5 all-rounders who could be impact players in IPL 2018

Gone are those days when teams used to have specialists in every department. T20 cricket demands every player to be good at both batting and bowling. Therefore, all-rounders are considered indispensable and are in great demand in all T20 leagues across the world.

In the past editions, we have seen that the teams with good all-rounders make it to the playoffs more often than not.

Here are 5 all-rounders who could prove to be impact-players in IPL 2018.

#5 Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja is back with the men in yellow for the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League.

Over the years, we have seen how useful Jadeja can be in T20 cricket. His lower order hitting, tight and accurate left-arm spin bowling and acrobatic fielding skills are likely to come handy for Chennai Super Kings when they take the field again.

Rest assured, CSK’s all-around department is safe in the hands of ‘Sir Jadeja.’

#4 Ben Stokes

The Durham all-rounder was sold for a whopping 14.5 crores in IPL 2017 auction and is likely to fetch a similar bid considering his all-around ability.

Stokes has the ability to hit huge sixes and can play the role of a genuine fast-bowler as well.

Stokes being the best fast-bowling all-rounder is world cricket at the moment is likely to prove a great utility player in IPL. With all these credentials, he is unlikely to disappoint his IPL side.

#3 Chris Morris

Delhi Daredevils have shown great faith in the South African all-rounder by retaining him this season. Morris can smash really big sixes and is a genuine, bustling fast bowler.

Morris, who has spent a lot of time in international cricket now, will be expected to be the spearhead of Delhi’s bowling attack.

He is likely to make a significant impact for Delhi Daredevils considering his all-around ability and is definitely the one to watch out for in the IPL.

#2 Axar Patel

The left-arm spinner is the only player to be retained by Kings XI Punjab ahead of the IPL 2018 Auction.

In the past few disappointing seasons, Axar has proved to be one of the very few positives for Kings XI Punjab. He has got a wealth of experience in T20 cricket is expected to give balance to Kings XI Punjab team by making contributions with both, bat and the ball.

He can be a decent hitter lower down the order and keep things tight in middle overs with his crafty left-arm off-spin.

#1 Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya is perhaps the brightest talent to come from India in last 12 months. He has made giant strides in international cricket in a very short span of time. He has got a great striking power and can destroy any opposition on his day.

With the maturity he has shown, Mumbai Indians are likely to send him higher up the order to give him time to get set and blow away the opposition.

He is a tremendous fielder and a superb athlete as well, which makes him one of the most valuable players in the IPL.