IPL 2020: Indian Premier League (IPL) is often recognized as the pinnacle league among various T20 leagues that are hosted around the globe. With some of the best individual players that rub shoulders against each other, it is often tough to pick an individual performer that stands out among the rest. However, not every player exhibits consistency and plays a match-winning role in guiding his team to victory on most occasions.
Players who tend to add the most value to their franchise through the entire course of the edition, are acknowledged as the ‘Most Valuable Player’. Even in the upcoming IPL edition, we look at the possibility of which all players can compete to bag the most prestigious award in the tournament.
Here’s a look at 5 players who can win the ‘Most Valuable Player’ award in IPL 2020:
1. Andre Russell:
Known for his hard-hitting abilities, Andre Russell has bagged this prestigious honor twice in his IPL career. Playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, Russell has had an impactful run in the past few years in the IPL. Being a multi-utility cricketer, Russell offers contribution both with the bat and ball. However, in the past couple of seasons, he had allowed his bat to do all the talking while his bowling prowess has taken a back seat.
In the upcoming IPL edition, the Caribbean all-rounder will be yet again raring to go and make a few match-winning contributions in KKR’s IPL campaign. His IPL strike rate of 186.41 is the best in the league and is one of the major reasons why he has caused destruction at such a level.
2. Hardik Pandya:
The Indian all-rounder who comes in with an innate ability to turn around T20 matches single-handedly, Hardik Pandya will be a vital cog for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2020. In IPL 2019, Pandya was at the peak of his powers and played a vital role in helping his team claim their fourth IPL title. The Baroda-born all-rounder has shown his ability to tonk the ball hard and hit sixes at will.
He’s a much-improved bowler and can bowl his entire quota of four overs on most days. Even in IPL 2020, Mumbai will depend pon Hardik to deliver both with bat and ball. He’s a man on a comeback trail and will have a point to prove in the IPL. With a batting strike rate of 154, Pandya will definitely be among the race of emerging as the MVP in IPL 2020.
3. Ben Stokes:
Certainly the best all-rounder in the world across all formats, Ben Stokes will have a lot riding upon himself in IPL 2020. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, Stokes had a below-par IPL season in 2019. After playing some of his best cricket in the recent past, the English all-rounder will be filled with confidence as he takes the field in the 13th edition of the league. He would hope to come good this season and stake a claim for the MVP award in IPL 2020.
4. KL Rahul:
With the kind of form he’s in, KL Rahul will definitely one of the players to watch out for in IPL 2020. Captaining Kings XI Punjab for the first time in this season, a lot will rest upon Rahul and his ability to martial his troops. He will open the batting for his franchise and would hope to lead the team from the front. IPL 2020 might well end up being the breakthrough season for the Bengaluru-lad. He could possibly emerge as the Most Valuable Player in this IPL.
5. MS Dhoni:
A surprise pick for the MVP award, MS Dhoni will be eyeing a great IPL campaign for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2020. Leading the side, Dhoni will also have a sight at a spot in India’s T20 World Cup team. And for it to happen, the wicket-keeper batsman will be required to have an outstanding season for his franchise. For his multiple roles, Dhoni could easily throw his hat in the ring for becoming the Most Valuable Player in IPL 2020.
