5 Players to watch out for in the IPL 9 Qualifier 1

The IPL 9 has seen its fair share of players in the past. This season, however, has seen a new level of performance being set by many players, something that has accounted for a bigger and better IPL in its ninth and current edition. Most of the top performers as well documented come from either the Gujarat Lions or the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Ironically, these two teams are yet to clinch an IPL title. Moreover, they also occupy the first two spots on the table despite the different paths to success they have taken.

While Suresh Raina and his men have impressed for the most part this season, the Royal Challengers led by the scintillating Virat Kohli are currently experiencing a late surge in their bid for the title. The well-oiled unit of the Gujarat Lions has seen them become a force, not many expected them to become despite a few patches of losses to their name. In the case of RCB, Virat Kohli’s men had their backs to the wall. However, some unbelievable performances coupled with the luck they so richly deserved has seen them ascend to the second spot.

Also read – IPL 9, Qualifier 1 Preview: Challengers face Lions with home advantage

These two sides will meet at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to decide who goes to the final in what is expected to be a mouthwatering encounter despite the home advantage of the Challengers. That said, here are five players to watch out for as they take on each other head-on.

1. Virat Kohli:

The way Virat Kohli has played this season has simply defied everything we know about cricket. First, there was Don Bradman, then Sachin Tendulkar. Now there is Virat Kohli. His words express the humility that makes everyone love and attempts to emulate him. He looks invincible each time he goes out to bat with the crowd expecting him to perform each time he makes his way out to the middle. A half-century against the Delhi Daredevils in difficult batting conditions has made him a giant of a man if he wasn’t one already. What’s better is the fact that Kohli has converted most fans in the country to RCB fans. That said, 40,000 spectators, whether they are RCB fans or not will have their retina focused on Virat Kohli.