IPL 2018: Impact players for each team in IPL 11
The Indian Premier League 2018 kicks off in Mumbai on April 7 as Rohit Sharma's side host MS Dhoni's Chennai. With every franchise having a mix of experience and youth, certain players in every unit will provide a base to get that extra bit for them to cross the line. Here, we analyse one player that can provide the maximum impact for each franchise.
Seniors to do the trick for Mumbai and CSK
Both Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings will rely on their veteran stars to go big for them. The highly productive units have what it takes to muster the opportunities in key situations. For Mumbai, Kieron Pollard could be the most influential player with his all-round skills. CSK, on the other hand, will count on the services of Suresh Raina.
Raina, Pollard are intelligent duo
What bodes well for CSK and MI is that both Raina and Pollard are intelligent campaigners. Raina has been in good touch since his return to the Indian T20I side, with 89 runs from three games. Meanwhile, Pollard will look to replicate last season's heroics.
RCB and SRH look up to Indian stars
Star-studded RCB have never won the illustrious league and this year they would want to approach things differently. David Warner-led SRH are strong as usual and they will look for consistency like in 2016 to help them. That brings Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar into the spotlight for RCB and SRH respectively. The Indian duo have what it takes to strike the right chords.
Kohli and Bhuvi are a settled duo
With Kohli in the best form of his life, he is the right player to get RCB going. His gluttony for runs is a key attribute. Bhuvi, the Purple Cap holder, has all the tricks up his sleeves and is clever at the death.
RR and KKR need the all-round package
Rajasthan Royals sent a big warning to the rest of the sides with their smart decisions in the auction. Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, look ultra thin after exhausting their cash on mega spending. All-rounders will be the key for both sides as they possess two excellent foreign campaigners. Ben Stokes is a huge ploy for RR, KKR's Andre Russell is consistent.
Stokes and Russell are match-winners
With Stokes in the mix, RR look like a team to beat. The England star is rightly the best all-rounder at the moment and has been massive against New Zealand. KKR cannot afford slip-ups and Russell with his T20 prowess is their main asset.
KXIP, Delhi need new lease of life
IPL's most inconsistent teams, Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils have finally assembled the X-factor with the squad in hands. In IPL 11, both teams will be needing the vibrancy of their leaders of respective departments. Kagiso Rabada is monumental for DD as a leader of the bowling pack. KL Rahul is a huge factor for KXIP in leading the way with the bat.
Rabada and Rahul are strong characters
South Africa's Rabada will be providing Delhi the extra bit needed in their bowling. Last year's experience in IPL will help the pacer. Rahul may be short of match time for India, but he is a strong character and can provide the base needed atop.
