IPL 2020: Top all-rounder from each side

IPL 2020 is just around the corner and we can't wait for the action to begin. Fans have started making predictions about how the teams will perform in the tournament and which team looks the favorite to lift the trophy. One of the major criteria of these predictions is the squad of the teams. Teams with a strong squad have better chances than the others. The overall strength of the squad hugely depends on the quality of all-rounders the teams possess. Players who can contribute in more than one discipline always provide flexibility and strength to the side. Looking at the history of the IPL, teams with good all-rounders have been the most successful sides. Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians always had the luxury of having potent all-rounders that provided them an edge over their rivals.

Talking about IPL 2020, each team has tried to lace their squad with all-rounders. We will try to figure out who will be the team's top all-rounder going into the tournament.

#8 Kings XI Punjab | K Gowtham

K Gowtham has a fantastic opportunity to establish himself as a top all-rounder in IPL 2020. Kings XI Punjab do not have too many options in this department and Gowtham is likely to get a long run. After a good IPL season in 2018 for Rajasthan Royals, Gowtham failed to do the same in 2019. However, he is coming off a good domestic season and will be raring to go in the IPL. While he is a street-smart customer with the ball, Gowtham's hitting ability will be something to watch out for.

#7 Sunrisers Hyderabad | Mohammad Nabi

Due to the presence of some strong overseas players in the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad, Mohammad Nabi hasn't got the opportunities he deserves. Nevertheless, Nabi has made the most of the whatever chances that have come his way. Apart from being extremely tidy with the ball, the Afghan all-rounder has proved his worth with the bat by hitting some lusty blows in the latter half of the innings.

#6 Delhi Capitals | Axar Patel

Axar Patel was counted once one of the most bright upcoming all-rounders in the country. He was extremely economical with the ball, Patel made useful contributions with the bat. However, with the emergence of Hardik Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, Patel has fallen out of favour. But his performance in the IPL has been steady. The Gujarat all-rounder played 14 games for Delhi Capitals last season and fared well with the ball. If he can contribute more with the bat, he can become indispensable for Delhi Capitals.

#5 Rajasthan Royals | Ben Stokes

Rajasthan Royals has been hugely dependent on their overseas players in the past few seasons. And this was a major reason for the team's dismal show last season as Ben Stokes, one of the key member of Rajasthan's overseas contingent, failed miserably. Stokes looked awfully out of form last season. In the 9 matches he played in IPL 2019, Stokes scored just 123 runs and picked up 6 wickets. However, the Englishman has been in top form ever since. Stokes proved in the World Cup the impact he can make both with the bat as well as with the ball. Royals' chances will be hinging on Stokes' performance in the series.

#4 Royal Challengers Banglore | Chris Morris

In a bid to put an end to their miseries in the IPL, Royal Challengers Banglore made wholesome changes to their last year's squad. One of the key players that they roped in at the auction was Chris Morris. The South African has already showcased his big hitting abilities in the IPL during his time with Delhi Capitals. Morris' IPL career strike-rate of 157.62 is a testimony to his big-hitting ability. Despite picking up 13 wickets in 9 games, Morris did not have the best of seasons in the IPL in 2019, especially with the bat, but he is coming off a fruitful season with Sydney Thunders in the Big Bash League and can be the player who can turn RCB's fortunes in the tournament.

#3 Chennai Super Kings | Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja is one of the most experienced all-rounders in the tournament. CSK skipper, MS Dhoni, has used Jadeja to strangle the batsmen in the middle-overs and the 31-year old has responded well by bowling some tight spells. The most heartening thing for CSK fans is Jadeja's reinvention as a batsman. Jadeja has played some blinders for India in the past year and if he can do the same in the IPL, he can be the top player of the season for Chennai.

#2 Mumbai Indians | Hardik Pandya

One player who should be credited for Mumbai Indians' title victory last year is Hardik Pandya. Pandya was sensational with the bat last season and played some match-defining innings for Mumbai Indians. The 26-year old scored 402 runs in 16 matches at an average of 44.66 and a high strike-rate of 191.42. The Baroda all-rounder was effective with the ball too picking up 14 wickets. Pandya has struggled with injuries in the past year but has gained full fitness and will look to get back in top form ahead of the all-important World T20.

#1 Kolkata Knight Riders | Andre Russell

Kolkata Knight Riders had a season to forget last year as the team failed to make it to the play-offs. But one player who did no harm to his reputation of being an out and out match-winner was Andre Russell. Russell was unstoppable with the bat last year and snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat on multiple occasions for KKR. He annihilated bowling-attacks and played some unbelievable knocks throughout the season. The Jamaican smashed 510 runs at an outstanding average of 56.66 and a jaw-dropping strike-rate of 204.81. He picked up crucial wickets with the ball too and ended up with 11 wickets in 14 matches. He was also named the most valuable player of the tournament. KKR will hope that Russell repeats his last year's heroics this year too.