IPL 2019: 3 middle-order players who could be used as openers in this season

#1 Ben Cutting

Ben Cutting's opening option will be a welcome headache for Mumbai Indians

Unlike the other two players in the list, Ben Cutting has never opened the innings in his IPL career. Cutting started his IPL journey with Kings XI Punjab as he was signed as a replacement player for injured Stuart Broad during IPL 2012. Though the Punjab franchise retained him for IPL 2013, he warmed the bench for both the seasons.

Later, Rajasthan Royals bought him for ₹80 lakh during the IPL 2014 auction. In his two-year stay with RR, he managed to play only a solitary game. Then, he represented Sunrisers Hyderabad for two consecutive seasons (2016-2017) before joining the Mumbai Indians during IPL 2018.

Cutting’s most significant IPL moment came during his time with the Hyderabad franchise as he was awarded the Man of the Match in the IPL 2016 final. His quick-fire 39 runs from 15 balls during the end-overs of first innings and two wickets (which included the all-important wicket of Chris Gayle who scored 76 runs from 38 balls) in the second innings played a massive factor in SRH claiming their maiden IPL trophy. However, he failed to set the stage on fire for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2018.

Nevertheless, Cutting is coming off from a decent T20 form in the past six months. He performed exceptionally well for Nangarhar Leopards in the inaugural edition of Afghanistan Premier League.

Later during the final stages of Big Bash League 2018-19, he opened the batting for Brisbane Heat as Brendon McCullum opted to bat at No.3. In Brisbane’s final match of the season, Cutting smashed 81 runs from 30 balls with a massive strike rate of 270.00.

With Quinton de Kock and Evin Lewis already competing for the opening spot, an added advantage of bowling option can work in favor for the Australian all-rounder. These multiple opening options will be a welcome headache for Mumbai Indians.