South Africa's Quinton de Kock set the stage alight against India, and T20 League fans will be desperate for him to come good for Delhi.
It is another edition of the Indian T20 League. The talking point at the start of every new season is its essence. Which player is likely to create a splash? Who are the new stars on the horizon? A lot has been said and written about Indian stars and the upcoming ones. But the Indian T20 league is not just about the Indians, the overseas players in each franchise have a bigger role, that of integrating with the rest of the team and living up to their lofty expectations.
Samuel Badree: The West Indian leg-spinner has already had some experience in the cash rich tournament, being part of the Rajasthan franchise in the 2013 season, he did not play too many games last season but a lot has changed since then. The leg-spinner is now rated as the No.1 bowler in the ICC T20 rankings and had an impressive outing in the recently concluded T20 Cup in Bangladesh. A bargain buy for Chennai, Badree should prosper on the slow decks of UAE as well as the home base.
Quinton de Kock: One of the most talented young batsmen in the international circuit, South Africas Quinton de Kock is already being touted as one of the best in the next generation of cricketers. He has a taste of Indian T20 league, being a part of the Hyderabad franchise in 2013. He failed in the limited opportunities, but his talent was there for all to see. The south-paw exploded onto the scene during the ODI series against India last December, scoring three consecutive hundreds. That was enough to convince Delhi to beat the opposition in securing his services. de Kock struggled in the recent T20 Cup, but the experience of playing in sub-continental tracks should hold him in good stead.
Mitchell Starc: Impressive T20 pedigree meant Starc was in huge demand during the recent T20 League auctions. He now has the task of leading what many pundits feel, a weak Bangalore bowling attack. The left-arm pacer is known for his skillful bowling, both with the new ball as well during the death overs. He made headlines during the 2012 T20 Cup, grabbing 10 wickets, conceding just 6.83 RPO. The 2014 T20 Cup was a let-down by his high standards though, leaking runs in the death against West Indies, Pakistan and India. Possessing a mean yorker, and having the ability to swing both ways, Starc will have to be at his best if Bangalore are to break their barren streak.
Corey Anderson: The New Zealand left-hander burst into the international scene, scoring a 36-ball hundred in an ODI against West Indies, the fastest ever ODI ton in the history of the game. Going into the auctions as a hot property, it wasnt a surprise when Mumbai splashed big cash to get him into their team. A renowned hitter, Anderson also doubles up as a reliable left arm quick, and should strengthen the impressive Mumbai middle order further. A poor T20 Cup in Bangladesh is past memory, and Anderson, who has been declared fit after suffering a niggle will be itching to get back to his natural best.
Chris Lynn: The advent of Big Bash and the presence of many Australian coaches across franchises have meant a lot of domestic performers from down-under getting due recognition in the Indian T20 League. A big hitter, and a useful left-arm spinner, Lynn provides the much needed fire-power to the Kolkata line-up. Having played for the Hyderabad franchise in 2013, Lynn was a massive reason behind the success of Brisbane in the 2013 edition of the Big Bash. The right hander smashed an unbeaten 33 on his T20I debut for Australia against England, with his runs coming at an impressive SR of 174.
Glenn Maxwell: A bit part of the star studded Mumbai franchise, Maxwell finally gets the opportunity to make a big name at the world stage. Known for his big hitting, Maxwell has already shown his prowess in the recently concluded T20 Cup in Bangladesh. In what was a disaster of a tournament for the team, Maxwell was the lone shining star. At the Punjab franchise, he will team up with Virender Sehwag, George Bailey and David Miller, all fearsome hitters in their own right. If he turns up with his T20 Cup form, the bowlers will have their task cut out. Not to mention his handy off-breaks, which might lure the batsmen into complacency? All in all, he is a perfect T20 package.
Steven Smith: Compared to the others, Smith has reasonably established himself in the Australian Test team. And at the Rajasthan franchise, he is not just looked up as a solid batsman, but having led New South Wales successfully, he might also double up as captaincy material to the injury prone Shane Watson. Having featured for the Bangalore and Pune franchise previously, Smith is at home with the Indian conditions. 2013 was the breakthrough year for the diminutive right-hander, with success against England during the twin Ashes. He has not yet been able to break into the other formats so far, a strong show here will perhaps open the door to Australian selection.
Also watch out for: Beuran Hendricks, Matt Henry, James Neesham, Pat Cummins, Krishmar Santokie and Nic Maddinson.
Image Courtesy : Agencies
Read :