Internet Desk: It’s that time of the year when cricket fans across the world will be glued in front of their TV sets. IPL season 9 promises to be much more action packed as compared to the previous seasons. The tournament which gets under way on April 09 at the back of a successful World T20 will see the advent of new stars. Apart from the Indian players focus will be on the International cricketers as well to set the stage on fire for the next one and half month. Here is a sneak peek at the stars to watch out for:
Virat Kohli: The star Indian batsman is going through the form of his life. Kohli, who will lead Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 9, played a fascinating role in India’s Asia Cup triumph as well during the World T20. The Player of the Tournament in World T20 will be taking the challenge of leading a star studded Royal Challengers side to its first glory. Kohli will look to carry forward his form into the IPL.
MS Dhoni: The entire cricket world took a note of what the Indian T20 captain is still capable of. Dhoni will be seen leading the Rising Pune Super Giants in IPL 9. Losing out to West Indies in the semi final of World T20 against West Indies will definitely hurt him. Dhoni will look to settle some scores as there have been talks about his retirement. It won’t be a surprise if Dhoni produces a stellar performance to guide Rising Pune Super Giants
Rohit Sharma: He may not have the best of performances in the recently concluded World T20. But his exploits with the bat on home conditions cannot go unnoticed. Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma will definitely look to shrug off his bad patch. On his day Rohit can murder any bowling attack. His ability to clear the infield during power play will makes him even more dangerous.
Hardik Pandya: The all rounder has been a revelation ever since he burst into the scene. Pandya has filled up a long-lasting void of a perfect all-rounder in Indian team. The Mumbai Indians’ player saw India home in the thriller against Bangladesh in World T20. He picked up two crucial wickets back to back in the last over of the innings against Bangladesh. He is no mug with the bat either as he can play the long handle when it is required. Apart from being a hard-hitter of the ball, he also has the ability to hit deck hard with the cricket ball; Pandya will have the confidence of playing international matches when he gets down for last year’s IPL champions.
Jasprit Bumrah: This is another youngster who made huge strides in International circuit for India in recent times. The delivery with which Jasprit Bumrah got Chris Gayle bowled in the semi final at Wankhede will definitely be regarded as one of the best ball of the World T20. His ability to bowl at power play apart from the death overs will be a huge asset to Rohit Sharma. Bumrah will go into the tournament with a lot of experience playing for International cricket.
Carlos Braithwaite: The entire cricket world has taken a note of how devastating Carlos Braithwaite can be in this format. The four sixes that he hit off the last over from Ben Stokes in the World T20 final is just enough to show his prowess with the bat. The all rounder from Barbados will be seen for the first time in IPL. He will don the jersey of Delhi Daredevils. With a base price of 30 lakhs, Brathwaite was picked up by Daredevils for an amount of 4.2 Cr and the kind of form he is having, the Daredevils team would be looking to rely upon this Caribbean player for better results in this season.
Jos Butler: The wicketkeeper batsman from England will be another star to watch out for. His ability to score at brisk rate will set him up on the flat wickets in India. Jos Butler will definitely add more fire power in the Mumbai Indians batting line up.
Andre Russell: His power hitting in the death overs against India won the semi final of World T20 against India at Wankhede. The Jamaican will be a real force to reckon in IPL 9. His presence will no doubt add more balance to the Knight Riders team as he can roll his arms as well apart from his big hitting. On his day any target can look small.
Mustafizur Rahman: Indian fans will definitely have good memories about him. It was Mustafizur Rahman’s bowling in his debut series that helped Bangladesh win the ODI series against India. Becoming a part of IPL for the first time, the talented Bangladesh bowler will look to leave a mark playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Samuel Badree: He will be the spinner to watch out for in IPL 9. Being ranked the No 1 bowler in T20I, Samuel Badree will make life difficult to score against him. He was used tactically by Darren Sammy in the World T20, throwing him the new ball. His performance in World T20 cannot go unnoticed as he played a key role in helping West Indies lift the trophy for a second time. The leg spinner will be seen in action for Royal Challengers Bangalore.