Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
5 Players Who Must Perform in IPL 2020 | 5 Under-Pressure Players Who Have a Point to Prove in IPL 2020 | 5 Players to Watch in IPL 2020
IPL 2020 is fast approaching. The predictions are flying from all directions, as is the banter, after an eventful IPL Auction.
Every year, many players announce themselves to the world. However, at the same time, players also lose their place in the squad.
IPL is the biggest and toughest T20 league around the globe. And with the level of competition, one has to keep performing consistently. In this article, we will take a look at five such players who have to perform in the upcoming season to prove a point somewhat, contribute to their team and keep their place in the league.
5. Lasith Malinga
It may surprise many, given the magnificent career this man has had. Also, this man bowled an incredible final over in last year’s thrilling IPL Final.
However, Lasith Malinga has to perform to keep his side in the Mumbai Indians XI. Although Malinga has been a great asset for MI, fitness is not quite on his side. In recent times, he has also lost some venom in his bowling.
So, with Trent Boult and Nathan Coulter-Nile in the squad, the Sri Lankan legend has to perform and it will be interesting to see how he goes in IPL 2020.
4. Amit Mishra
The hat-trick man of IPL, Amit Mishra, has not been in his prime for the Delhi Capitals in the last two seasons.
He picked up 11 wickets in 11 games last season, which is not bad for a bowler but he’ll want to improve on that, particularly at the spin-friendly Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.
Also, with the likes of Sandeep Lamichhane, Axar Patel and now Ashwin in the DC camp, Mishra has to perform.
3. Piyush Chawla
One of the most surprising picks of the auction.
Piyush Chawla was picked up by the Chennai Super Kings, after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders after his average performance in the past few seasons.
Chawla took 10 wickets from 13 matches in IPL 2019, with an economy rate of 8.96.
He’ll play for CSK in the 2020 season and with the number of spin options available in the CSK squad, he will have to perform in every game he gets to play to give MS Dhoni and co. no choice but to play him.
2. David Miller
David Miller, known for his brute hitting in the death overs, has been below average in the last few seasons.
He scored 213 runs in 10 matches in IPL 2019, with a strike rate of 129.87. He was eventually released by Kings XI Punjab as a result of his inability to be the consistent finisher they needed.
He’s been picked by the Rajasthan Royals for this season. Because he’s not expected to get many games this season, Miller has to show what he’s capable of if/when he gets the chance.
1. Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa has not been able to perform to his standards after he won the Orange Cap in 2014 that helped KKR win the title.
Uthappa has made only two 50+ scores in the last two years. He scored 282 runs from 12 matches in 2019 at a strike-rate of just 115.10, which is poor for a top-order batsman in this format. The innings that stood out most was his almighty struggle in the final league game vs Mumbai Indians.
Now, Robin has been picked by Rajasthan Royals and it’ll be interesting to see how he performs in IPL 2020. Can he rediscover the kind of form that made him one of the most talked about players in IPL? We shall see.
So, these were our top 5 players who have to perform in IPL 2020. Who are yours?
Thanks for reading!
Written by Robin Rounder. Follow Robin on Twitter today.
Also read: Check out more IPL 2020 content from CricBlog:
- 7 terrific value-for-money purchases from IPL Auction
- 7 players who can win the Orange Cap in IPL 2020
- 5 players who can win the Purple Cap in IPL 2020
