The 13th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is scheduled to be commencing in less than a week away and the teams have already started formulating plans and strategies for the 2020 edition. Each of the 8 IPL franchises will rely on their core players to shoulder the responsibility and lead the team to win games from crucial encounters.
On Sunday, BCCI revealed the schedule for IPL 2020 and according to that, the defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will be locking horns with last season’s runner-ups Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the tournament opener of the 13th edition. The second match will be played in Dubai on September 20 between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).
ALSO READ: KL Rahul Feels He Is Mentally Determined To Do His Best
However, they will also look to some crucial players in every time who can make a massive difference for them this season. While cricket is certainly a team game, some cricketers have the ability to turn the match on its head with its capability itself.
Let’s have a look at some game-changing players from DC and KXIP franchises for IPL 2020.
Kings XI Punjab
Ravi Bishnoi
There’s something about Ravi Bishnoi as during the Under-19 World Cup 2020, he gave an immense glimpse to prove that he is a star in the making. Bishnoi was the highest wicket-taker at the tournament, with his canny leg-spin far too good for the U-19 level. His fielding, too, was just outstanding, and there’s a reason why KXIP shelled out ₹2 crores for the boy who turned 20 just earlier this month.
ALSO READ: AB de Villiers Feels Virat Kohli Sets Right Examples For RCB
In the spin-friendly pitches in UAE, Bishnoi can become a lethal option. But what makes IPL 2020 particularly enticing for him is, he’ll be playing under the guidance of India’s greatest ever spinner – Anil Kumble.
KL Rahul
After R Ashwin going to DC during the trade window, KXIP decides to appoint, KL Rahul as their next captain. With plenty of experience having played for India, KXIP coach, Anil Kumble had earlier said that the qualities that Rahul brings to the table the qualities are needed for him to shine as a skipper. Rahul has had a couple of brilliant seasons with the bat for KXIP.
ALSO READ: Ricky Ponting Expresses His Eagerness For The IPL 2020
In 2018, Rahul had scored as many as 659 runs from 14 matches at an average of 54.91 including six half-centuries, while in IPL 2019, he had amassed 593 runs, averaging 53.90 with a century and six fifties. However, the team couldn’t quite replicate Rahul’s form and finished second from bottom in 2018 and sixth the year after.
Delhi Capitals
Harshal Patel
The Delhi-based franchise is known for having a very strong core of Indian players, which was a major reason for their success last season. Harshal Patel had a good domestic season, where he also improved his batting skills. Harshal Patel carries the experience of playing in IPL. Given that he is a seam-bowling all-rounder, he could have a huge impact on Delhi’s performance this year.
Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant was the second-highest run-scorer for DC in IPL 2019 and was probably their best batsman. Highest ranked DC player, in the IPL MVP list for the past two editions, Pant will undoubtedly be the ‘X-Factor’ for the Delhi-based franchise as they will be looking to finally get their hands on an elusive IPL title.
ALSO READ: Ben Stokes To Miss Early Stages Of The IPL 2020 For RR
In last season, Pant amassed as many as 488 runs in 16 matches at a brilliant average of 37.53 and a brilliant strike-rate of 162.66.
