In this article, we’ll talk about 5 underrated overseas players who have the potential to become match-winners for their IPL Teams.
IPL 2020 is less than a month away from the kick-off. The 13th edition of the biggest Club T-20 tournament is set to be played in UAE. The franchises have already picked their aces in the auction.
As usual, the main stars of every team are expensive buys. These poster boys have made a name for themselves with the consistent brilliant cricketing display in previous years. All eyes will be on big-money signings and big-name players such as Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Chris Morris, Virat Kohli etc.
But don’t sleep on those talented underrated players who will play a big role for their teams. Every season, IPL paves the way for many promising youngsters to make a name for themselves. In this article, we’ll talk about 5 underrated foreign players who could be the biggest match-winners in IPL 2020.
5 underrated foreign players who have the potential to become the biggest match-winners in IPL 2020
1. Joshua Philippe – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
The Australian wicketkeeper-batsman was bought by RCB for ₹20 lakh. Given his potential, he looks like the best bargain of the season. The young Aussie is a clever wicket-keeper, he’s fast and agile.
Joshua is a top-order batsman who is capable of playing brilliant innings. Joshua was brilliant playing in Big Bash League 2019-20. He finished the season as the third-highest scorer beating the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Chris Lynn and Shaun Marsh.
He played a memorable inning in the final, scoring 52 runs off 29 balls helping the team to lift the trophy. He was given a deserved man of the match award in the final. Philippe has the nerves to deliver at big stages.
The young batsman will learn and improve under RCB’s captain Virat Kohli. Philippe has been called to represent his country for the first time. He could prove to be one of the best secret weapons of RCB in IPL 2020.
2. Fabian Allen – Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Fabian Allen was one of the players who were impressive playing for a below-par Windies side in the World Cup 2019. Sunrisers Hyderabad quickly acknowledged Allen’s talent and bought him for ₹50 Lakhs.
Allen is capable of playing brilliant innings such as his knock of 50 runs against Sri Lanka. He is also a good bowler to have in the squad. He has a nice economy rate of 6.80 for the T-20 format. This West Indian youngster is capable of hitting big strokes. The underrated foreign player Fabian Allen will prove to be a valuable addition to KKR.
3. Harry Gurney – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Harry Gurney has been bought by KKR for the IPL 2020 campaign. He will be seen playing for the star-studded Kolkata alongside Pat Cummins. Gurney is a hot prospect for the T-20 format. Many clubs were after the talented pacer before KKR bought him.
The 33-year-old Englishman would be looking forward to sending shivers down the spine of opposition batsmen. Harry has a knack for yorkers and slower deliveries. His style of bowling has helped him emerge as one of the best bowlers for the T-20 format. He has a really good economy rate.
He took 22 wickets in 12 games playing in Natwest Blast. While Pat Cummins will be the main man for the team. KKR would hope that Harry develops a great bowling duo with Cummins. Gurney would be a great option to have to bowl death overs. With his experience and skillset, Harry is a player that can have a huge impact on any game.
4. Lungi Ngidi – Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Lungi Ngidi has enjoyed a good start to his career playing for South Africa. He made his T-20 debut against India. He is a talented player as seen on several occasions. However, he has been unlucky with recurring injuries.
Ngidi had spent long spells away from the game while recovering from injuries. Though his consistency has been halted by fitness issues. There is no denying the fact when fit, Ngidi is a world-class player.
His first season in IPL came in 2018 with Chennai Super Kings. He took 11 wickets while maintaining an amazing economy rate of 6.00. He missed the last edition of IPL due to fitness issues.
Nevertheless, CSK owners are confident of his abilities and have retained him for IPL 2020. So far Ngidi has played 13 T-20 games taking 24 wickets. The South African pacer is very skillful and a match-winner. His recent fitness is a great boost for CSK who would be looking to win the trophy again.
5. Keemo Paul – Delhi Capitals (DC)
After playing one season for Delhi Capitals, Keemo Paul was trusted again for IPL 2020. The west indies all-rounder had a fine season with the Delhi-based club. He played 8 games taking 9 wickets. The pacer from the West Indies is good with the bat as well.
At 22, still very young, Paul is considered to be one of the brightest stars in the T-20 format in the coming years. He came into limelight during the U-19 world cup 2016. He made the headlines when he took 5 wickets for 15 runs against Bangladesh in 2019.
Paul’s a great asset to have to bowl the death overs. From yorkers to bouncers, the young pacer has every trick up his sleeves. Paul is aggressive with the bat. He can hit big shots, he has good timing, swing, and shot power.
He’s a brilliant option to have as a middle/low-order batsman. Paul is fast and a good fielder. He is a great asset to Delhi Capitals. If he could maintain good form, his price tag of ₹50 lakh would prove to be a great bargain.
