Besides Indian players in the Indian Premier League (IPL), if any other nation’s representatives have struck a chord with the fans, it is Australia. The champions of the Aussie unit have held a superior status like no other foreign nations in over a decade in IPL. Since the cash-rich league’s inception in 2008, the Aussies went on to create a fear factor among the opposition. Their consistency stamped an authority. No wonder Aussies have fetched whopping sums over the years. Will they be repeating the heroics in this IPL season too? Yes, they should.
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.
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.
What he brings: 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.
IPL Stats: Matches 114, Runs 4014, Best 126, S/R 142.13
Mitchell Starc – Kolkata Knight Riders
What be brings: Starc 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.
IPL Stats: Matches 27, Wickets 34, Best 4/15, Econ 7.16
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.
What he brings: 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.
IPL Stats: Matches 57, Runs 1228, Best 95, S/R 164.39
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.
What he brings: 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.
IPL Stats: Matches 69, Runs 1703, Best 101, S/R 131.70
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 colours and has sparkled off late.
What he brings: 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.
IPL Stats: Matches 12, Runs 163, Best 52, S/R 123.48, Wickets 10
Chris Lynn – Kolkata Knight Riders
Currently recovering from an injury, Lynn will hope to get back strong and take the main role of his side. He has been successful for Australia in the shortest format and can go on to continue in the same vein. The license will be there for him to go and express himself especially with the management trusting him. How he repays the faith will be a significant factor.
What be brings: He carries the firepower of taking the game away from the opposition. From the word go, Lynn can be dangerous in being the menace for opposition bowlers and giving the side the base in the power-play overs.
IPL Stats: Matches 12, Runs 384, Best 93*, S/R 158.02
Andrew Tye – Kings XI Punjab
Despite being one of Australia’s one of the most successful player of late, Tye is one of the underrated players in IPL. He featured only in six games for the Gujarat Lions last term. Tye, who has three hat-tricks in T20 cricket in 2017, got lucky on Day 2 of the auction. KXIP bought him for Rs. 7.20 crore after a big battle with CSK. He picked up 12 wickets in IPL 2017.
What be brings: Plenty of ammunitions atop and at the death. His variations and consistency on the right channel help him get wickets. A superb fielder too, Tye is also no mug with the bat.
IPL Stats: Matches 6, Wickets 12, Best 5/17, Economy 6.71
Pat Cummins – Mumbai Indians
A raw addition to the MI camp, Pat Cummins boasts of being a warrior of the game and has looked settled since his comeback to cricket after years of injury. He excelled in the 2017-18 Ashes and followed the good work in the ongoing series against South Africa. His ODI form too was impressive against England. But the question is how MI go out as Mustafizur Rahman and Mitchell McCleneghan also there in the attack.
What be brings: Cummins gets his side the cushion of sheer pace besides the mix of good slower balls. He is good at short balls and will need to lower his economy rate which is on the higher side.
IPL Stats: Matches 16, Wickets 17, Best 2/20, Economy 8.29