IPL 2018: 8 players who can be game changers for their respective franchises
The Indian Premier League is only 20 days away and the excitement level is at its peak. The Mumbai Indians will take on the Chennai Super Kings in the first match of the tournament. After a successful first decade, the IPL is setting its foot in its second decade. The thrill is expected to reach a different level as the11th edition of the Indian Premier League kicks off in Mumbai.
All the eight franchises entered the auction with the hope of making a balanced side. A few teams were delighted with their buys whereas a few have suffered late blows in form of injuries. Each franchise has an established set of players and few of them can turn into game changers for their respective franchises.
On this note, let us have a look at the eight players who can be game changers for their respective franchises.
Kings XI Punjab - Marcus Stoinis
Australia's all-rounder was procured by the Kings XI Punjab for a second consecutive time. Stoinis has not had the taste of success in the IPL so far but the all-rounder has the ability to turn things around. The 28-year-old has featured in only 12 IPL matches in which he has picked up 10 wickets. He has also scored 163 runs at an average of 23. The lad from Perth has had plenty of failures in the IPL but on this occasion, Stoinis will enter the IPL as a more confident player.
With the likes of Chris Gayle, David Miller, Aaron Finch, Yuvraj Singh, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Mayank Agarwal in the batting lineup, the Kings from the north can utilize the all-rounder as a finisher in the batting order. Stoinis is expected to bat at number seven for the Kings XI Punjab. On the slowish Indian tracks, the medium pacer can turn out to be handy with his off-cutters and slower deliveries.
The stupendous all-rounder has the ability to turn a game on its head. He showed his potential against arch-rivals New Zealand in the first ODI between them in 2017. Stoinis will be an integral part of KXIP's side.