IPL 2015: 20 Star Names to Take Indian Premier League by Storm
On Wednesday, the Indian Premier League will start its eighth season, with the recently-concluded Cricket World Cup still fresh in the minds of many.
It is a glitzy tournament that will bring together many of the world’s best players for Twenty20 competition, featuring eight franchises vying for victory once again.
Let’s take a look at 20 stars who will be gracing the league with their talents and are set for a big 2015 showing in the IPL.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings)
1 of 20
India’s superstar Mahendra Singh Dhoni shocked the world when he announced his retirement from Tests, but he will be key once again for Chennai.
The Super Kings captain remains a force in Twenty20 cricket with his aggressive hitting in the lower order.
Imran Tahir (Delhi Daredevils)
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On the spinning pitches of India, expect South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir to have a successful IPL after a superb showing in the World Cup.
He may be a little older than most on the international circuit, but his recent showings prove he still has plenty to offer.
James Faulkner (Rajasthan Royals)
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Explosive all-rounder James Faulkner was part of the Australia squad that won the World Cup, and he always enjoys playing the game’s shortest format.
With his potent bowling combined with his lower-order bludgeoning, expect Faulkner to be a key cog for the Rajasthan Royals.
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Mitchell Johnson (Kings XI Punjab)
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Another Australian superstar who will be desperate to have a good showing in the IPL is Mitchell Johnson, still one of his country’s best bowlers.
He is part of a strong Kings XI Punjab roster that will be expecting to challenge for the tournament title based on the resources at their disposal.
Mitchell Starc (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
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Joining Mitchell Johnson as a potent Australian left-arm opening bowler is Mitchell Starc, who is set to join up with Royal Challengers Bangalore.
He will miss the opening weeks of the competition with injury, but after a strong World Cup, he will be desperate to make up for any lost time.
Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians)
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Indian opening batsman Rohit Sharma enjoyed a strong World Cup and will return home to hopefully lead the Mumbai Indians to another IPL victory.
Sharma has delivered on his obvious talent in international cricket and will be desperate to do the same in his home country’s Twenty20 league.
David Miller (Kings XI Punjab)
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The aggressive David Miller was vital for Kings XI Punjab last year with his lower-order heroics, and he will want more of the same this year.
The South African enjoyed a good showing in the World Cup and will arrive in India in good form.
Yusuf Pathan (Kolkata Knight Riders)
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One Indian player to not quite hit the heights for his country but impress in the IPL is Yusuf Pathan of the Kolkata Knight Riders.
He may not be able to find his way back into international cricket, but in the IPL, he is a strong performer.
Trent Boult (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
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New Zealand’s opening bowler Trent Boult had a very good World Cup and arrives at Sunrisers Hyderabad well in form for the IPL challenge.
If the left-armer can continue to find the right lines and lengths, he will continue to be a force to be reckoned with—even if he's not in tandem with countryman Tim Southee.
Faf du Plessis (Chennai Super Kings)
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South African Faf du Plessis remains a crucial part of any batting lineup, and for the Chennai Super Kings, he will be relied upon for more explosive hitting.
He is certainly capable of the spectacular, and if he hits form in this tournament, he will be a tough proposition for opposing bowlers.
Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
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One of India’s best and most crucial batsmen, Virat Kohli plays a similarly important role for Royal Challengers Bangalore—who he also captains.
He has stepped into the role of batting superstar well, and on one of the biggest stages of all, he will be desperate to make a big impact.
Glenn Maxwell (Kings XI Punjab)
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Along with David Miller, Australian Glenn Maxwell forms a potentially devastating partnership in the lower order for Kings XI Punjab.
When he finds the middle of the bat, the ball can go a long way, and he will want to repeat the fireworks of last year’s IPL.
Mohammed Shami (Delhi Daredevils)
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He has rapidly become one of India’s best seam bowlers, and Mohammed Shami will want to continue his good form in the IPL with Delhi.
He will likely be crucial for the Daredevils, even on wickets that are not conducive to pace bowling, and he will surely be a tough bowler to face once again.
Shakib Al Hasan (Kolkata Knight Riders)
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With plenty to offer with bat and ball, Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan plays a vital role for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
He will likely be high in the batting order and be asked to bowl with a relatively new ball, meaning he has a busy tournament in prospect.
Pravin Tambe (Rajasthan Royals)
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Back for another year and seemingly no closer to retirement is leg-spinner Pravin Tambe, who returns as one of Rajasthan’s primary spinners.
The 43-year-old remains a crucial part of the Royals lineup—having been plucked from obscurity—and will want more wickets to continue his dreamy run in the IPL.
Aaron Finch (Mumbai Indians)
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Australian opener Aaron Finch will likely be at the top of the order for the Mumbai Indians, and he brings a wealth of experience in Twenty20 cricket.
On his day, he can destroy any bowling attack, and he will be hopeful of putting a sometimes difficult World Cup behind him.
AB de Villiers (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
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He may not have been able to lead South Africa to glory, but AB de Villiers can reflect on a strong World Cup as he arrives at Royal Challengers Bangalore.
An electrifying fielder as well as a very talented batsman, De Villiers will play a leading role for Bangalore.
Brendon McCullum (Chennai Super Kings)
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He has always enjoyed playing in the IPL, and after a World Cup in which his superb starts to innings gave New Zealand real impetus, Brendon McCullum is set for a strong tournament.
The Chennai Super Kings will be glad he is at their disposal, and he will be expected to deliver once again with his strong hitting.
Murali Vijay (Kings XI Punjab)
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Another Indian opener to be in and out of international cricket is Murali Vijay, although he has always been strong in the IPL.
At the top of the order for Kings XI Punjab, he will be relied upon to provide them with good starts in every game.
David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
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Finally, David Warner comes into this year’s IPL on the back of a very successful World Cup and takes his place atop the Sunrisers Hyderabad order.
The left-hander is capable of demolishing any bowler on any wicket, and Sunrisers will be hopeful he can do just that.
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