IPL 2020: Indian Premier League (IPL) will enter into its 13th edition in 2020. The two-long extravaganza of cricket promises another fun ride for all the cricket across the globe. It will be another occasion for all the eight franchises to compete for the coveted title and emerge victoriously at the end of the tournament. Each IPL franchise will rely on their core players to shoulder the responsibility and lead the team to the final four.
Here’s a look at X-Factor player for each team in IPL 2020:
1. Mumbai Indians – Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya will be indeed the most important player for Mumbai Indians in this IPL. The all-rounder has been out of action for quite some time and will be returning to high-intensity cricket with IPL 2020. Hardik played a few match-winning blinders in the ongoing DYPatil T20 tournament and will be carrying his form and confidence into the upcoming season.
2. Kings XI Punjab – KL Rahul:
The newly appointed Kings XI skipper, KL Rahul is the most valued player in their entire line-up. Rahul, who will be opening the batting for the franchise, will be expected to lead the charge with the bat. Rahul is in some terrific form and might also want to continue his rich vein of form even in this IPL season for Punjab.
3. Chennai Super Kings – Shane Watson:
The retired Australian opener, Shane Watson will have a vital role to play if CSK are to do well in this years’ VIVO IPL. Watson has been CSK’s first-choice opener for the last two season and it won’t be any different even in IPL 2020. The right-handed batsman will arrive at the back of some decent performances in the ongoing PSL and will hope to carry his form even in the upcoming IPL.
4. Rajasthan Royals – Ben Stokes:
The most impressive cricketer in 2019, Ben Stokes will be one of the most closely watched players in IPL 2020. He is one of the core members of the Royals’ setup and there will be a lot riding upon his performance in the upcoming IPL season. In IPL 2019, Stokes failed to deliver in both the departments and will be eager to bounce back from the disappointment of 2019.
5. Kolkata Knight Riders – Andre Russell:
The most valuable player of IPL 2019, Andre Russell is undoubtedly the vital cog for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2020. The Caribbean all-rounder will be under a lot of pressure to live by the expectations of fans and the franchise. He’s someone who has attained mastery at playing quick blinders which inevitably prove to be decisive in the context of the game. KKR will be hoping that Russell can repeat his heroics from the last edition even in IPL 2020.
6. Sunrisers Hyderabad – David Warner:
Orange Cap winner in IPL 2019, David Warner made an impressive comeback after missing out on the action in IPL 2018. He never looked out of sorts and continued to reign supreme with his attacking stroke play. It is no doubt that with the onus of captaincy this year, Warner will want to continue his good form with the bat for the Orange Army.
7. Royal Challengers Bangalore – Aaron Finch:
RCB’s new recruit this season, Aaron Finch will join the franchise as their specialist opener. In the past few seasons, RCB has struggled with their opening combination. With Finch, Virat Kohli and co. will hope that he can lay the perfect platform for the rest of the batting order. ON his day, Finch can be mighty difficult to stop. He’s in great touch and will want to deliver the goods with the bat for his newest franchise.
8. Delhi Capitals – Shreyas Iyer:
Captaining Delhi Capitals in the IPL has done a world of good to Shreyas Iyer in helping him improve as a player. In IPL 2020, Iyer will be crucial to Delhi’s chances of making it through to the playoffs. Batting at No.4, Iyer will hold the key for his team. His form leading into this tournament will also give him confidence ahead of another IPL season as captain.
