IPL 2021: One X-Factor Player for each team

Every team has a special player in the IPL

One of the reasons why the IPL is such a competitive tournament is because it involves the best players from all across the globe. It has always been a platform for players to showcase their talents to the entire world. Given the high stakes involved in the IPL, players are expected to perform regularly and win games for their team.

While cricket is a team sport, the T20 format is so unpredictable that a small moment of brilliance from a single player can completely change the entire course of the game. Some players have the ability to turn the match around on their own and each of the 8 IPL franchises will rely on these players to get the team over the line in the upcoming edition of the IPL.

Let's take a look at one such game changing 'X-Factor' player from each franchise for IPL 2021.

# Chennai Super Kings - Sam Curran

Curran was the lone shining star for the Chennai Super Kings last season as the Yellow Army failed to enter the play-offs for the first time in IPL history. His ability to bat anywhere in the order and bowl during the death overs makes him a special player.

Curran had a brilliant ODI series versus Team India and will be looking to carry his rich form into the upcoming edition of the league.

# Delhi Capitals - Andrich Nortje

Drafted in as a replacement for Chris Woakes, the South-African speedstar impressed everyone with his pace bowling. He consistently clocked over 150 kmph picking 22 wickets from 16 games for the Delhi Capitals.

Nortje played a vital role in helping his team reach the finals last season and will be hoping to do the same this time around as well.

# Kolkata Knight Riders - Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakravarthy - Kolkata Knight Riders

From an architect to a mystery spinner, the story of Varun Chakravarthy is no less than a fairy tale . He was the leading wicket-taker for KKR last season with 17 scalps to his name.

Even though the team failed to reach the play-offs, Chakravarthy spearheaded KKR's rally with the ball. His spectacular spells even earned him a call-up to the Indian T20 squad for the tour of Australia.

# Mumbai Indians - Ishan Kishan

Young wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan has made his name on the international circuit through his attacking brand of cricket. He recently made his debut for Team India against England with a ruthless knock of 56 from 32 balls. He is a beast when it comes to middle over batting and can turn the game quickly into his favor if not dismissed early.

# Punjab Kings - Dawid Malan

With an exceptional T20 average of 50.15, Malan currently sits at the top of the ICC rankings for T20 batsmen. Due to his ability to score runs consistently and at a quick pace, he is termed a T20 specialist.

The English batsman will make his debut in the upcoming IPL and will be hoping to carry his rich form and confidence going into the tournament to help his team lift their first ever IPL trophy.

# Royal Challengers Bangalore - Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell - Royal Challengers Banglore

Roped in for a whopping 14.25 crore, Maxwell will be pairing up with King Kohli (Virat Kohli) and Mr. 360(AB de Villiers) to play for the Royal Challengers Banglore. He was released by the Punjab Kings after a poor IPL 2020, in which he managed just 108 runs in 13 matches.

Maxwell will be looking to get back into form and set the tournament ablaze with his aggressive batting and six hitting abilities.

# Rajasthan Royals - Jos Butler

Jos Butler is one of the core members of the Royals' set-up and there will be lot riding upon his performance in the upcoming IPL season. He is a nightmare for the opposition bowlers once he gets going and can decimate any bowling line-up.

The Royals will rely on Butler to score runs and provide the team with good starts throughout the tournament.

# Sunrisers Hyderabad - Kane Williamson

The ever so consistent Williamson is considered one of the top batsmen of the current era. His ability to remain calm and composed even during pressure situations is what makes him an important asset to have in your team. His presence strengthens and provides much-needed solidity to the rather inexperienced SRH middle order.

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Edited by Diptanil