IPL 2019: Best possible left-handed XI
Left-handers, when compared to the right-handers, are said to have improved and faster reflexes. As per researches at the Australian National University, the left-handers are better at processing the information in the brain which essentially hands them an extra fraction of seconds while reacting to a particular situation. This very case applies to cricket as well.
However, the above-mentioned scientific theory isn't the only thing that benefits the left-handers in sports such as cricket. The other quintessential thing that puts left-handers in a favoured place is the dynamics of the game. The fact that most of the cricketers are right-handers, it becomes considerably challenging for them to face the left-handers.
Right-handed bowlers find it difficult to adjust their lines against the left-handed batsmen whereas the right-handed batsmen find it cumbersome to handle the unrealistic angles produced by the left-arm bowlers. Hence, in cricket, a left-hander is always a valuable asset for the team irrespective of the formats.
IPL has been no different. World's most sought-after T20 league - Indian Premier League- have had the opportunity to witness some of the best left-handers in the history of T20 cricket. The 12th season of IPL - which is set to get underway from 23rd of March with a feast of an encounter between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the iconic Cheapuk Stadium in Chennai - will be witnessing quite a few exciting left-handed prospects.
Thus, let us churn out a competitive playing XI starring some of the best left-handed batsmen and bowlers who will be featuring in the upcoming edition of IPL.
Criteria: The players considered here must be left-handed in their area of expertise. In the case of specialist all-rounders, the players must be left-handed in bowling as well as in batting.
#1 David Warner (C) (SRH)
David Warner, the southpaw from Australia, has been one of the best openers for Australia across all the formats, especially in T20Is and ODIs. With a strong batting hand and a range of shots up his sleeve, Warner has been exceptionally brilliant in the T20 leagues as well. His IPL records are a testimony to it.
However, owing to an unfortunate ball tampering incident last year, Warner along with Smith was banned for a year by Cricket Australia. In this regard, BCCI too banned them from the 11th edition of IPL. Nevertheless, after a one-year hiatus, Warner will be making his way back to the camp of SRH. Thus, in the 12th season of IPL, the explosive left-handed batsman will hope to add onto his stately IPL records.
#2 Nicholas Pooran (KXIP)
Nicholas Pooran, a young left-handed batting prospect from Trinidad, has been on a run-making spree in recent times. Having exceptional power-hitting skills, Pooran has become a preferred choice in all the T20 leagues the world over. His impressive T20 numbers are just a proof of his batting exploits.
The Trinidadian batsman showcased his talent in the 2018 season of T10 League where he happened to be the highest run-scorer in the league. Having featured in nine games, Nicholas notched-up 324 runs at an astonishing average of 54.00 and an overpowering strike-rate of 245.45. He continued his brilliant form in the year 2019 while becoming the fourth highest run-getter in the recently concluded BPL 2019. Hence, Pooran will look to carry forward the same in IPL 2019 as well.