IPL 11: Who are the best left-arm pacers?
What's the story
Left-arm pacers have been match-winners in the Indian Premier League over the last decade. The likes of Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra did a commendable job in leading the way before several others took up the mantle. Left-arm seamers do have a quality of producing solid performances in IPL. Here we look at left-arm pacers who could do well in this season.
Kiwi sensation
Mitchell McClenaghan- Mumbai Indians
The New Zealand pacer played a vital role for Mumbai Indians last year guiding them to their third title. He was a shock omission in the IPL 2018 auction, but he is back for MI. The left-arm pacer picked up 19 wickets for MI last season and shared a dream partnership with Jasprit Bumrah (20). In 2016, he had 17 scalps to his name.
Bengal Tiger
Mustafizur Rahman- Mumbai Indians
The Bangladesh star is one of the best left-arm sensations in world cricket. How can one forget the raw pace and variations he produced during SRH's 2016 title winning campaign. He picked up 17 wickets in his debut season. Excellent at the death and possessing quality to land the ball in the block-hole, Mustafizur was bought by MI for Rs. 2.2 cr.
Rising talent
Jaydev Unadkat- Rajasthan Royals
Unadkat made a name for himself in 2017 when he delivered several solid performances for Rising Pune Supergiant. He had a vital role in Steve Smith's side reaching the final. 24 wickets to his name, Unadkat was superb with his swing. He credited Wasim Akram for getting him to the next level. No wonder RR got him for a mammoth sum this season.
OZ delight
Mitchell Starc- Kolkata Knight Riders
Australia's premier fast bowler Mitchell Starc is back in the IPL after missing the last two seasons. He returns with a bang after KKR acquired him for Rs. 9.4 crore. Definitely the best left-arm pacer, Starc showed his value in the two seasons he played for RCB where he picked 34 wickets. Pace, intelligence and bounce, KKR could be in for a treat.
Kiwi magic
Trent Boult- Delhi Daredevils
Boult can be considered as one of the best pacers of this generation. He thrives on seam and swing and is handy with the wickets. He hasn't had a great outing in IPL yet, but that was because he never got the desired game-time. Boult has been in tremendous form of late and he could be the worst nightmare for batsmen in IPL 11.
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Blast from the past
Pakistan's Sohail Tanvir in 2008 led the Rajasthan Royals to title glory. Former Indian pacer RP Singh too had a stellar season in 2009 helping Deccan Chargers win the trophy. Zak and Nehra both have bagged 100+ wickets in their IPL career.