IPL 2018: Key spinner for each IPL side

Spinners form the spinal cord of any cricket team and this holds true even in the case of T20 format, that is often ruled by the batsmen. In recent times, the world cricket has seen a rejuvenation of spin bowling, especially wrist-spin.

This year the franchises have shelled out a considerable amount of money for the spinners, proving the worth of spinners in a T20 side. Thus, in the eleventh edition of IPL, all the eyes will be on the spinners playing for the eight participating teams.

Here we look at the spin bowling prowess of all the eight teams for IPL 2018.

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#1 Amit Mishra (Delhi Daredevils)

Amit Mishra is the most successful leg-spinner in IPL

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as a captain will be a big boost for DD who haven't played a single final across the ten years of IPL. From Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Gambhir has a lot to choose from during the tournament.

Spearheaded by Amit Mishra, the most successful spinner in IPL and the second-most successful bowler after Lasith Malinga, who also has as many as three hat-tricks to his name, the Daredevils look a decent spin unit. Mishra will provide DD with the much-required spin variety in this year's IPL. Thus, Amit will form the core of the spin department for DD.

IPL Numbers- Matches: 126 | Wickets: 134 | Eco: 7.41 | Avg: 24.33 | S/R: 19.69

#2 Kuldeep Yadav (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Kuldeep will prove to be crucial for KKR

KKR has the most qualitative spin attack in IPL. With Sunil Narine, Kuldeep Yadav, and Piyush Chawla in their ranks, KKR seems to be complete in the bowling department, especially on spinning and gripping tracks.

In this year's IPL, Kuldeep will prove to be crucial for KKR. Of late, the Chinaman has played some fantastic cricket at international level. Having played under the shadow of MS Dhoni, Kuldeep has come up with a lot of variations and would incorporate the same in this year's IPL as well. Hence, Kuldeep will be a vital cog in the spin department for KKR.

IPL Numbers- Matches: 15 | Wickets: 18 | Eco: 8.30 | Avg: 24.44 | S/R: 17.66

#3 Krishnappa Gowtham (Rajasthan Royals)

Krishnappa Gowtham had a fantastic domestic season

Inaugural champions RR, propelled by Australian captain Steve Smith, don't have any big names in their spin department and that could be a worry for them in the upcoming edition of IPL. With the likes of Krshinappa Gowtham, Shreyas Gopal, and Zahir Khan, RR seems to have a big job ahead to find a decent spinner.

However, one player who can lead the spin department for RR is Krishnappa Gowtham. In recent times, Gowtham has played a decent brand of cricket. His domestic performances speak for the same.

T20s- Matches: 27 | Wickets: 20 | Eco: 7.06 | Avg: 28.95 | S/R: 24.60

#4 Ravichandran Ashwin (Kings XI Punjab)

Ashwin will now lead the KXIP side

KXIP don't have many spinners in their ranks but they have managed to maintain the quality of spin department with the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel. Ashwin will be the most important spinner for Punjab in this year's IPL.

Ashwin's performance in IPL has been quite exceptional. Currently, he enjoys the second-best economy rate in the history of IPL and about 100 wickets which make him a perfect T20 material. Thus, Ashwin's services will prove to be crucial for KXIP.

IPL Numbers- Matches: 111| Wickets: 100 | Eco: 6.55 | Avg: 24.99 | S/R: 22.90

#5 Rashid Khan (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Rashid Khan is currently the best T20 bowler in the world

The 2016 champions have done a great job in this year’s auction by picking a strong bowling unit. SRH’s spin arsenal looks solid with Afghan Rashid Khan spearheading it along with the veteran Shakib Al Hasan. Additionally, there are Mohammad Nabi, Bipul Sharma, and Deepak Hooda who can turn out to be vital.

Of late, Rashid Khan has turned out to be the best bowler in the world, especially in T20 format. Thus, Rashid will prove to be a crucial cog for SRH in the upcoming edition of IPL. His T20 figures speak it louder.

IPL Numbers- Matches: 14 | Wickets: 17 | Eco: 6.62 | Avg: 21.05 | S/R: 19.05

#6 Krunal Pandya (Mumbai Indians)

Krunal Pandya is now an important player in the MI squad

Mumbai Indians, having won the title three times, are one of the most successful T20 teams. Mumbai have covered all the bases except the spin department. Their squad lack a quality spin option.

With no experienced spinners in their ranks, Krunal will have to lead the pack for MI in this season. Pandya had two great seasons in 2016 and 2017 both with the bat and ball. This time around, he will have to repeat the same.

The elder of Pandya brothers' services will be crucial for MI on the turning track like the one of Chennai.

IPL Numbers- Matches: 25 | Wickets: 16 | Eco: 7.15 | Avg: 31.81 | S/R: 26.68

#7 Yuzvendra Chahal (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Chahal will be a key player for RCB this year

RCB, led by Virat Kohli, who are often tagged as the chokers of IPL would like to break the jinx in this year's edition by winning their first-ever title. Having considered this year's auctions, RCB look a formidable side on paper with a decent bowling attack and an in-depth batting line-up.

With not much of experience in the spin-department, Yuzvendra Chahal would prove to be more than crucial for RCB in the upcoming edition of IPL. Presence of a spinner like Chahal who is at the top of his game in international cricket at the moment would add to the strength of the team.

Keeping Indian conditions and pitches in mind, Chahal would be the trump card for Virat Kohli.

IPL Numbers- Matches: 56 | Wickets: 70 | Eco: 7.90 | Avg: 22.41 | S/R: 17.01

#8 Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings)

Jadeja has been a vital spinner for CSK

CSK, the most successful team in IPL, are all set to return to the colossal league after serving a two-year ban. Once again, under the tutelage of MS Dhoni, CSK would be eager to have their hands on the beautiful trophy. In this year's IPL, the spinners will be a vital cog for MS Dhoni and men.

In this year's auction, CSK showed an inclination towards spinners. With the likes of Harbhajan Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Imran Tahir, and Karn Sharma, they have a lot of spin fire-power. However, Jadeja will prove to be crucial for them this year. He has been the highest wicket-taker among all the spinners CSK ever had.

Their spin attack will bank on Jadeja because Harbhajan hasn't played a lot of cricket recently and will take time to get back in the groove. Meanwhile, with the limitation of four overseas players, Imran Tahir might have to sit out more often than not.

Thus, Jadeja would have to lead the pack of spinners for CSK in this year's IPL.

IPL Numbers- Matches: 138 | Wickets: 82 | Eco: 7.81 | Avg: 30.56 | S/R: 23.47