With just over a week to go for the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), players from the respective franchise are working hard to keep themselves fit and come up with their best performance to help their team to glory. However, the players would also be fighting for their individual success, as one player would win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
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Several star players are in contention for winning the award, as we take a look at that one particular player from each squad who is capable and has the maximum chance to win it this season.
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Imran Tahir (CSK): Starting with the three-time champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), leg-spinner Imran Tahir is a strong favourite for the award this term. He did finish as the highest wicket-taker for the side last season and would once again look to trouble the batsmen with his lethal spin. Being one of the deadliest spinners in the world, he can trouble the batsmen on any given track. Furthermore, the UAE tracks are also known to be somewhat on the slower side, thus making him the prime man from the side to taste success.
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Kagiso Rabada (DC): Delhi Capitals (DC) are the underdogs of the tournament this term, as they boast a squad of top talents. While it is difficult to pick one player who can make a difference for the side, we feel that pacer Kagiso Rabada has a top chance. While he made a name for himself last season itself, his knack of bowling according to the conditions and situation, along with good pace variation and ability to ball short balls as per batsmen's weakness, makes him the difference-maker in the side and a top MVP contender.
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KL Rahul (KXIP): Although Kings Xi Punjab (KXIP) might not have a star-studded side, it does hold some players who can play a pivotal role. Two such players are skipper KL Rahul and pacer Mohammed Shami. However, after careful evaluation, we feel that it is Rahul who is in the driver's seat, not just owing to his subtle opening ability, but his unpredictable leadership qualities. While it would be his first instance of IPL captaincy, the element of unpredictability can surely help perform wonderfully and earn him the MVP award.
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Andre Russell (KKR): Another no-brainer here in the form of the big Jamaican superstar. Andre Russell has long been a top star in the IPL, while it was the last season where he was on top for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), not just for his fiery hitting abilities, but also with his fast bowling, as he did win the award. Expect things to remain the same this season too, as KKR would once again rely on his services, while Russell seems to be determined to make it count again this season. Provided he clicks in most of the games, he can also steer KKR to a title win.
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Hardik Pandya (MI): As far as the defending champions are concerned, it's once again a long list of players who are in contention. However, we believe it is their prolific all-rounder Hardik Pandya who can turn things around. Although he has been out of international cricket for quite some time now, owing to his injuries, he was phenomenal in the DY Patil Cup and would be looking to replicate the same performance in the UAE, making him a prime contender for being MI's MVP.
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Steve Smith (RR): Another tough call as Rajasthan Royals (RR) have a battle of Ashes in hands. Arch-rivals from the national sides Steve Smith (Australia) and Jofra Archer (England) are among our picks for the MVP award contenders. Both men are expected to go neck-on-neck in the battle. However, owing to Smith's consistency and ability to play good in Asia, he just edges out and puts him in the driver's seat.
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Virat Kohli (RCB): Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are one of the most star-studded and the most unfortunate team to have never won the IPL. While it could all change for them this season, when it comes to a contender for the MVP award, skipper Virat Kohli once again qualifies as the undisputed king. The reason for that? Ummmm....we will leave that upon you to figure it out.
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David Warner (SRH): Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) too have a great squad, capable of winning the title this term. And, as for their MVP contender is concerned, the one man that outlasts all in the side is flamboyant opener David Warner, who we also refer to as the John Cena of IPL. The reason for that is his ruthless aggression, which interestingly works in his favour, as he is well capable of giving perfect starts. And every time he does that, his team assuredly wins. We don't see things changing this time around, especially considering the good form he is in.
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