The IPL regularly gives cricket fans in India and abroad the chance to see players who they never thought would see play together, turn out for the same team. However, if one of the players in your dream pairing isn’t from India, it might not be as regular a feature as first imagined, given the regulations regarding the number of overseas players who can play in an IPL side. Let’s take a closer look at which overseas players each IPL side might be going with (at least at the start).
#1. Mumbai Indians
Despite making the odd change here and there, Mumbai Indians have largely limited their experimentation to the Indian talent in their squad, playing with a settled foreign complement. South African wicket-keeper-batsman Quentin De Kock became a mainstay at the top of the order last season and looks likely to continue to do so, while new recruit Chris Lynn is expected to partner him up top. Kieron Pollard in the middle order and Lasith Malinga spearheading the bowling is a sight that Indian crowds have become accustomed to over the years, and the two IPL veterans look set to feature for the defending champs once again.
Wild Card: The arrival of Trent Boult could add a new dimension to their pace attack which might see him get some game time.
#2. Chennai Super Kings
Another IPL side that famously doesn’t experiment much, Chennai Super Kings relies heavily on experience when it comes to picking its team composition. The evergreen Shane Watson is likely going to open the batting with South African skipper Faf du Plessis after the two struck up a decent partnership towards the end of last season. Dwayne Bravo has been one of CSK’s top performers over the years and should feature despite not playing much over the past year, while Imran Tahir’s leg-spin will be one of the team’s major strike forces when it comes to bowling.
Wild Card: The tall Lungi Ngidi and the crafty left-handed seamer Sam Curran could come into the bowling attack should Bravo or Tahir prove to not be up to the mark.
#3. Delhi Capitals
With several established internationals vying for a spot in the playing XI, Ricky Ponting and his coaching staff will have a huge selection dilemma on their hands, especially when the tournament kicks off. One overseas player whose spot seems to be guaranteed is Kagiso Rabada, the South African speedster who took a hatful of wickets for the Delhi Capitals last year. Marcus Stoinis seems to have reinvented himself as a T20 opener and his blistering BBL form might see him slot into the top order alongside another new recruit in Shimron Hetmyer, who seems to enjoy playing in Indian conditions. The all-rounder spot is a toss-up between World Cup winner Chris Woakes, who seems to be shading it over young West Indian Keemo Paul, who turned out for the Capitals several times last season.
Wild Card: With a profusion of leg spinners in the team, Sandeep Lamichhane might struggle to get game time because he is from Nepal, but will expect to feature at some stage.
#4. Kings XI Punjab
The Universe Boss Chris Gayle has formed one of the most destructive IPL opening pairs with KL Rahul, and the duo will look to continue their fruitful partnership this year as well. The return of Glen Maxwell is a huge bonus for Kings XI Panjab, with the Australian having played many a memorable IPL knock over the years. Another contender for the middle order is the stylish West Indian Nicholas Pooran, who has the added bonus of keeping wickets, while the spin bowling of Mujeeb ur Rahman looks likely to once again be on display.
Wild Card: Were KL Rahul to take over the wicketkeeping gloves from Pooran, it might free up a spot for Chris Jordan or Jimmy Neesham to slot into the side.
#5. Rajasthan Royals
The Rajasthan Royals are likely to witness an all-Ashes affair in their playing XIs, with top players from both England and Australia in their squad. While Jos Buttler looks set to open the innings, Steve Smith will probably feature at one-down, and Ben Stokes not too far behind. As for the bowling, you’d struggle to find a bowler who made as deep an impact as Jofra Archer made in 2019 and the World Cup winner is expected to be a fixture in the side.
Wild Card: Should the Royals look to shore up their batting, they could draft in the experienced David Miller, while Tom Curran could perform the same role in the bowling department.
#6. Royal Challengers Bangalore
The experience and big-hitting of Aaron Finch will add much-needed stability to the RCB top order, providing a stable platform for AB de Villiers to work his magic in the middle order. South African Chris Morris is a new recruit who can contribute with both bat and ball, as can Englishman Moeen Ali, who will both be looking to perform well in the IPL with one eye on selection for the subsequent T20 World Cup.
Wild Card: If the pace attack isn’t quite working out, RCB can call on Dale Steyn, Isuru Udana, and even Kane Richardson to get some wickets.
#7. Kolkata Knight Riders
Having made the most expensive purchase in the player auction leading into IPL 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders will also be looking to boost their side with a mixture of new arrivals and old hands. Sunil Narine has the potential to wreak havoc with both bat and ball, as does his compatriot Andre Russell (both of whom have proved their ability to do so time and time again in India.) The aforementioned expensive arrival, Pat Cummins, will be leading the new ball attack, a responsibility that can be shared by Lockie Ferguson. However, KKR can go for Eoin Morgan instead if they want to play an extra batsman.
Wild Card: Securing the services of Tom Banton was regarded as a masterstroke by KKR and the exciting young opener will be looking to stake a claim in the national setup as well.
#8. Sunrisers Hyderabad
David Warner and Johnny Bairstow formed the most successful opening partnership of IPL 2019, passing 100 seemingly at will. They’re followed up in the lineup by SRH and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who also racks up the runs in any IPL season. The spinning option seems to be within the firm grasp of Rashid Khan, with the onus on young Indian talent to perform and take their teams to the title.
Wild Card: In case of injury or just squad rotation Mohammad Nabi and Mitchell Marsh are always on hand to step in and step up!
