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The 12th edition of Indian Premier League will kick off on March 23 with defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore. With a lot of prolific foreign players featuring and some of the finest domestic talents on show, IPL 2019 promises to be another thrilling season.
Though Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Sunrisers Hyderabad are strong favorites, the tournament will be a closely contested one as all other teams are also well- balanced.
In this article, we will shed a light on who is the most important player for each team in their bid to lift the trophy
#8 Kings XI Punjab - Chris Gayle
Many wrote off Chris Gayle after his underwhelming performance in 2017. RCB dropped him and he remained unsold in the first and second round of the auction in 2018, however, Kings XI Punjab purchased him at a base price of ₹2 crores in the last round. Playing for KXIP last year, Gayle was back to his best and even scored a century and a couple of half-centuries.
This year making a comeback in West Indies outfit, the 39-year-old veteran smashed 2 hundred and 2 fifties to claim the man of the series award in ODI series vs world number one side England. Considering his current form, Gayle is one of the favorites to finish in the list of top five run-scorers list.
#7 Mumbai Indians - Krunal Pandya
Mumbai Indians have retained Krunal Pandya after buying him for ₹8.8 crores using Right to Match card last auction. he is an economical bowler plus one the best strikers of the ball.
On the back of successful IPL performances, the elder Pandya brother made his T20I debut against West Indies. In 11 matches so far, he has bagged 11 wickets with a best of 4/36. He is likely to continue his form this season and could also be a potential candidate for the Most Valuable Player of the tournament award.
#6 Delhi Capitals - Trent Boult
New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult will spearhead the bowling department for Delhi Capitals. Boult is primarily regarded as a swing bowler but in last few years he has polished his death-overs bowling skills. He uses cutters, yorkers, and bouncers; at the back-end to keep a check on batsmen.
With the New Zealand cricket board allowing their players to take full part in the IPL ahead of the World Cup, Boult won't have to leave midway and his left-arm bowler will add to versatility to DC's squad.
#5 Rajasthan Royals - Jofra Archer
The Barbadian born Jofra Archer will soon be eligible to represent England. He shot to fame after Big Bash League in 2018. Playing for Hobart Hurricanes; he left the world gasping with his all-round display. he clocked 150 kph with the bowl, threw caution to the wind through this batting and in the field he was as acrobatic as anyone else.
That prompted IPL teams to bid for Archer and Rajasthan Royals purchased him. With his England dreaemclose to being a reality, Archer is at the peak of his career. He will be Royal's key to success and a player to watch out in the upcoming season.
#4 Sunrisers Hyderabad - Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Sunrisers Hyderabad speedster Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been one of the most successful fast bowlers in IPL history. The right-arm pacer has won the Purple Cap twice in 2016 and 2017.
Kumar is a savvy bowler who initially looks to swing the ball, while uses his slow ball variations coupled with accurate yorkers in the death. It is especially his knuckleball which is hard to pick and has often brought batsmen’s downfall. If Bhuveneshwar delivers with the ball then SRH will stand a good chance in winning their second title.
#3 Kolkata Knight Riders - Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav has been a key component of Indian and Kolkata Knight Rider's team in the last few years. The left-arm wrist spinner has made breakthroughs at crucial junctures and has often helped his side to claw back into the game. Yadav has snared 35 wickets in 18 T20Is.
Unlike modern spinners, he is not afraid to toss the ball to entice batsmen to go after him. He could produce some game-changing spells in the upcoming edition.
#2 Chennai Super Kings - Kedar Jadhav
Last IPL after helping Chennai Super Kings to a victory in the season opener, Kedhar Jadhav was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to an injury. Though this time , he is fit and expected to play an instrumental role in CSK’s middle-order. With the form he is in, Jadhav could enjoy one of his best season's ever.
Recently, twice in partnership with MS Dhoni, he drew out India from precarious positions against Australia. If he continues that partnership at CSK, the defending Champions are going to be a hard team to beat.
#1 Royal Challengers Bangalore - Virat Kohli
Indian and Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli has been in phenomenal form in last two years. He has scored runs in all formats and against all opponents everywhere. Currently, he is the number one ranked player in both ODIs and Tests.
With 4948 runs Kohli is only second to Suresh Raina in IPL’s leading run scorers list. He has four IPL hundreds to his name; all of which came in 2016. That year Kohli amassed more than 900 runs. Passion, insatiable hunger for success and a strong-will will ensure another successful season for the RCB captain. He will hope to finally lead his team to their first IPL trophy.
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