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The 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to kick-off on March 29, and will end with the final to be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May 24. The decision was taken following the IPL governing council meeting held in in New Delhi last week.
Apart from the regular games, we will also witness an All-Stars game being played three days prior to the start of the main tournament. The sides will be created by dividing the eight franchises into two, with each side featuring players from four franchises.
As per reports, one team will have players from North and East India - namely Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The second team will be created by picking players from Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Mumbai Indians (MI) i.e. South and West India.
Here we look at 3 top contenders to lead South and West India against North and East India in the All-Stars match.
#3. Virat Kohli
As captain, Virat Kohli has somehow failed to get the best out of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Year after year, they have struggled to impress even though Kohli has led from the front with the bat. After finishing runners-up at the 2016 edition, they have stood 8th , 6th and 8th at the last three tournaments. Under Kohli, RCB have won only 49 out of 110 matches they have played, a poor win percentage of 47.16.
Also see – IPL 2020 schedule
However, being the star player that he is, as well as India’s captain in all formats, a highly successful one at that, Kohli will definitely be in contention to lead South and West India for the All-Stars contest. Kohli’s captaincy results in IPL have been in stark contrast to his India leadership, where he is on the verge of becoming one of India’s most successful captains ever.
The Indian captain also has an exceptional IPL record as batsman, which could also come into consideration when the leadership position is discussed. In 177 matches, Kohli has amassed 5.412 runs at a strike rate of 131.61 and an average of 37.84. He was spectacular in the 2016 season with 973 in 16 games at an average of 81.08. Kohli smashed four hundreds and seven fifties in the season.
Note: All statistics as of February 3, 2020
#2. MS Dhoni
The debate over whether or not MS Dhoni will find a place in the 2020 World T20 is still unclear. But, there is no doubt about the fact that he is one of the strongest candidates in contention to lead South and West India in the All-Stars match. Dhoni has an enviable record as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) leader, and his numbers speak volumes of his greatness.
Under Dhoni, CSK have captured three IPL titles - 2010, 2011 and 2018. They hold the record of most appearances in the playoffs - 10, and have made the most finals as well - eight. In fact CSK, with Dhoni at the helm, are the only IPL franchise to qualify for the play-off stage in every edition of the tournament they have been part of.
As IPL captain, Dhoni has played a total of 174 matches, and has 104 victories to his credit with the best win percentage among all captains - 60.11 (When CSK were suspended, Dhoni had captained Rising Pune Supergiant as well). With his shrewd leadership, Dhoni can contribute in a big way to South and West India in the All-Stars match.
Apart from his leadership, he has a seriously good batting record as well in IPL. In 190 matches, Dhoni has amassed 4,432 runs at a strike rate of 137.85 and an excellent average of 42.20.
Note: Kane Williamson and David Warner were not considered as they would be away on national duty when the All-Stars game is played
#1. Rohit Sharma
If success is the benchmark, Rohit Sharma should be the one leading the South and West India team in the All-Stars contest. After floundering in the first few years, Mumbai Indians (MI) have become the most lethal franchise in the IPL with a record four titles - 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019. A win every alternate year, and all of them with Sharma as skipper.
His calm and composed captaincy has transformed MI from a non-performing team of superstars to a resolute, confident outfit. Even when the chips have been down, Mumbai have found a way to fight back in incredible fashion, and a lot of credit for the same should go to the assured leadership skills of Sharma.
Looking at his IPL record as captain, it is expectedly highly impressive. He has led Mumbai to win in 60 out of 104 games, an exceptional win percentage of 58.65. There is no doubt that he can be a great captain for India as well, provided the opportunities.
Like Kohli and Dhoni, he has also a very good IPL record as batsman. In 188 matches, Rohit has totalled 4,898 runs at a strike rate of 130.82 and an average of 31.60. South and West India will have a tough time choosing a leader from among the three legends of the game.
Also read
IPL 2020: All-Stars Game | 3 players who can captain North-East India XI
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