Player of the series award in the Trans-Tasman T20 Tri-Series for his 258 runs at an average of 51 and strike rate of 160, this includes a breathtaking hundred against England. If he can carry on with this form, he could be the fulcrum around which the Delhi team revolves.

Rajasthan Royals - Ben Stokes

It is hard to go past IPL 2017's Player of the tournament when looking for someone who can make an impact. Even though he was out of international cricket for a period of five months, Ben Stokes is well and truly back. He has already picked up a Man of the match award in his second match on return to international cricket, and seems to be picking up right from where he left off.

He dominated IPL 2017, picking up 12 wickets and scoring 316 runs. If he can have another season like that, the Royals fans are in for a treat.

Mumbai Indians - Jasprit Bumrah

The defending champions will be looking to retain the title and Jasprit Bumrah, who is widely regarded as the best death bowler in world cricket, will be key to that defence. Coming off a grueling season of international cricket, where he has recently played in all three formats, Jasprit Bumrah's fitness will be seriously tested.

That being said, the fast bowler was in incredible form in India's tour to South Africa, even if the statistics do not necessarily reflect that. This pacer from Gujarat, who picked up 20 wickets in last year's IPL, will be looking to carry on from where he left off and lead his side to the title once again.

Sunrisers Hyderabad - David Warner

The Australian vice-captain, who has dominated the last three IPLs, twice winning the orange cap, will as usual be the key to SRH's fortunes, especially in the batting department. His recent form with the bat has not been greatest by any means; however, in the absence of regular captain Steven Smith, he led Australia admirably well to victory in the Trans-Tasman T20 Tri-Series.

In Australia's tour of South Africa, Warner has a chance to regain his form; however, conversely, it will be interesting to see how he fares coming off a grueling Australian summer and the tour of South Africa. If past performances are any indication, David Warner is set to light up the IPL.