IPL 2018 gears up for another grand show by Australia stalwarts
We take a look at the Aussies who will be playing in the Indian Premier League.
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Australian cricketers over the years have enjoyed a successful period in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and they have held a superior status like no other foreign nations in the 10 seasons played so far. Since the cash-rich league’s inception in 2008, the Aussies went on to create a fear factor and their consistency stamped an authority that helped franchises make a crucial impact to dictate proceedings.
Since 2008, Australian players have left a mark in the tournament and went on to gain blockbuster status worldwide. All-rounders like Shane Watson flourished, as bowlers too put in the hard work. No wonder Aussies have fetched whopping sums over the years. The craze continued in 2018 too.
Since the Orange Cap started in 2008 for batsmen with the highest runs in a season, Australian players enjoyed their share of authority. A total of five Aussie batsmen have gone on to win the prestigious Orange Caps in a period of 10 years. As captains, the likes of Shane Warne (2008), Adam Gilchrist (2009) and David Warner (2016) are the three Aussie skippers to win IPL titles.
Will this year’s strong quartet continue the magic for their sides in IPL 11?
Let’s have a look at some of the players.
Steve Smith – Rajasthan Royals
Last season, the Australian Test skipper led the Rising Pune Supergiant to the final where they lost to Mumbai Indians. The maestro enjoyed a stellar individual campaign by scoring 472 runs in 15 matches. With an unorthodox batting-style, Smith is the side’s most crucial aspect as a frontline batsman besides Ajinkya Rahane.
An excellent captain and a solid run-getter, Smith holds that middle-order for RR and could guide his side past the finish line. His approach against spinners will have a crucial bearing.
David Warner – Sunrisers Hyderabad
The southpaw deserves every credit in the manner he handled the captaincy reins of SRH. Runs have never been a shortage for the maestro. The opening batsman has scored 500+ runs in every season since 2014. Being an aggressive leader, Warner would be hoping to repeat the heroics of 2016, when he guided SRH to the title.
Warner knows the Indian conditions well and he bodes an exceptional gift of being consistent. If SRH is to go far this season, nobody better than Warner to carry the bulk of the workload on his shoulders, He thrives in these situations.
Mitchell Starc – Kolkata Knight Riders
He holds the respect for being considered as one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. A champion pacer, Starc has all the attributes of a fast bowler and is very crucial at the death. KKR did a superb job in buying the left-arm pacer, who will give them shape and character.
Starc has played two IPL seasons till now and has 34 wickets to his name at an average of 20.38. He missed the previous two seasons, but this time he will be raring to go as the franchise’s mainstay bowler. KKR could be assured of one thing, that is wickets from a man, who knows how to extract the best from every situation.
Glenn Maxwell – Delhi Daredevils
The flamboyant power-hitter came out of his shadows earlier this year in the Trans-Tasman T20 tri-series. He ended the series with 233 runs to help Aussies win the title. Playing for a new franchise in the IPL this time, Maxwell will hope to repeat the 2014 heroics when he wrecked havoc with 553 runs for KXIP.
Under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership, and Ricky Ponting’s guidance, Maxi brings a special quality with some part-time spin, besides being an ideal finisher, he can save the odd runs in the boundary.
Marcus Stoinis – Kings XI Punjab
Regarded as one of the best all-rounders in limited overs game in modern day cricket, Stoinis brings that extra bit in the KXIP line-up. They have shown immense faith in him as their leading all-rounder and the responsibility will be immense for him to win games in difficult situations, but also bowl the side to safety.
Stoinis has found a new lease of life in the national colors and has sparkled off late. He carries the intelligence and knowledge of how to go about in this format. He is KXIP’s go-to player, this season and can also be regarded as the ‘bull’ in that unit.
Some vital Aussie talents elsewhere
There are some big names of the present Aussie side that could do well this year. Pacer Pat Cummins, a prime force, will come out for the Mumbai Indians. The aggressive Chris Lynn is a must watch as he is set to open for KKR. Same can be said of Rajasthan Royals, who have the dangerous D’Arcy Short.
Former DD and KKR bowler, Nathan Coulter-Nile will add substance to RCB with his tight line and length and ability to pick wickets. Aussie in-form T20 bowler Andrew Tye is also a star player for KXIP. Last season he bagged a hat-trick for Gujarat Lions.
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