IPL 2021: Top 5 Overseas All Rounders to watch out for!

by Karthik Atchuta

IPL 2021 showcases a variety of overseas all rounders who will form a critical piece in every team’s fortunes. Their ability to strike big with the bat and deliver at crunch moments with the ball make them absolutely vital.

Here is our selection of 5 overseas all rounders who will have a decisive impact in IPL 2021:

Andre Russell

Let’s get the usual suspect out of the way. Andre Russell is due for a big season after a dismal show last season in UAE. He scored just 117 runs in 10 matches facing just 81 balls despite batting in the top order for a substantial number of matches.

The 2019 season MVP would look to replicate his heroics which would help the team’s cause massively after failing to make it to the playoffs in 2 consecutive seasons.

Chris Morris

The South African all-rounder shattered records when he was sold to Rajasthan Royals for a whooping 16.25 crore deal. Chris Morris has a remarkable IPL record to back his cause. He scored  551 runs at a strike rate of 157.87 and picked 80 wickets at an average of 23.98 powered by a decent economy rate of 7.81.

As Royals wait for Jofra Archer to recover from injury – they would bank on Morris ability to deliver at the death. His batting down the order will be critical in finishing matches with likes of Riyan Parag and Rahul Tewatia also in the line-up.

Marcus Stoinis

The Delhi Capitals all-rounder has delivered for the team at any batting position he was asked to bat last season.

The Aussie cricketer scored 352 runs at a strike rate of 148.52 and picked 13 wickets at an average of 21.76 for the team in the UAE edition. All eyes on Stoinis to see if he can deliver it for the team again which was quite critical for Capitals in making it to the finals last season.

Ben Stokes

The game changer from Rajasthan Royals was asked to open the batting to maximize his utilization in IPL 2020 and boy did he deliver.

Having had mediocre seasons in 2018 and 2019, Royals brought the England all-rounder to open the innings for the team after joining the team late after 6 matches. He scored 285 runs in 8 matches at an average of 40.71 and a strike rate of 142.50. His century against Mumbai Indians in a big chase (107*) was the defining moment. Stokes scored 2 T20 centuries in his career and both came in Indian Premier League.

The 2021 season will see Stokes in a much evolved role with the ball as the team will have to find options to fill in the absence of Archer. He is certainly on top among the overseas all rounders to watch out for.

Sam Curran

England all-rounder Sam Curran was one shining points of CSK last season despite the team’s lacklustre show. Curran scored 186 runs and picked 13 wickets in the UAE edition.

He is fast replacing Dwayne Bravo in the team’s line up and is one of the youngsters the team has. Curran was utilized as a pinch hitter and as a finisher by the franchise to good effect. He also provides the team a solitary left arm pace option which is instrumental in adding to the bowling variety.

Honourable Mentions:

In quest for a proper finisher-Punjab Kings might look in to Fabian Allen and he is one brilliant upcoming prospect on world scene. It will also give them additional spin options. CSK’s Moeen Ali if used in the playing 11 can get very instrumental in adding to the team’s already strong batting depth and take care of the off-spin option which the team lacks.

Jason Holder and Mohammad Nabi of Sunrisers Hyderabad are quite critical to the team’s cause as the team needs a player to contribute and finish in the middle order as per the different conditions they play in.

Mumbai Indians all-rounder Kieron Pollard is coming fresh from his 6 Sixes in an over feat and his destructive abilities will be a treat to look forward to.

Comment and let us know who are the overseas all rounders you are looking out for this season!