The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become one of the most anticipated and exciting events in the world of cricket. With some of the best cricketers from across the globe competing in the tournament, it is always thrilling to see how international players can influence the outcome of the matches. As we look ahead to IPL 2023, there are several overseas players who have the potential to make a big impact on the tournament. In this blog, we will highlight three such players who could prove to be crucial to their respective teams’ success in IPL 2023.
Number 1. Ben Stokes
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Ben Stokes, one of the finest all-rounders in the world, is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming IPL 2023 season. With equal prowess in batting, bowling, and fielding, he is a valuable asset to any team. Having already proven his mettle in the IPL, he secured the prestigious Most Valuable Player award in 2017. His talents have earned him a record-breaking purchase by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a sum of Rs. 16.25 crore in the IPL 2023 mini-auction. Despite ongoing knee issues, he has confirmed his participation in the upcoming IPL season.
In his 43 IPL appearances, Ben Stokes has scored an impressive total of 920 runs, with an average of 25.56, including two centuries and two half-centuries. In addition, he has taken 28 wickets at an average of 34.79 and an economy rate of 8.56.
Number 2. Sikandar Raza
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Sikandar Raza’s versatility as an all-rounder makes him a valuable addition to any team, and he is poised to make a significant impact in IPL 2023. Capable of batting at any position and bowling off-spin, he has been a consistent performer for Zimbabwe in international cricket, amassing over 4000 runs and 100 wickets across formats. With a few world records to his name, including scoring two Test match centuries as a designated bowler, Raza’s abilities make him a unique player in the cricketing world. Punjab Kings (PBKS) recognized his potential and secured him for INR 50 lakhs in the IPL 2023 auction. Raza will become only the fourth player from Zimbabwe to participate in the IPL after Ray Price, Tatenda Taibu, and Brandon Taylor.
Number 3. Sam Curran
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Sam Curran, a dynamic all-rounder, is poised to have a significant impact on IPL 2023 with his versatile abilities. Equally adept at batting at any position and bowling left-arm swing, Curran was a part of the England team that won the 2022 T20 World Cup. He was the most successful bowler for England in the tournament and was deservedly named Player of the Tournament. Curran’s exceptional abilities were further highlighted when he recorded the best T20I figures by an England bowler with 5-10 against Afghanistan in 2022. At the IPL 2023 auction, Punjab Kings (PBKS) recognized Curran’s immense talent and bought him for a staggering Rs 18.50 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. With such remarkable skills and achievements, Sam Curran is undoubtedly a player to watch out for in the upcoming IPL season.
