IPL 2020: 5 dark horses who could win the MVP award for the first time

#4 Moeen Ali

Mo Ali could see the UAE conditions play into his hands

In an RCB lineup that looks far from strong on paper, Moeen Ali will have to shoulder much of the responsibility in the middle order.

The likes of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Aaron Finch make up yet another formidable RCB top order, but the team lacks batsmen who can step up the ante in the latter stages of the innings, and the Englishman could come into play.

Ali will also be a handful in the UAE conditions, and his accuracy will be lethal on pitches that generate plenty of turn. With the MVP award historically dominated by all-rounders, he could emerge as a contender for the accolade.

Ali is only 16 games into his IPL career but he has had his moments, most notably his stunning assault on Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The off-spinner's economy rate is below 7 and he has notched up 3 fifties, and this could be his breakthrough season in the IPL.

---

#3 MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni was CSK's leading run-scorer in the 2019 IPL

MS Dhoni sent the cricketing fraternity into shock when he announced international retirement, but the positive side of the decision is that he will come into this IPL with a sense of freedom. The former Indian captain is one of the most destructive batsmen the world has ever seen, and his India bow could see the old, aggressive MS Dhoni return.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain was his team's leading run-scorer in the 2019 IPL, and his ability to hit boundaries and clear the ropes at will will help him rack up MVP points. Moreover, with his team expected to play three full-time spinners, Dhoni could add to his stumpings tally.

After a heartbreaking loss in the 2019 final, CSK would be keen on winning their 4th IPL title and they will need their captain to be at his best.