As we head into the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League, teams are preparing hard in their final phase ahead of the season opener on March 23, 2019.
The IPL has been a mega platform for batsmen and over the years, we have had some strong performances that made the difference for teams across a season.
The IPL 2019 edition will be no different. Batting isn’t just about aggression, but also about the quality throughout the innings.
There are players out there who can lead sides past the rope with the bat. Consistency is key for batsmen in the IPL and often the top run-getters go on to make a massive impact.
In IPL 11 we witnessed some strong performances from several batsmen and the coming into the scene for certain debutants was noteworthy. Collectively, batsmen from both India and outside made their presence felt.
ALSO READ:Â https://kyrosports.com/ipl-2019-players-playing-last-season/
We have several match-winners in terms of batting this term, who could come in and bring that aura of responsibility.
Teams would be looking at these names as promising assets who could change the complexion of the games. Last season, Chennai Super Kings thrived with the bat and that got them their third IPL title.
It was a collective process where many players came together. Ahead of IPL 2019, we look at the leading batsmen, who could have maximum say.
Rohit Sharma – Mumbai Indians
The biggest USP for Mumbai Indians this season is that skipper Rohit Sharma is set to open all the matches for the side. The senior cricketer, who led MI to three IPL titles, will be eager to add more silverware. Rohit has excelled as an opener of the Indian cricket team, but the Mumbai Indians team management decided that their leader was a better fit in the middle order as time progressed. Last season, MI went in with Suryakumar Yadav and Evin Lewis as openers.
Rohit was shifted in there with the idea to add more cushion, but it wasn’t a success story when taken as a whole. He did shine in that role a couple of times, but now the team has decided to get him back to his usual role. This time he will want to shine with the willow and make up for a failed season last term. For the first time, Rohit failed to score 300 runs in a season. He managed 286 runs and his strike-rate dropped considerably as well. But now an enhanced role could aid the player and Mumbai.
Batting alongside the aggressive Quinton de Kock, could suit the MI skipper and if he gets the runs, then it will help MI do well.
AB de Villiers – Royal Challengers Bangalore
AB de Villiers has been a busy man after continuous stints at the Bangladesh Premier League and the Pakistan Super League. He has been in decent touch with the bat and one expects him to be the asset of this RCB side. The franchise has been dependent on him and Virat Kohli over the years and this time it is no different. His aggression, ability to clear the ropes, mobility on the field and ability to pull off brilliant catches makes him a player to savour.
ALSO READ:Â https://kyrosports.com/spinners-massive-influence-ipl-2019/
He has a strong campaign in IPL 2018 and amassed 480 runs at a strong average of 53.33. His strike-rate of 174.54 was instrumental as well. AB’s consistency on the field makes him a strong factor for this RCB unit, who would be keen to shed off disappointments in the past few seasons. ABD will come in at an important number three position and the idea will be to be solid as the innings progresses. He has been a stalwart of the side since his move in 2011.
AB is all set to cross the 4,000-run mark in IPL this term. He currently has 3,953 with three centuries and 28 fifties.
Shane Watson – Chennai Super Kings
37-year-old Shane Watson had a defining IPL 2011 season and he played that match-winning innings in the final to guide CSK to the title. Watson scored 555 runs last term. He also amassed two centuries and proved everyone why he is a big match player. Watson is expected to be the main asset for CSK with the bat. His natural power-hitting and ability to find the boundaries makes him a dangerous option.
Watson has been in supreme form with the willow in recent times. He was the awarded with the Player of the Tournament award at the Pakistan Super League 2019. The former Australia all-rounder scored 430 runs in 12 games for title-winners Quetta Gladiators, with four half-centuries, at a strike-rate of 143.81. The veteran cricketer helped his side win the final and seal the all important PSL trophy.
ALSO READ:Â https://kyrosports.com/ipl-2019-five-reasons-csk-can-defend-trophy/
Prior to that, Watson turned out for Sydney Thunder in the 2018-19 Big Bash League, and scored 344 runs. He ended as the second-highest scorer for his team. Watson also hit a magical century for the Thunder, which was the first of the tourney. The two-time IPL winner will be raring to continue in the same vein and give CSK the joy to come out on top.
Dinesh Karthik – Kolkata Knight Riders
This IPL will be a vital one for KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik. The management is keen to back him as the finisher of the side. With a berth on offer for the Indian cricket team in the ICC World Cup 2019, Karthik will be looking to show that he deserves a place. He was dropped in the series against Australia earlier this month for Rishabh Pant. With Pant failing to grab the chance, DK is back into contention. Few days earlier, KKR assistant coach Simon Katich had backed the veteran to find a place.
Karthik’s ability to finish off matches and the calmness in tense situations, make him a strong personality. He is the ideal leader for the eastern giants. They feed upon DK’s knowledge and experience in the IPL. The 33-year-old has been one of the most consistent wicketkeeper-batsman in the history of the IPL.
ALSO READ:Â https://kyrosports.com/ipl-2019-look-one-best-finisher-franchise/
Last season he was the leading run-scorer for KKR with 498 runs. One would want the numbers to be similar if KKR are to do well. DK showed his skills as a skipper in his debut season at KKR and this time he will want to lead the way by being an example with the bat once again.
Ajinkya Rahane – Rajasthan Royals
Ajinkya Rahane is focused to make the IPL 2019 season count. He looks in a positive frame of mind and has done well in domestic cricket when being out of India’s limited-overs side. With the number four slot for India being open after the failures of Ambati Rayudu, there is a stake for Rahane to claim the same going into the World Cup. He will be challenged immensely by Delhi Capitals skipper Shreyas Iyer. Rahane, who last featured for India in ODIs in 2018, knows he has a supreme task in hand.
ALSO READ:Â https://kyrosports.com/ipl-2019-rating-opening-combination-franchise/
Last season the senior cricketer couldn’t quite come to the fore and he struggled for runs. But if the Royals want to do well, then Rahane is key. The return of Steve Smith makes RR a better side and Rahane knows he has to score at the top. He will have the power-hitter Jos Buttler as company in the opening role and that will allow him to play his natural game.
Rahane is one of the senior members in the side and he will have immense responsibility to better his show.