Indian Premier League 2015: Players to Watch Out For
As players and teams prepare for the Indian Premier League's eighth edition starting April 8, here's a look at one player from each team who will be key to their side's success in the 47-day long tournament.
- Jepher Christopher Nickels
- Updated: April 04, 2015 08:46 PM IST
Suresh Raina - Chennai Super Kings
Suresh Raina is Mahendra Singh Dhoni's go-to-man and has been part of the Chennai Super Kings since Indian Premier League's inception in 2008. Raina is the leading run-scorer in the IPL, having amassed 3325 runs. The second-placed Rohit Sharma is over 400 runs behind him. Raina's ability to score runs at will and change the complexion of the game single-handedly, makes him a massive asset for the Super Kings. He is an electric fielder and is also a handy off-break bowler. (Friends, Foes and Friends Again - Return of the Indian Premier League)
Steve Smith - Rajasthan Royals
Steve Smith has had a brilliant summer with the bat. He started the summer with thumping wins over India in a four-Test series and followed that up with a superb show in the tri-series and ended it with a World Cup triumph. Smith has scored seven centuries in international cricket since November 2014. He has blossomed as a batsman and will be a key figure in the Shane Watson-led Rajasthan Royals this season. The Aussie is also a more than handy leg spinner and one of the best fielders in the world at the moment. (Indian Premier League, the Finishing School of the World Cup Champions)
Glenn Maxwell - Kings XI Punjab
Glenn Maxwell took the seventh edition of the IPL by storm and finished as the third-highest run-getter in the season behind Robin Uthappa and Dwayne Smith. He has often been touted as the "Big Show" by the Australian media, but this power hitter is a key player for Kings XI Punjab. His strike rate of 187.75 made him one of the most feared batsmen in the tournament. His ability to score briskly, roll over his arms for right-arm off-breaks and athleticism on the field provides KXIP a complete three-in-one package. The World Cup winner will be keen to replicate is 2014 form in the coming season. (IPL 8: Hrithik, Anushka to Perform in Opening Ceremony)
Imran Tahir - Delhi Daredevils
Imran Tahir has a wonderful record in Twenty20s and is likely to enjoy his journey in the Indian Premier Legaue this season. Tahir, who was part of Delhi Daredevils last year too, will surely relish playing under two fellow South Africans Jean-Paul Duminy is the captain while Gary Kirsten continues as coach. Tahir represented the Daredevils in six matches last season picking up nine wickets at an average of 19. A lot more would be expected of the in-form leg-spinner in this brand new season.
Azhar Mahmood - Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders see Azhar Mahmood as a replacement for one of the best all-rounders of this generation - Jacques Kallis. Mahmood played for Kings XI Punjab in 2013. The Pakistan all-rounder is 40 but his agility on the field suggests he is still fit and strong. He has scored close to 4000 runs in Twenty20s and has picked up 241 wickets. His vast experience will be vital as KKR eye their third title.
Corey Anderson - Mumbai Indians
Corey Anderson is the powerful striker of the ball as well as a good medium pacer. Anderson briefly held the record for the fastest ODI hundred, having reached the triple-figure mark off just 36 balls against the West Indies. The New Zealand all-rounder's presence will give the Rohit Sharma-led side a massive advantage. Anderson played key roles with bat and ball to help the Black Caps reach their first World Cup final last month.
Mitchell Starc - Royal Challengers Bangalore
The tall left-arm speedster is capable of ripping apart any batting line-up in the world. Mitchell Starc finished with 22 wickets to be named man-of-the-tournament in the World Cup Down Under. Starc will miss the start of the IPL due to a knee injury but will be keen to replicate his season's performance when he returns. He bagged 14 wickets in the seventh edition.
Trent Boult - Sunrisers Hyderabad
New Zealand pacer Trent Boult will make his Indian Premier League debut this year. The left-arm speedster has the ability to swing the ball both ways and can bowl consistently at a brisk pace. Boult had a very good World Cup, finishing as the joint highest wicket-taker (22) with Starc. Boult is set to take the IPL by storm.
Wild Cards
Irfan Pathan - Chennai Super Kings
Irfan Pathan is among the veterans of the Indian Premier League. He has played for three teams and this time he will offer his services to Chennai Super Kings. The injury-prone all-rounder has played 98 matches and has picked up 80 wickets - joint ninth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament history. Pathan has over 1100 runs as well which proves he is no mug with the bat.
Andre Russell - Kolkata Knight Riders
Andre Russell can drown any side single-handedly with his all-round exploits. Russell has seven fifties in Twenty20s and four four-wicket hauls to his name. He is also an athletic fielder. Though he hasn't had too many opportunities in the past three seasons, the exciting all-rounder from West Indies can entertain fans with his powerful hitting. He was signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders last season and played for Delhi Daredevils in 2012 and 2013.