IPL 2019: The most threatening all-rounder from each team
Over the last 11 seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL), all-rounders have dominated the proceedings. All-round skills make players resourceful as they add depth and balance in the squad. From leading the show with both bat and ball, a good all-rounder can become the X-factor for a franchise. We look at the most threatening all-rounder from each IPL team.
Sam Curran is one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket, at the moment. Kings XI Punjab will be counting on the Englishman to give them an edge required to win close matches. He has genuine pace and can clear the fences with ease. His calmness will be essential for KXIP during tense moments. He could prove to be lethal this season.
Veteran West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is still considered to be one of the best in T20 cricket. Bravo chipped in for Chennai Super Kings last year with 14 wickets and 141 runs. He is a match-winner, who can come lower down the middle order and hit those lusty blows. His wicket-taking abilities make him dangerous. He has a total of 136 IPL wickets.
Kolkata Knight Riders have some strong names in the all-round list, but Sunil Narine stands out. His transformation to an all-rounder has been a success story for the eastern franchise. Narine has bagged the wickets with his spin bowling and this season should be no different. His runs at top of the order makes him lethal. Narine's blitz is worrisome for opponents.
Hardik Pandya has seen his stock rise over the last few years as a strong all-rounder. He has been a consistent performer for Mumbai Indians, which boast of some key options with both bat and ball. Pandya took 18 wickets for MI in IPL 11 and over the last two editions he has scored over 250-plus runs. His strike-rate of 138.75 is pretty impressive.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are one of the favorites this season and Shakib Al Hasan goes into the tourney as one of the most desired all-rounders. He helped the side reach the final in IPL 11. Shakib scored 239 runs last year and took 14 wickets. It was his one of the best campaigns in IPL. Shakib will get support from a dream SRH bowling unit.
Royal Challengers Bangalore could benefit immensely from the services of debutant, Shivam Dube. He bowls medium pace and has been in terrific form in the Ranji Trophy. Dube is a powerful cricketer and can smash the ball out of the park. He is set to feature consistently for RCB and can be the surprise package. He has a strike-rate of 147.65 in T20s.
Ben Stokes failed miserably last season, but the Englishman is still the best option for Rajasthan Royals this term. Stokes has played over 100 T20s and is a big name in the circuit. His abilities are well known. Delhi Capitals will look up to South African Chris Morris. He has pick wickets at the death. He has a batting strike-rate of 166.66.
