Predicting The Four Overseas Players For Each Franchise In IPL 2021

By Nesara VJ Apr 5, 2021, 18:02 IST
Predicting The Four Overseas Players For Each Franchise In IPL 2021

Franchises have realized that the four players in the XI must and should belong to the core of the unit. Unlike previous seasons, there will be no scope for experiments in the foreign quota. This change is reflected in the franchise's selection of players at the auction. In this article, we take a look at four overseas players for each franchise in the strongest playing XI for IPL 2021.

Chennai Super Kings

Overseas Players: Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran and Imran Tahir

Chennai Super Kings have a good set of overseas players, all of whom can have a presence in the XI. However, for the strongest XI of the team, the likely overseas players are Faf, Ali, Curran and Tahir. There would be a tiff between Tahir and Bravo depending on the conditions. The only reason for Curran to be preferred over Bravo is because of his batting form.

Delhi Capitals

Overseas Players: Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Marcus Stoinis and Shimron Hetmyer

While the strategy of overseas players for each franchise is different and varied, for Delhi, it's pretty straightforward. They will have two foreign pacers in the XI. With Shreyas Iyer's absence, a foreign middle-order player is also likely to feature in every game. Also, after a brilliant show last season, Marcus Stoinis will be part of every game. If Hetmyer is not in form, Steve Smith or Sam Billings could come into the picture.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Overseas Players: Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins and Sunil Narine

Traditionally, KKR has had one of the best overseas contingents in IPL. If you look at the overseas players for each franchise, KKR does rank in higher positions with regards to strength and flexibility. Apart from these four cricketers, there is also Shakib Al Hasan, Ben Cutting and Lockie Ferguson, all of whom are also clear match-winners.

Mumbai Indians

Overseas Players: Quinton de Kock, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult and Nathan Coulter Nile

If you take the overseas players for each franchise, it seems that Mumbai Indians has the most clarity. They will utilize Quinton de Kock at the top and if he is unavailable, Chris Lynn will come into the picture. While Kieron Pollard and Trent Boult are the other two selections, NCN or Milne will take the last spot.

Punjab Kings

Overseas Players: Nicholas Pooran, Chris Gayle, Dawid Malan and Jhye Richardson

Punjab Kings have also got a decent group if you consider the overseas players for each franchise. However, it needs to be seen how they would fit into the XI. If Chris Gayle, Malan and Pooran all play, there would be too many left-handers. But, they might just go ahead with this tactic. Richardson or Jordan will play the role of an overseas pacer.

Rajasthan Royals

Overseas Players: Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Chris Morris and David Miller

If Jofra Archer is not available, Rajasthan Royals could go ahead with two foreign batsmen and two all-rounders. In this scenario, David Miller will get his chance in the XI. While the bowling could become weaker, with this move, RR will have one of the best batting line-ups in the tournament.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Overseas Players: AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Dan Christian and Kyle Jamieson

AB de Villiers comes in for sure, and so does Glenn Maxwell. RCB needs an additional finisher, and Dan Christian could do that job. In the overseas pace department, they might pick Kyle Jamieson for the first few games. Kane Richardson or Daniel Sams could get a chance in the later stages.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Overseas Players: David Warner, Kane Williamson, Rashid Khan and Jason Holder

Sunrisers Hyderabad cannot drop David Warner and Rashid Khan. Considering their middle-order fragility, Kane Williamson is also undroppable. They would like to play an overseas all-rounder, and based on last year's performances, it seems Jason Holder will get the nod. Since the team does not have a bowler who can bowl express pace, Holder's inclusion will add variety to the attack.

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