Countdown to the IPL Extravaganza
Indian Premier League (IPL), a carnival of cricket, brings
together cricketers from around the world to exhibit their talent for hefty
moolah. The non-stop, action-packed event spanning over one-and-half months springs
many a surprise - at times intense soft on other, but always exciting,
energetic and entertaining.
Potential Show Stealers
Teams that can go over the line
IPL 2018 edition starts on April 07, and the final is
scheduled to be on May 27 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Potential Show Stealers
Chris Lynn
The Australian set the stage ablaze in last year's IPL
edition, giving Kolkata Knight Riders explosive starts game-after-game. Lynn
piled 384 runs at an audacious strike rate of 158. In the Big Bash League
(BBL) this season, the volatile right-hander accumulated 127 runs in four
matches at a staggering strike rate of 162.82.
Colin Munro
The New Zealander's brute display of sheer power-hitting and
stellar form makes him a force to reckon with. In 2018 alone, the left-handed
opener has amassed 367 runs at astounding strike rate of 192.14.
Mitchell Starc
Quick, at times unplayable, there is no bowler as fierce as
the Australian. Royal Challengers missed the searing pace of Starc exceedingly in
the last two seasons. If the left-arm quick remains available for the entire
tournament, we are in for a treat!
Ben Stokes
There was nobody as sought after as Ben Stokes among fantasy cricket in India enthusiasts in last edition of IPL. Stokes has
made plenty of headlines for the wrong reasons lately. The Englishman displayed
great all-round skills in last year's edition to be chosen as the Most Valuable
Player for Rising Pune Supergiant.
AB de Villiers
Mr. 360 AB de Villiers, the superman of cricket, is a cricketer
with overflowing potential. So far in his IPL career, de Villiers has slammed 3
tons and has won 15 man-of-the-match awards. With Gayle's exit from RCB troop,
the role of AB becomes all-important. Sure, he is the one who revels in responsibility.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is more than an hot-blooded batsman who has 3
ODI doubles to his name, but an able leader with three titles in the bag in the
space of 5 years. His batting ability and headship makes Mumbai Indians one of
the favourites again this year.
Virat Kohli
There is no better run machine in the world. He
is touted the only one who can reach the summit of Sachin's 100 hundreds. It
would not be a surprise if we get to witness a repeat of IPL 2016 season, in
which Kohli piled 973 runs in 16 innings, studded with 4 hundreds.
Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit is in the mould of Lasith Malinga. Just like the
latter, he has made himself a reputation for possessing an eerie ability to crush
the toes and mastery in death bowling.
Teams that can go over the line
Mumbai Indians
If they play to their potential, there is no stopping
defending champions Mumbai from going all the way. In Rohit Sharma, Jasprit
Bumrah, Evin Lewis, Pat Cummins, Keiron Pollard and Hardik Pandya, they have an
excellent mix to begin their title defence.
Royal Challengers
Bangalore
Led by Virat Kohli, there is no other team that will be more
frantic for IPL trophy. With AB de Villiers, McCullum and DeKock in their
ranks, they are quite strong contenders this year.
Delhi Daredevils
No other franchise has bolstered their squad to an extent
Daredevils did. They got hold of a proven leader in Gambhir besides T20
specialists like Jason Roy, Glen Maxwell and Colin Munro. Plus, they've got
Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada to complete a terrific overseas troupe.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad have balanced their squad right. In David
Warner, they have a admirable commander who will be accompanied by in-form Dhawan
at the top. With experience of Bhuvi, guile of Rashid khan and all-round
capabilities of Shakib Al Hasan, Sunrisers are one exciting unit.
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