IPL 2020: 3 players who would probably fare better if they moved to a different franchise

The auctions for the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held on 19 December in Kolkata. All the teams are preparing vigorously for the bidding event, as they look to sign the best talent from the auction pool.

For cricketers around the world and within the country, the IPL has become a platform to complete the T20 dimension of their careers. Almost every cricketer dreams of playing in the mega event, as it promises them a bigger lens to showcase their skills to the outside world. Of course, the money in the competition is a huge magnetic force too.

Naturally, when an opportunity presents itself to be a part of the event, the urge to do well is high. However, the path to success is not easy.

There could be several issues with the franchise that you are representing. Overseas player limit, unsuitable home pitch, flickering team balance, dismal record with the franchise - these are just some of the factors that could affect your performance.

There are a few IPL players who would rather play in a different franchise than the one they are currently saddled with. Here is a list of three such cricketers.

#3 Evin Lewis

It was a forgettable campaign for Evin Lewis last season with Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians signed Evin Lewis amidst much fanfare two seasons ago, especially considering his ability to play in Gayle-esque fashion in the shortest format.

The Trinidadian did not disappoint early on, as he struck 382 runs from 13 games in his debut campaign. Although his average was on the lower side for an opener at 29.38, Lewis' strike-rate of 138.40 ensured quick starts to the innings for Mumbai Indians in 2018. He also slammed 24 sixes in this edition.

A year later though, Lewis struggled for game time at the franchise. The arrival of Quinton de Kock, a left-handed opener, reduced Lewis' chances as he was given only three games to showcase his skills in 2019. He scored 48 runs at a disappointing strike-rate of 92.30 in these three encounters.

The likes of De Kock, Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav are set to continue playing for the team next season. Such a congested top order means Lewis can expect to suffer a similar fate next season, unless he is released by the franchise.

Lewis is a talented T20 player and if he can get a few games to adjust to the conditions, he can be an opener to reckon with. He already showcased his skills in 2018, and the player would want to leave Mumbai Indians before the start of next season in order to reboot his IPL career.

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#2 Deepak Hooda

Will a change of franchise come good for a faltering Deepak Hooda?

If Deepak Hooda plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2020, it will be his fifth consecutive season with the franchise. However, the player is yet to fulfill his promise, which he invariably exudes at the start of every season.

Hooda's situation in the Hyderabad squad is a bit strange. The 24-year-old has played 47 games for the team in the last four seasons. However, he still doesn't seem to have established an identity within the squad.

SRH have batted only two ways in the last few seasons - either the openers fire, or they collapse. Barring a few exceptions, the middle-order has been inconsequential in the batting line-up.

This middle-order has usually comprised of Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan and Vijay Shankar. Hence, in most cases, Hooda's arrival at the crease has coincided either with the team being in a commanding position or when they are about to lose a game.

The fact that Hooda has not scored a single fifty for the 2016 champions also has to be considered here.

SRH boast of one of the best bowling attacks in the competition. The depth and variety in their bowling line-up is seriously impressive. Hooda has not had much to contribute here either. While Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi have usually taken care of the spin department, Hooda has been called on for his gentle off-spinners only when there has been a left-hander at the crease.

Although Hooda has a decent number in the 'matches' column, his impact on the game has been largely insignificant. This would likely continue if he plays for SRH next season too.

The player would rather play at a different side in IPL 2020, where he can showcase his skills to the fullest.

#1 Robin Uthappa

Will KKR release Robin Uthappa?

Robin Uthappa has not been up to the mark for Kolkata Knight Riders in the last two editions of the IPL. In 2019, the Karnataka-born batsman's slow strike-rate frustrated the team on many occasions, leading to him getting for a few games too..

Uthappa's margin for failure will be finer in IPL 2020. Dinesh Karthik, Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana are likely to occupy the domestic batsmen slots, leaving Uthappa in a do-or-die situation within the team. Moreover, after the lackluster show last season, he will be under added pressure to perform better in 2020.

Multi-functional players are very useful in T20s, more so in a competition like the IPL. Uthappa's ability to keep wickets was always one of the main reasons why KKR stuck with him in their team. Of course, his form with the bat was also very good then.

However, after Karthik was picked by the franchise, Uthappa was relieved of his duties behind the stumps. Since Uthappa's role in the team now is of a pure batsman, the management will not have to worry about his glove-work while considering dropping him from the playing XI.

On the other hand, domestic wicket-keepers are an asset for a few teams in the competition. Uthappa's experience in the IPL will be a bonus for them. And playing in a different team atmosphere could also work in his favor.

Hence, playing for a different side next season will be on Uthappa's mind too.