10 All-rounders to watch out for in the IPL 2016

The 2016 edition of the IPL will witness some of the world’s best all-rounders showcasing their skills. A quality all-rounder in the slam-bang version of cricket is the most valuable asset for any team. Bowling in the shortest format of the game, T20, is a challenging job on flat pitches which not only test a bowler’s patience but also his skills. The all-rounders usually do the finishing job which is never an easy one. Trying to clear the fence straight away after walking in to bat is a challenge. Here’s a look at 10 exciting all-rounders of the IPL 2016.

1. Irfan Pathan (RPSG):

Irfan’s bowling in this year’s T20 competition Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was top notch and he swung the new ball well. His 17 wickets at 15.76 in 10 matches included a five-for and a four-for. His was the captain of the Baroda team that finished runners-up to UP in the final. His best spell was 5/13 and he batted brilliantly as well scoring 200 runs at an average of 40.00. His strike rate of 152.67 was mighty impressive and he timed the ball beautifully. A much fitter Irfan is keen on making up for the lost time and is eyeing a comeback to the national side and Pune outfit is likely to give him the opportunity to showcase his skills.

2. Hardik Pandya (MI):

The Baroda and India all-rounder proved expensive in the World T20 going above 10 an over however it is early days in his international career. He didn’t have much to do with the bat despite being more of a batting all-rounder. He was a vital member of the Mumbai Indians side that won the IPL last year and will look to make an impact this time as well. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 377 runs at an average of 53.85 including 3 fifties and picked up 10 wickets as well and was the leading run-scorer in the tournament. Pandya has the ability to clear any boundary and has already played some cameos for MI and India.

3. Corey Anderson (MI):

Another important member of the Mumbai Indians side, New Zealander Corey Anderson has always been known for his powerful striking and left-arm seam bowling. His 72 T20 matches have yielded 1097 runs at an average of 22.85 and a strike rate of 133.29. His top score is the memorable 95 not out he scored for MI against Rajasthan Royals in a huge run-chase at the Wankhede in 2014 that took the home team to the knockout round. He has taken 24 wickets in the format. Anderson played 4 matches for MI and looked in fine touch scoring 2 fifties before he was ruled out due to injury. He will be eager to make an impact this time.

4. Pawan Negi (DD):

Pawan Negi, the 23-year-old all-rounder, is having a great time in his young cricketing career. The all-rounder was bought by Delhi Daredevils for a whopping 8.50 crores which made him the costliest Indian player of this year’s auction. He but got the big bucks due to a strong show for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophies. Negi is a slow left-arm orthodox bowler and a lower middle-order batsman, who is earned a name for his big hitting skills. He was a part of India’s World T20 squad, however, didn’t get a game. He made his T20I debut against Sri Lanka at home and picked up a wicket. He did not get to bat in this match. His 57 T20s have produced 479 runs at a strike rate of 134.92 and he  has taken 47 wickets in this format.

5. Andre Russell (KKR):

The West Indian all-rounder is a genuine match-winner as he proved in the recently concluded World T20 which his team won. An ability to score runs under pressure has become his forte and he has done that on numerous occasions for the Kolkata outfit. A huge hitter of the ball he is also a superb fast bowler. One of the most sought after all-rounders in T20 leagues around the world, Russell is also a brilliant fielder and hence contributes in every department for his team. His 194 T20s have produced 2760 runs including 12 fifties at an astonishing strike rate of 166.06. He has also picked up 167 wickets in this format.

6. Shakib Al Hasan (KKR):             

Bangladesh’s top player and one of the best all-rounders in contemporary cricket, Shakib Al Hasan had a good World T20 where he scored 159 and took 10. He has played 186 T20 matches scoring 3019 runs and taken an impressive 225 wickets. He has been an integral part of the KKR side for a while now, however, could play only 4 matches last season because of national duties. He will be eager to have a full season and repeat his heroics of the 2014 season when his team lifted the IPL trophy. His contribution was an impressive 227 runs and 11 wickets.

7. Dwayne Bravo (GL):

Bravo symbolizes the free flowing spirit of West Indian cricket. He can sing, he can dance and he can hammer the ball to all parts of the ground. His song ‘Champions’ has proved a tremendous hit and it won’t be surprising to see the trend continuing in this IPL as well. Bravo is a clever bowler as well who is adept at breaking partnerships with arguably the best slower ball in contemporary cricket. He has played 291 T20s and scored 4666 runs at an average of 26.36 while his bowling has produced 298 wickets. Bravo’s skills and self-confidence at the big stage will help the Gujarat outfit in crunch situations.

8. James Faulkner (GL):

James Faulkner is an accurate left-arm pacer who moves the ball both ways. He also possesses a deceptive slower ball, which helps make him a handful in the shorter formats. His one-day success for Tasmania and T20 performances for the Melbourne Stars led to international debuts in both formats in early 2013 and he has never looked back ever since. He is an integral part of Australia’s limited-overs formats and done very well for the team. His 125 T20s have produced 1182 runs including one fifty and his bowling has yielded 152 wickets. He is known to be a reliable finisher in white-ball cricket.

9. Stuart Binny (RCB):

The son of former Indian all-rounder Roger Binny, Stuart has established himself as a very useful cricketer in the shortest format of the game. He was an integral part of Rajasthan Royals and played some incredible cameos for the team. He is renowned for his big hitting and canny military medium pace bowling. He will play for the Bangalore outfit this year and should relish the opportunity being a local boy. He has played 92 T20 matches and scored 1073 runs at an average of 20.24 and taken 46 wickets. He has been in and out of the national side and will want to make it count in this year’s IPL to be in the reckoning for national duties.

10. Ben Cutting (SRH):

A fast bowler and productive lower-order batsman, Ben Cutting was on the verge of Test selection in 2011-12 when he was named in Australia’s squad during their home series against New Zealand. He failed to make a Test debut however the following summer got his debut in ODIs and T20 internationals against Sri Lanka. Cutting bowls at a good pace and has a sharp bouncer. He is a clean striker of the ball and can hit the ball miles. A regular member of the BBL outfit Brisbane Heat, Cutting has played 54 T20s and scored 655 runs striking at an impressive 153.03. His seam bowling has produced 42 wickets and the Hyderabad franchise will be hoping for some fireworks from the talented Aussie.

Also read: 10 Uncapped Indians to watch out for in IPL 2016