Indian Premier League is one of most prestigious tournaments and to back the claims it is also the league which lures in most number of foreign players. Apart from the financial value it holds for the players, the tournament has also been able to provide an excellent platform for the players to showcase their performance which has helped several players break into the International team.
With the IPL less than a month away. Cricwizz takes a look at the 5 foreign batsmen who can shine at the IPL 2020.
1) David Warner
The list begins with the Australian hard-hitter David Warner, who is also called the Pocket Dynamite. The Australian is currently the 4th highest run-getter in the IPL with 4706 runs and is the highest run-getter among the foreign players.
The amount of runs he has amassed in the sub-continent shows the sheer dominance he possesses over the bowlers and his control over the spin bowlers, which most of the foreign players struggle to play. The 33-year old has won the orange cap on three occasions.
Warner has played 126 matches in the IPL and has managed to score 4706 runs at an incredible average of 43.17 and brilliant strike-rate of 142. The left-hander has 44 half-centuries and 4 centuries, with a high score of 126 to his name. It is no rocket science that a lot depends on the Australian and if he does click which he usually does, SRH could be again near the cup.
2) Jonny Bairstow
The English players can never be kept out of the list. Yet another flamboyant opener makes it to the list. Bairstow who provided the well needed support to Warner throughout the last season will be no different this time as he is a very reliable and consistent batsman.
Though the 30-year-old made his IPL debut in 2019 and relatively new to the league as he has only 10 games to his name, he is a player with great potential as he already averages 55.62 in the league. It would be really a treat to watch the Opener take on things with the Australian at the top.
The right-hander has played 10 matches in the league and managed to score 445 runs at an excellent average of 55.62 and pacy strike-rate of 158. He has two half-centuries and one century, with a high-score of 114 to his name.
3) Andre Russell
The West Indian Andre Russell also called the Giant Russell is the biggest entertainer the IPL lovers could ask for and he never fails to back it up. He was also the highest run-scorer for KKR in the last season with 510 runs and to add to that he can bowl some amazing balls too.
There is no need to mention the fielding brilliance of the West Indian as he makes it to the Catch of the season almost every season he plays. Being such a complete package, he is someone to watch out with your eyes clued on.
The RIght-handed all-rounder has played 64 matches in the IPL and 1400 runs at an average of 33.33 and a marvelous strike-rate of 186. His strike-rate is the highest in the league. Russell has 8 half-centuries to his name with a high score of 88. With the ball he has 55 wickets to his name at a strike-rate of 19 and economy of 8.50.
4) AB de Villiers
The former South African captain AB de Villers has always remained someone to watch out for. His unique ability of taking the match away from the opposition in just a matter of a few balls has made him one of the best batsmans in the World. If he decides to get loose along with Virat, it wouldn't be long before they take the team over the line. With ABD stating he wants to win the IPL title this year for the RCB captain, It would be exciting to see his approach.
The 36-year old has scored 4395 runs in 154 matches he has played in the IPL at an remarkable average of 40 and strike-rate of 152. He has 3 centuries and 33 half centuries to his name with a high-score of 133.
5) Chris Gayle
There is no looking beyond the Universe Boss. With several records to his name in the IPL and ability to destroy the opposition at will, he is the man to look out for. The West Indian would be thriving to get things going as he is back from a long break and will he set his guns blazing?
The 40-year old is the sixth highest run-scorer in the IPL and also holds the record for the most number of sixes with 326 maximums to his name. He is 114 sixes ahead of the second best AB de Villers, this shows his sheer power hitting and dominance. Gayle is also the owner of the highest individual score in the league with 175 to his name.
The Left-Hander has played 125 matches in the IPL and has scored 4484 runs at an incredible average of 41 and jaw-dropping strike-rate of 151. He has 28 half-centuries and 6 centuries to his name.
Cover Credits: CricketCircle
