IPL 2020: 5 dark horses who could win the MVP award for the first time

#2 Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell has insane numbers in the UAE

Glenn Maxwell is expected to miss the first week of the IPL owing to his international commitments, but could still make a run for the MVP award.

The Australian has an excellent record in the UAE, and has scored more runs (300) than any other batsman. Maxwell also has hit the most sixes, notched up the most fifties and registered the highest individual score in IPL matches played in the UAE.

Moreover, the 31-year-old's handy off-spin will be crucial in this year's IPL, and could play more than a part-time role in an inexperienced KXIP spin attack. Maxwell even spoke about his love affair with the venues recently, saying:

“The conditions seem to suit me. The grounds are big so there are a lot of open spaces, there’s something about the ground that really suits my eye, there’s not a lot of bounce, when you find grounds like that, you start to get on a run. It’s where I had my debut series with Australia in 2012 and ever since I’ve had a love affair."

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#1 Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya finished 17th in the MVP rankings last season

Mumbai Indians (MI) star Krunal Pandya is perhaps overshadowed by his more illustrious colleagues Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard, but he is one of his team's most important players. He has been ever-present for MI over the past 4 IPL seasons, and has played 55 games for Rohit Sharma's side.

Although his returns of 891 runs and 40 wickets aren't exactly eye-catching, his role in the team cannot be understated. Krunal is always tasked with bowling at important stages of the innings, and is expected to get a move on while batting at the death. The left-arm spinner also mans the boundary throughout the innings, making him the ideal MVP candidate.

Krunal finished 17th in the MVP rankings last IPL season, and could move up many places in the UAE as he attempts to sneak into India's squad for the T20 World Cup.