One of the reasons behind the Indian Premier League (IPL) being such a competitive tournament is because it involves the best players from around the world. It has always been a platform for players to showcase their talents to the entire world. Given the high-pressure matches in IPL, players are expected to perform regularly and win games for their team and 2021 will be no different.
While cricket is a team sport, the T20 format is so unpredictable that a single player can change the course of the match with a small moment of brilliance. Some players have the ability to turn the match around on their own and each of the 8 IPL franchises will rely on these players to get the team over the line in the upcoming edition of the IPL.
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Let’s take a look at one such game-changing ‘X-Factor’ player from each franchise for IPL 2021.
#1 Sam Curran – Chennai Super Kings
Sam Curran was the only good thing that happened for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2020 as the Yellow Army failed to enter the play-offs for the first time in the history of the IPL. His ability to bat anywhere in the order and bowl during the death overs makes him a special player. Curran had a brilliant ODI series against India and will be looking to continue the purple patch in the upcoming edition of the league.
#2 Anrich Nortje – Delhi Capitals
Anrich Nortje came in the Delhi Capitals squad as a replacement for Chris Woakes, but then he impressed one and all with his fierce pace. He consistently clocked over 150 kmph consistently picking 22 wickets from 16 games for the Delhi Capitals. Nortje played a vital role in helping his team reach the finals last season and will be hoping to continue his form in IPL 2021 as well.
#3 Varun Chakravarthy – Kolkata Knight Riders
From an architect to a mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy has witnessed a fairy tale change in his career. He was the leading wicket-taker for KKR last season with 17 scalps to his name. Even though the team failed to reach the play-offs, Chakravarthy emerged as the bowling spearhead for KKR. His spectacular spells even earned him a call-up to the Indian T20 squad for the tour of Australia.
#4 Ishan Kishan – Mumbai Indians
Young wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan garnered a lot of limelight in the international circuit through his attacking brand of cricket. He recently made his debut for the Indian team against England with a ruthless knock of 56 from 32 balls. He is a beast when it comes to the middle over batting and can turn the game quickly into his favor if not dismissed early.
#5 Dawid Malan – Punjab Kings
With an exceptional T20 average of 50.15, Dawid Malan is standing at the numero uno position in the current ICC rankings for T20 batsmen. Due to his ability to score runs consistently and at a quick pace, he is termed a T20 specialist. The English batsman will make his debut in the upcoming IPL and will be expected to continue his form and confidence going into the tournament to help his team lift their first-ever IPL trophy.
