IPL 2020 - Rating the all-rounders of all 8 teams

The IPL Auction witnessed exhilarating bidding wars among the franchises to fill in their remaining slots and build a dependable squad for the upcoming IPL 2020 season. As per reports, the tournament will get underway on March 29th at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai featuring the home side.

All the eight franchises paid a total of ₹140.30 crores at the auction, where 62 players earned contracts among different teams in the season. Australian pacer Pat Cummins became the second-most expensive player in the auction history when Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for a mammoth ₹15.5 crores.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been growing year after year, with many all-rounders showcasing their talent both with the bat and the ball. All-rounders play a vital role in the balance and success of any team, especially in the shortest format of the game. They can contribute by extending the run tally with their hard-hitting ability and can clinch wickets for their side on any given stage.

On that note, let's have a look at the all-rounders of each team for the upcoming season and rank them based on their potential and experience in the IPL.

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#8 Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals purchased Marcus Stoinis for a hefty ₹4.8 crores.

All-rounders: Chris Woakes, Keemo Paul, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, and Marcus Stoinis

Delhi Capitals opted to end their association with Chris Morris after he struggled to finish matches on multiple occasions, both with the bat and ball. The Capitals' lack of a finisher down the order hurt them last season, and they looked to rectify it by spending a hefty ₹4.8 crores on the Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis.

In the past four seasons in IPL, Stoinis has batted at a strike rate of 129.24 and claimed 15 wickets in 29 matches at an economy of 9.30. Stoinis went unsold in the first round of this year's auction, but DC roped him later on after they couldn't buy a formidable all-rounder during the earlier bidding rounds.

Stoinis had a terrible World Cup outing with only 87 runs and seven wickets in eight matches for his national team and has remained out of the Australian side for a while. On the other hand, the likes of Chris Woakes and Keemo Paul have proven to be expensive with the ball in hand, with an economy rate of more than 8. Axar Patel couldn't deliver up to his potential last season, with only ten wickets in 14 outings.

DC purchased local-lad Lalit Yadav, who is known to have hit six sixes in an over during the DDCA T20 League in Kotla. They also have Harshal Patel in their ranks, a former RCB bowling all-rounder with 43 wickets in his IPL career. With the lack of a formidable all-rounder who can claim wickets and strike the ball hard, DC will pin their hopes on Marcus Stoinis in the upcoming season of IPL.

#7 Rajasthan Royals

Ben Stokes couldn't live up to the reputation in the last two seasons.

All-rounders: Riyan Parag, Mahipal Lomror, Shreyas Gopal, Ben Stokes, Rahul Tewatia, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Aniruddha Joshi, and Tom Curran

Rajasthan Royals has banked upon Ben Stokes for a third consecutive year despite him having two off-seasons with the same franchise. Stokes has only managed to score 319 runs and claim 14 wickets in the past two seasons combined in comparison to 316 runs and 12 wickets of his maiden season of the IPL.

Although the 28-year-old has been sensational to watch for England in 2019, his form in the IPL has always raised a doubt whether he could perform well. RR will desperately want Stokes to finish matches and give them wickets on regular intervals for them to do well in the season.

18-year-old Riyan Parag from Assam showed glimpses of his hard-hitting ability towards the business end of IPL 2019 last year. Along with him, the Karnataka-based Shreyas Gopal had a terrific year in the 2019 edition when he claimed 20 wickets in 14 games for RR.

RR also signed Tom Curran, who has 131 wickets in over 109 games in T20 cricket. Mumbai-born Yashasvi Jaiswal, who became the youngest cricketer to hit a double century in List-A cricket, also got purchased by RR at a massive ₹2.4 crores. The likes of Mahipal Lomror, Rahul Tewatia, and Aniruddha Joshi are some of the other all-rounders in the RR squad for IPL 2020.

RR has lacked reliable finisher in the lower order who can score runs and claim wickets at regular intervals. Stokes will get expected to perform well both with the bat and ball in the upcoming edition. Apart from Stokes, RR seems to lack an experienced all-rounder as the replacement if Stokes gets injured. Royals' all-rounders' list becomes weak following the lack of Indians options.

#6 Sunrisers Hyderabad

Mohammad Nabi could regularly feature for SRH in place of Shakib Al Hasan.

All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Abhishek Sharma, Vijay Shankar, Mitchell Marsh, Bavanaka Sandeep, Fabian Allen, Abdul Samad, and Sanjay Yadav

Sunrisers Hyderabad got a massive blow for the upcoming season with the absence of Shakib Al Hasan. The Bangladesh player won't feature in the IPL as he is serving a two-year ban by the ICC, including a year's suspension. SRH purchased Mitchell Marsh at his base price of ₹2 crores following Shakib's unavailability.

With 225 runs and 20 wickets in his four seasons of IPL, Marsh will return to playing in the competition since 2016. While Marsh's current form in T20 cricket will be intriguing to watch, SRH also signed the West Indian Fabian Allen, who has been sensational in the Carribean Premier League (CPL) with his finishing abilities.

Mohammad Nabi will be the all-rounder to watch out from SRH in the upcoming season. The dependable 35-year-old didn't get opportunities in the past three seasons but has shown intent whenever he received the chances to play. The Afghani player has a decent strike rate of 148.35 and has bowled at an economy rate of 6.61 with 11 wickets in the past three seasons. Nabi could get chances at regular intervals for the season.

Vijay Shankar will also look to aid the middle-order woes of SRH, which they suffered from last season. With his ability to bat up the order and bowl a full quota for four overs, SRH will rely upon Shankar's performances with both bat and ball. The likes of Abhishek Sharma, Bavanaka Sandeep, Abdul Samad, and Sanjay Yadav are the other all-rounders from the SRH squad.

Sunrisers Hyderabad has decent options in the all-rounders' list. However, they lack an explosive all-rounder with the ability to turnaround matches for the side. It could be tough for the overseas options to feature in the playing XI as the frontrunners have accommodated the spots in advance. Vijay Shankar will have to step up and deliver for SRH.

#5 Royal Challengers Bangalore

Chris Morris will be hoping for a decent outing with RCB.

All-rounders: Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Pawan Negi, Washington Sundar, Chris Morris, and Pavan Deshpande

Royal Challengers Bangalore purchased Chris Morris at an enormous price of ₹10 crores for scoring runs as a finishing batsman and bowl economical overs in the death. Morris is a veteran in the IPL, having amassed 517 runs at a strike rate of 157.62 and has 69 wickets to his name in 61 matches. He brings immense experience to the game with his effectiveness in the death overs.

RCB also has the likes of Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar, who have been a part of India's limited-overs set up at present. Dube, once known to have hit five sixes in an over in the Mumbai T20 league, can also take wickets in crucial situations. On the other hand, Washington Sundar will yet again aid Yuzvendra Chahal in RCB's spin attack upfront.

Moeen Ali didn't have a great start to IPL 2019 last year but ended his campaign on a high note later on. He scored 220 runs in 11 matches striking at 165.41 and also took six wickets in the process. RCB could use Ali more often if they want an extra spinner and a low-order batsman later on. The likes of Pawan Negi and Pavan Deshpande will have to perform well in the nets and assure a spot in the playing XI.

RCB has a couple of good all-rounders in the squad for the upcoming season. However, it will depend if the players can regain their lost momentum in the shortest format and aid RCB in the death overs both with the bat and ball.

#4 Kings XI Punjab

James Neesham could prove to be a match-winner for KXIP this season.

All-rounders: Harpreet Brar, Darshan Nalkande, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jagadeesha Suchith, Glenn Maxwell, Chris Jordon, James Neesham, Deepak Hooda, and Tajinder Singh

Kings XI Punjab retained the services of the Australian hard-hitter Glenn Maxwell for ₹10.75 crores. Maxwell had a prominent role in taking KXIP to the final back in 2014, with his ability to strike the ball out of the park and provide a couple of overs with his off-breaks.

He has a massive strike rate of 161.13 in the IPL, having scored 1,397 runs and clinched 16 wickets to his name. Maxwell's addition will be crucial for KXIP's middle-order depth in the next edition.

KXIP made one of the biggest steals in the IPL auction by signing the New Zealander James Neesham for ₹50 lakhs. Neesham has a strike rate of 137.6 in T20s with 112 wickets in 118 matches. He can prove to be a match-winner if KXIP uses his services on regular occasions.

KXIP signed Krishnappa Gowtham, who got traded from the Rajasthan Royals for the next season. Gowtham will be a regular feature for KXIP as a finisher and can bowl his four-overs quota with his off-spins.

While Deepak Hooda can come in as a substitution for a middle-order batsman, Chris Jordan is a modern-day T20 specialist who is a perfect replacement for Sheldon Cottrell if he gets injured in the side.

Harpreet Brar, Darshan Nalkande, Jagadeesha Suchith, and Tajinder Singh are the other all-rounders who could be handy on a given day with their all-round experience in the domestic circuit.

KXIP has aligned a decent set of all-rounders who could turn around matches in their favor on multiple occasions. The onus will be upon Glenn Maxwell and James Neesham to give them a notable breakthrough in the season.

#3 Kolkata Knight Riders

Andre Russell won matches for KKR single-handedly last season.

All-rounders: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shivam Mavi, Nitish Rana, Chris Green, and Varun Chakravarthy

Andre Russell had the most memorable year in IPL 2019 for the Kolkata Knight Riders, where his masterful batting skills that won many matches for the side. The Carribean demolished bowlers at a massive strike rate of 204.81, hitting them all over the stadiums and scored the most runs (510) for KKR at an average of 56.66 in the season. He also provided breakthroughs when the team needed the most with 11 wickets.

Another West Indies' all-rounder Sunil Narine has proven his credentials as an off-spinner and also an opening batsman in the seven seasons with KKR. He is the eighth-most successful bowler in IPL history with 122 scalps at an economy of just 6.67. KKR will heavily rely upon Russell and Narine as frontrunners in the playing XI.

KKR's middle-order southpaw Nitish Rana has shown his consistency in the IPL and scored at an average of 34.30 last season. The Delhi-born batsman can also provide a couple of overs with his off-breaks. The 18-year-old Shivam Mavi can clock 140 kph consistently as an exciting addition among the youngsters of KKR.

Chris Green, who has emerged as a T20 specialist on different leagues in the world, could be a perfect replacement to Narine, who has been injury-prone in recent times. KKR signed mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who will be looking to show glimpses of his spin variations in the cash-rich tournament.

KKR has T20 specialists in their all-round department with a dependable middle-order attack. However, the team seems to lack a replacement for Russell if he gets injured in the competition. The young Indian options like Shivam Mavi and Nitesh Rana will have to step up and deliver as the side seems to lack experience in the Indian options.

#2 Mumbai Indians

The Pandya brothers have remained a pivotal part of the Mumbai Indians.

All-rounders: Anukul Roy, Jayant Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Sherfane Rutherford, Prince Balwant Rai Singh, and Nathan Coulter-Nile

The defending champions Mumbai Indians retained 17 players ahead of the auction and retained their core of prestigious all-rounders in the Pandya brothers and Kieron Pollard in the squad. MI also signed Sherfane Rutherford in the trade with Delhi Capitals, while Jayant Yadav and Anukul Roy got retained in the line-up as well.

The sensational Hardik Pandya has gone on to become India's formidable all-rounder from his successful stint in the IPL. With an astonishing strike rate of 191.42 last season averaging 44.46, Pandya can take the game away single-handedly for his team and cross the winning margin from difficult situations. Hardik's elder brother, Krunal Pandya, has also grabbed wickets with his off-spins with a career average of 7.16, and can also provide depth in the middle-order.

MI's veteran all-rounder Kieron Pollard can also tonk the ball hard and also provide a couple of overs for the side. Pollard has been a vital player for MI to win four titles in the IPL. Sherfane Rutherford will be hoping to continue his form of Global T20 League and Carribean Premier League (CPL) for the Indians.

Nathan Coulter-Nile is an exciting addition to the side at ₹8 crores if Pollard gets injured mid-season. Although Coulter-Nile has not been able to make a name for himself in the IPL, the Australian can contribute both with the bat and ball given on the terms in Pollard fails to deliver consistently. The likes of Anukul Roy, Jayant Yadav, and Prince Balwant Rai Singh will be hoping to gain the attention of the management and cement their spot in the playing XI.

Mumbai Indians have some of the best T20 all-rounders in the side with their reliable replacements. They have plenty of options to choose from with the Pandya brothers and Pollard, leading the charge. Coulter-Nile will be the one to watch out for as a replacement to either Pollard/Lasith Malinga.

On the other hand, the team has loaded plenty of options in the Indian all-rounders' list that allows them to have backups in case of injuries.

#1 Chennai Super Kings

Sam Curran was a steal buy for CSK in the auction.

All-rounders: Dwayne Bravo, Piyush Chawla, Sam Curran, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Kedar Jadhav, Mitchell Santner, Karn Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, and Shane Watson

Chennai Super Kings, a franchise which has remained consistent with its core, only made a couple of notable purchases in all-rounders with Sam Curran (₹5.5 crores) and Piyush Chawla (₹6.75 crores) in the auction. They have aligned match-winners in all departments and look one of the most balanced sides with their all-rounders for the upcoming edition.

The English prodigy Sam Curran has shown his ability to deliver under pressure with both the bat and ball. Curran has 838 runs at a strike rate of 130.93 with 63 wickets in T20s. He could prove to be CSK's X-factor in the upcoming season. Along with him, the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the IPL, Piyush Chawla with 150 wickets, has been a reputed leg-spinner in the league.

Australian Shane Watson can be a dependable opener for the side, having played with CSK in the past two seasons. Dwayne Bravo can bowl slow balls in the death overs and also strike the ball out of the park in the low-order.

The likes of Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kedar Jadhav have associated with CSK for a long time. They have made a name for themselves on the national side, with their ability to bat and provide breakthroughs with their spin-attack. They have played a vital role in CSK's success in the IPL.

Experienced veterans Harbhajan Singh and Karn Sharma will be valuable to the side in the spin-friendly pitch of Chepauk. The New Zealander Mitchell Santner can also bowl slow left-arm orthodox and bat down the line-up as a foreign substitute.

Chennai Super Kings have the most exceptional all-rounders in comparison to all eight teams in the competition. The formidable line-up has become even better with the addition of Sam Curran in the side. With the amount of experience and youth, CSK looks one of the most balanced teams heading into next season.