The Indian Premier League has provided a stage for T20 stars from across the globe to demonstrate their prowess, and several top-tier players have stamped their authority in the lucrative T20 league. From Matthew Hayden to Chris Gayle to Lasith Malinga to AB de Villiers, a slew of cricketing superstars have lit up the IPL with their exploits on the field.
With T20 leagues thriving in numerous nations, modern-day IPL players are demonstrating their abilities in other events as well. Many prominent players from the cash-rich league are presently performing well in cricket’s newest tournament, the International League T20 (ILT20). Who are these individuals? Without further ado, let’s get right to the point.
Number 1. Shimron Hetmyer
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The 26-year-old wonder has racked up 314 runs in 15 matches for Rajasthan Royals, with an average of 44.86 and a strike rate of 153.92. These figures piqued the interest of Gulf Giants, who signed him for the first season of the ILT20.
But Hetmyer isn’t a one-hit wonder, people. He’s still dominating the competition, averaging 43 runs and scoring at an unbelievable strike rate of 186.95. The Caribbean crusader has 129 runs in five games, including a searing half-century against the Desert Vipers. He’s batting well in the middle overs, which is precisely what the team needs.
Hetmyer is motivated to go better in the IPL and ultimately bring the trophy home to the Rajasthan Royals after 15 years. But he’s more than simply a destructive hitter. He’s also a great fielder, so he wants to help in more ways than one.
Number 2. Wanindu Hasaranga
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Wanindu Hasaranga is a ball magician, particularly when the pitch begins to turn and stay low. He’s a dangerous force in the middle overs, as seen by his performance for the Desert Vipers in the current ILT20.
The 25-year-old has six wickets at an economy of 7.81 in three matches. He’s captain Colin Munro’s go-to weapon, and he delivers on a daily basis. But, believe me, he’s not through yet. Given the favourable circumstances, Hasaranga may strive for even greater success. And believe me, he’s a player who is often dangerous near the conclusion of a tournament.
When it came to the 15th season of the Indian Premier League, Hasaranga was a force to be reckoned with. He took 26 wickets in 16 matches and was absolutely outstanding in the middle overs. He’ll be looking to crush opponents in a similar method for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the upcoming edition of the league.
Number 3. David Wiese
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The 37-year-old is enjoying a fantastic run with Gulf Giants in the ILT20 competition. He has seven wickets with an economy of seven and is now the tournament’s third-leading wicket-taker. He’s been the tournament’s most important bowler for skipper James Vince.
Wiese is expected to make his comeback to the Indian Premier League with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the next season. Despite Andre Russell’s history of injuries, the KKR organisation has opted to sign him. With Russell in the lineup, Wiese may wind up warming the bench, but that might change if he continues to wreak havoc with the ball in the ILT20. He can also have an impact with the bat, but that hasn’t been the case thus far in the tournament. Keep an eye on this all-rounder, because he has the ability to transform the game.
Number 4. Joe Root
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The 32-year-old Test specialist is demonstrating his value in the game’s shortest format. He’s scored 214 runs with a strike rate of 134.59 in five tournament matches thus far. He is the tournament’s fourth-leading run-scorer and has been a dangerous presence at the top of the order for Dubai Capitals.
But wait, there’s more: Root will create history by appearing in the Indian Premier League for the first time. He was signed by the Rajasthan Royals for one crore and hopes to make his debut in the cash-rich league.
He has played 32 international cricket matches for England and has scored 893 runs with a strike rate of 126.30. Given his current form, he has a chance to make the Jaipur-based franchise’s playing XI as well as England’s team for the 2018 ODI World Cup provided he continues to perform at the same level.
Number 5. Rovman Powell
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Rovman Powell, a West Indies international, has been by far one of the most consistent players in the current ILT20. With a strike rate of 181.60, the 29-year-old has hit 227 runs in five matches and is leading by example for Dubai Capitals. However, the other members of his squad have yet to attend the celebration, thus the team is now suffering.
Powell has now shown himself not just with the bat but also with the ball. The cricketer has taken five wickets, and his IPL side, Delhi Capitals, will be delighted with his performance.
He played all 14 matches for the Rishabh Pant-led squad in the last season of the cash-rich competition, scoring 250 runs. This year, he will bring considerably more experience and will be given a larger position in the middle order since the captain will be absent due to a catastrophic injury.
