From KL Rahul to Hardik Pandya: A player from each IPL 2021 side who can be the X-Factor

The 2021 Indian Premier League is off to an intense restart in the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, with the conditions marginally different to India's, all the sides would be looking to start afresh.

Also, this gives a chance to the players of the side to be the standout performer for their team. On the same note, we look at a player from each side who could be the X-Factor.

Ruturaj Gaikwad
As was evident in the last game, the 24-year-old batsman is becoming the saviour for Chennai Super Kings. He has displayed some prolific batting abilities of late. He plays in the calmest way possible, even under pressure, thanks to some guidance from the side's legendary skipper MS Dhoni, who himself is 'Captain Cool'. Judging by his form, he can spell trouble for the opposing bowling attack.

Prithvi Shaw
The 21-year-old opener of Delhi Capitals has been in tremendous form of late in the limited-overs circuit. At the same time, his rough patch in Australia earlier this year prompted him to up his ante in the domestic course. Since then, he has been on an upward spiral and in a bid to justify his selection in Team India for the ICC World T20 2021, he is expected to come hard at any bowler, spelling trouble.

Varun Chakravarthy
The 30-year-old Indian spinner for Kolkata Knight Riders became a nightmare for the opposing batsmen late last season, while he has also displayed his class this season. He is expected to continue his rampage with his spins in UAE, most notably to prove that he could be India's talisman in the spin department in the upcoming WT20.

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Hardik Pandya
All-rounder Pandya has not been in the best of his forms this season. While he had an average stint last season with Mumbai Indians, he has still managed to creep into Team India for the WT20. Therefore, in a bid to warm up in the best way possible, Pandya's adamancy could lead him to perform out of the ordinary across departments. And, if he gets going, especially with the bat, there is hardly any bowling attack that could restrict him.

KL Rahul
The Punjab Kings skipper might not be doing great as a captain but has been performing to the fullest as a batsman. Also, he has a unique role in the WT20, which could prompt him to fare better for PBKS in IPL 2021. Therefore, the opposing bowlers will have a tough time restricting him; while considering his current form, he could be the one-man army for PBKS.

Chris Morris
The South African all-rounder has impressed with his performance of late, leading to Rajasthan Royals going all out for him in the auction. Being the side's highest wicket-taker this season, it would take some extra-ordinary batting to stop him, while RR relies heavily on his performance to see itself through to the playoffs.

Devdutt Padikkal
Another young lad, as the 21-year-old, has been a force for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the top-order, giving the right starts. Although he did not make it to WT20, he is determined to make a case for himself with Team India, which could compel him to go all guns blazing. And, if he does that, the opposing bowlers would hardly have anything left to take him out.

Rashid Khan
The 22-year-old Afghan spinner is one of the deadliest spinners in the world. Although Sunrisers Hyderabad is going through a horrific season, it could be Rashid whose lethal spins can turn SRH's season upside down, while he is definitely the X-Factor his side needs.

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