5 Overseas cricketers who can lead the 9th franchise in IPL 2020

The Board Of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been discussing various reforms to make the Indian Premier League (IPL) better and more interesting. There has been talks over introducing the ‘Power Player’ rule, and having more day games, just to name a few.

Such reforms are intended to bring more fans to the tournament. Very recently, reports have emerged that the BCCI is also planning to introduce the 9th franchise next season. It will also provide Rs 2000 crores to start this new team.

However, everyone knows that a good team can only be built under a good captain. Therefore, the team would need a potent skipper, someone who can make the team play as a unit.

On this note, let us take a look at 5 overseas options, who can lead the franchise in IPL 2020:-

Eoin Morgan

When you have to start building a team from its core, who can be a better option than someone who has recently led England to their maiden World Cup title? Well, the presence of Eoin Morgan can help the franchise build a strong squad, which can be on par with the strongest teams.

Morgan played a key role in changing the dynamics of England cricket, which paid off later on. Morgan can build a team with a correct mixture of youngsters and seniors. Also, his presence will allow other batsmen to play fearlessly since they will have a dependable batsman in the middle order.

Lastly, his field placement and bowling rotation tactics can be an X-factor in a highly competitive league like the IPL. There have been many talks about him being the player to watch out for in the upcoming auctions, and it would be no surprise if the new franchise fights tooth and nail to get him.

Jason Holder

Jason Holder captained West Indies in 31 games but lost 17 of those games. When you hear this, you might think he is a poor captain. Well, that is not the case. Holder is an astute tactician and an excellent skipper, who couldn’t be much successful only due to not having good resources at his disposal.

The 28-year-old can be a very nice captain for the 9th franchise. The all-rounder has the experience and knowledge of bringing the best out of fewer resources, which was eminent during his captaincy period. Also, his all-round abilities will help in providing the balance to the team combination.

Holder recently led Barbados Tridents to the Caribbean Premier League title, which speaks volumes about his captaincy skills. His contribution was significant in the tournament, which means that his personal performance isn’t affected due to this role. Therefore, he can bring a lot to the table for the franchise.

Joe Root

A new team always faces a challenge to adapt and play as a unit, since every player has different needs and vision to run a team. A calm spirit like Joe Root will be the best option to help this new franchise play as a team and compete against the best teams of the tournament.

The stylish right-hander can handle the middle order, and help other batsmen go for the kill, as it has been the case with the England team. His presence in the middle will give other teammates the confidence that they could win in the toughest of the situations as well.

Root has all the qualities of a good leader. Though he is yet to make his IPL debut, Root has an experience of over 20 games in India across all formats. One can never underestimate the likes of him, neither as a player nor a captain.

Tim Southee

Tim Southee was released by Royal Challengers Bangalore this year since he was only warming the bench in the squad. However, he can be a boon for the 9th franchise, and his experience can help the team to play as a unit and prevent them from panicking in crunch situations.

Southee has a phenomenal record as the New Zealand captain. Moreover, his individual performances have also been pretty decent whenever he has led the team. The 30-year-old pacer has a phenomenal amount of international and IPL experience, which will be of great use for the team.

With him as a captain, the new franchise can build a team of young bowlers, who will play around him. He can guide them, and also help in field placements during tough overs. Given his recent form, any team can trust him to play a key role in the squad.

Carlos Brathwaite

Carlos Brathwaite was a hot pick in the IPL 2019 auction, and went to the Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 5 crores. But with Andre Russell already there, he had to only warm the bench, before eventually being released the next season.However, there is no doubt over his potential as a player.

Also, the West-Indian all-rounder has led his national side, which makes him a good option to lead the new franchise as well. Being an all-rounder, he brings an X-factor to the team. In T20 cricket, there is always a demand for good all-rounders, and his presence will get that crucial role sorted out.

Though he is not known for his tactical captaincy or strategies, Brathwaite allows other players to express themselves freely, which is more important than anything else. Giving the players their space will help the team adjust and play together.