The first match of IPL 2020 is scheduled to be played on this Saturday as Mumbai Indians will battle Chennai Super Kings in a rematch of IPL 2019’s final. Many great players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, AB de Villiers, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Chris Gayle, and several others will be in action during the 13th season of the IPL in the UAE.
The fans majorly focus on the big names present in the team. However, there are also some underrated players who play a crucial role in their team’s success. Here’s a look at the one underrated player from each team who can be a trump card in IPL 2020.
Chennai Super Kings – Murali Vijay
Murali Vijay was once a regular fixture in the Chennai Super Kings playing XI. However, his performances dipped in the T20 format as the years progressed.
Subsequently, Chennai released him from the squad. After playing for Delhi and Punjab, Vijay returned to Chennai. He did not receive enough opportunities in the previous season, but as Suresh Raina is unavailable for IPL 2020, Vijay can come back into the team and give his best.
Sunrisers Hyderabad – T Natarajan
T Natarajan is a left-arm fast bowler present in the Chennai Super Kings squad. The former Kings XI Punjab pacer might not feature in the playing XI straightaway, but if the team management gives him a chance, he can trouble the opposition batsmen.
The Orange Army also has the option of Khaleel Ahmed. However, he has proven to be costly sometimes in the slog overs. Natarajan can be a useful addition to SRH’s bowling lineup.
Rajasthan Royals – Shreyas Gopal
Shreyas Gopal was the most successful bowler for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2019. The right-arm leg-spinner will get a good amount of help from the pitches in the UAE.
Gopal will also get support from Mayank Markande, Riyan Parag, and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the spin attack. Hence, IPL 2020 can prove to be Shreyas Gopal’s year.
Kolkata Knight Riders – Rahul Tripathi
Rahul Tripathi was the find of Rising Pune Supergiant in the IPL. The right-handed batsman opened the batsman for Pune and then moved to Rajasthan Royals.
However, Rajasthan used him as a finisher and he failed miserably at that position. Tripathi has joined Kolkata Knight Riders and can be the trump card of his team.
Royal Challengers Bangalore – Gurkeerat Singh Mann
At Royal Challengers Bangalore, the focus of the fans has always been on AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. This year, some teams will also prepare for Aaron Finch and Devdutt Padikkal.
However, Gurkeerat Singh Mann can prove to be the surprise element of the team. He played a match-winning knock against SRH last year and can be backed to perform well in IPL 2020.
Mumbai Indians – Mitchell McClenaghan
Mumbai Indians have champion fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult in the team, but even Mitchell McClenaghan can make an impact in IPL 2020.
McClenaghan has been a part of Mumbai Indians ever since he made his IPL debut. He has been Rohit Sharma’s trump card and the team will expect a good performance from him in IPL 2020.
Delhi Capitals – Axar Patel
Delhi Capitals have stacked up their batting department by signing Ajinkya Rahane and Shimron Hetmyer in the auction. They already had the quartet of Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant.
They also roped in Ravichandran Ashwin during the trade window, but Axar Patel can be the underrated star who can surprise fans in IPL 2020. He had performed well for KXIP in 2014 and can do the same for DC this year.
Kings XI Punjab – Jagadeesha Suchith
Speaking of Kings XI Punjab, the one underrated player who can steal the show at the Mohali-based franchise is Jagadeesha Suchith. The former Mumbai Indians player will play under Anil Kumble’s coaching.
He was a part of Delhi Capitals last year but did not have a great showing. The pitches in the UAE will support his left-arm spin, which is why he can be the X-factor for Punjab in IPL 2020.
