Players that could be the “Trump Card” for their sides in IPL 2018

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 season is all set to start from April 7 onwards in Mumbai & we are going to disclose the “Trump Card IPL 2018”. For the past 10 years, there have been players that went on to light up the lucrative T20 League and this year it will not be any different. Every franchise will look to have that killer instinct and will hope to find the extra bit through their key recruits.
Defending champions Mumbai welcome MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings for this edition’s opener. A blockbuster encounter is all set to enthrall fans from the very start. Every franchise has built their respective teams and have plenty of firepower up their sleeves.
Here is an analysis of the players that could go on to be the trump cards for their teams in the IPL 11.
Andre Russell (KKR) – When the ‘Riders of the Eastern storm’ come out blazing, one player that appears in the mind is West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell. KKR have exhausted all their money and have the thinnest squad in the league with very little capable bench strength. Therefore Russell comes into the picture instantly. The Windies star, who is currently plying his trade in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), will look to be KKR’s main man given his all-around abilities.
Russell: Matches 34, Runs 574, Best 66, Average 26.09, S/R 173.41, Wickets 31, Best 4/20
Ben Stokes (RR) – He is currently the No. 1 all-rounder in the world of cricket. The Englishman has shown his prowess in all three formats over the years. In the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, Stokes has been in fine touch and the Royals know they invested wisely after making him the biggest catch of the player draft. Stokes is a class act and he could go on to win matches single-handedly for his side. An exceptional fielder; Stokes is the modern day macho man.
Stokes: Matches 12, Runs 316, Best 103, Average 31.60, S/R 142.99, Wickets 12, Best 3/18
Suresh Raina (CSK) – Raina has been in supreme touch with the bat since his return to the Indian T20I squad against South Africa in the recently concluded series. He scored 89 runs in three matches and could be pivotal for CSK coming in at No. 3. The highest run-getter in the IPL, Raina makes a return to CSK and his ability to get going from the start is a big plus. He has won many matches for CSK, and will once again be their go to man.
Raina: Matches 161, Runs 4540, Best 100, Average 34.14, S/R 139.05 
Glenn Maxwell (DD) – Maxi has shown the player he is with a lot of finesse and clean strikes for Australia in the Trans-Tasman Tri-Nation Series. Maxwell has come out of his shadow and taken his impetus in the side to a new level. Besides his handiness with the ball, he is an excellent fielder. Coach Ricky Ponting has a superb understanding with Maxwell and could see the latter being the star of his side.
Maxi: Matches 57, Runs 1228, Best 95, Average 25.06, S/R 164.39
Rohit Sharma (MI) – Rohit is the fulcrum of this unit and needs to take over from game one to lay the platform for his side. With the experience under his belt and the success that has come with it, Rohit knows he has to get the best out of his side once again and this time even more. He can take the game away from the opposition on any given day, and his presence is the biggest strength.
Rohit: Matches 159, Runs 4207, Best 109, Average 32.61, S/R 130.9
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH) – Bhuvi is the leader of the Sunrisers attack and has been on top of his game both at the opening and at the death of Warner & Co. This season too his impetus will be crucial in guiding the supporting cast as well. He was excellent in the T20Is against the Proteas and is currently one of the best in world cricket. Bhuvi was the Purple Cap holder for 2017 and his presence is a huge lift for SRH.
Bhuvi: Matches 90, Wickets 111, Best 5/19, Economy 7.08
Virat Kohli (RCB) – In-form Virat Kohli is the main strength of this unit and with the form he was in against South Africa, bowlers will not enjoy facing him. Kohli’s hunger for runs makes him a dangerous entity. He will know that it is the best shot in firing RCB to a maiden title after the side having misfired in the earlier editions.
Kohli: Matches 149, Runs 4418, Best 113, Average 37.44, S/R 129.83
Chris Gayle (KXIP) – Universal T20 king Chris Gayle will most likely get the nod to open the innings. The stellar West Indian enjoyed a lot of success with the Royal Challengers Bangalore unit over the years and KXIP needs him to fire all guns blazing. He is definitely the player to watch out for and is a bargain buy despite not being as threatening off late.
Gayle in IPL: Matches 101, Runs 3626, Best 175, Average 41.2, S/R 151.21