IPL 2021: Team-wise one 'X-Factor' player in the season

4. Sam Curran (Chennai Super Kings)

There are some players who score runs regularly and take wickets on a constant basis. However, there are some players who get rid of the best batsman in the opposition team or put pressure on the best bowler. Sam Curran is a special player, who has the ability to do either of those two things. 

In county cricket, the left-arm seamer has had a lot of success with both bat and ball, especially in the shortest format of the game. He has shown that he can be a handy all-rounder and when his team is in trouble, he can be trusted to pull them from the situation. In the last season as well, when CSK won their six matches, Curran had played a small but significant role in the wins. 

As CSK hopes for a better season this year, Curran who picked up 13 wickets and scored 186 runs for them in the 2020 season, would be once again in the forefront. His role in the team is quite specific and MS Dhoni is a master of handling players with ability. Curran would be the X-factor for CSK, taking center stage at crucial junctures in the game.