IPL 2018: Key Batsmen for each franchise

Extraordinary is ordinary in the Indian Premier League. A showdown of glitz and glamour that enthralls the audience is called the best Twenty20 tournament for every right reason.

From batsman making the bowlers shudder to the bowlers displaying their grit to claim the purple cap, the IPL extravaganza has changed the face of the T20 cricket.

As the blitz is back with its eleventh edition scheduled to begin from 7th April, let’s have a look at the lifelines of each team:

Chennai Super Kings- Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina rules the score tally of the IPL. He has scored 4540 runs in the ten editions of Indian Premier League and would be eyeing for more feats as his team is making a comeback after two years.

Having featured in each of Chennai’s matches, Raina is the most crucial player who holds a responsibility of building the innings in middle-order.

Matches: 161

Runs: 4540

Average: 34.14

Strike Rate: 139.05

Also Read: For the love of Chennai

"You need to show intent in the first 6 overs. When you get the ball in your area, you hit it….Bowling to two lefties after the 7th over gave me a lot of confidence. I have been working hard on my bowling, hopefully you'll see more in the future." – #ChinnaThala #WhistlePodu? pic.twitter.com/SQ3UYsPTM9

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) February 24, 2018

Royal Challengers Bangalore- Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, the backbone of Indian cricket team has played for the franchise of RCB since its inception. The current best batsman in the world holds the record of scoring 973 runs in a single season which is the highest number of runs scored by any batsman in a single edition of the league.

His ability to adapt along with his impeccable leadership skills makes him the most reliable player for RCB.

Matches: 149

Runs: 4418

Average: 37.44

Strike Rate: 129.83

In addition to these mind-blowing stats, he also averaged 79.18 throughout the tour of ??! ?

A match-by-match round-up of how @imVkohli fared in South Africa ?https://t.co/OPydDg9QCk #PlayBold pic.twitter.com/QFIJouH9Xh

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 27, 2018

Delhi Daredevils- Gautam Gambhir:

Delhi Daredevils would be banking on the batting and leadership abilities of Gautam Gambhir who might turn things around for the franchise in the upcoming edition of IPL.

KKR’s talismanic player was the leading run scorer for his franchise and he would be looking forward to strengthening the batting order of Delhi Daredevils.

Matches: 148

Runs: 4132

Average: 31.55

Strike Rate: 124.64

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir’s Homecoming

लौट आया है दिल्ली का छोरा, अब बजेगा #IPL2018 में ढिंढोरा!

How do you feel about @GautamGambhir's return as #DilliKaKaptaan? ?#DilDilli pic.twitter.com/dK9IgcT97s

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 8, 2018

Kolkata Knight Riders- Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa is one of the most explosive openers of the IPL. He is the sixth-highest scorer of the colossal league with 3778 runs to his name. In 2014, when KKR clinched the IPL trophy, Uthappa formed the crux of it. He was the leading run scorer that season.

As the uncertainty looms over Chris Lynn, KKR would rely hugely on the willow of Uthappa.

Matches: 149

Runs: 3778

Average: 29.52

Strike Rate: 131.64

Also Read: Dinesh Karthik to lead KKR in IPL 2018

#KKRCountdown
3⃣2⃣ days to go! ?
He goes by the name of Robin, but he's as sharp as Batman! #Knight @robbieuthappa has amassed the most stumpings (32) in VIVO @IPL . ?#KKRHaiTaiyaar #IPL2018 pic.twitter.com/b8hpU1mJzT

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 7, 2018

Mumbai Indians:

Mumbai Indians would be depending on their skipper, Rohit Sharma for the eleventh edition of IPL. The defending champions who lack dependable top-order batsman would definitely vouch for the big-hitting capabilities of Rohit.

Currently, he is the third highest run scorer with 4207 in IPL.

Matches: 159

Runs: 4207

Average: 32.61

Strike Rate: 130.9

Hitman ✅
Top batsman ✅
Proud skipper ✅

Paltan, are you behind #TeamIndia’s ?? captain @ImRo45?#NidahasTrophy #CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/vZkgjWildJ

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 5, 2018

Rajasthan Royals-Ben Stokes:

The Royals are returning to the tournament after two years, and the franchise would try to prove themselves worth the wait.

Ben Stokes, who created stirs in his debut season would be continuing his spectacular form this year as well.  In a handful of matches, Stokes proved that he might pose a threat to the best batsmen of the tournament.

Matches:  12

Runs: 316

Average: 31.6

Strike rate: 142.99

Also Read: Rajasthan gets their fortress back

Captain of @englandcricket, @Eoin16 talks about how @benstokes38 has already changed their game with his return.

Do you think Stokesy is a better batsman or bowler?#HallaBol #Cricket #IPL2018 pic.twitter.com/erR2ZeVAFn

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 1, 2018

Kings XI Punjab- Aaron Finch:

Aaron Finch, the only player who has played for seven different franchise since his debut would be a force to reckon this year.

Kings XI Punjab bought Aaron Finch for a whopping 6.2 crores, they would be relying on his batting abilities.

Matches: 65

Runs: 1603

Average: 27.17

Strike Rate: 130.43

How many of you knew that Viru Paji is one of @AaronFinch5's favourite batsman? #KnowTheKings #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi pic.twitter.com/nMCdiCgGmf

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 5, 2018

Sunrisers Hyderabad- David Warner:

The Australian opener, David Warner has been the backbone of Sunrisers Hyderabad. The only second player to be crowned with orange cap twice was retained by SRH this year.

Warner is the only overseas player to cross the mark of 4000 runs in the tournament. He is undoubtedly the most valuable asset of SRH.

Matches: 114

Runs: 4014

Average: 40.55

Strike Rate: 142.14

Also Read: Warner-De Kock Altercation

The Reverend @davidwarner31 has been on a rampage lately against the Proteas. Here’s wishing he continues this relentless run in the remaining tests. #LiveOrange #OrangeArmy pic.twitter.com/VWy87cgVHv

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 2, 2018