IPL 2020: The favourites to win the Orange and Purple cap this year

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is three-weeks into action. The world-renowned iconic tournament started showing it’s unpredictability just a week after it started. We have already witnessed two super overs, centuries, upsets, injuries, controversies, etc.

Also, the IPL being in UAE has added an interesting element to the tournament. Every pitch has something to offer to every department. The high-scoring Sharjah has been a graveyard for bowlers as almost every team ends up scoring more than 200. However, the pitches of Abu Dhabi and Dubai have some assistance for pace bowlers and spinners respectively.

Today we’ll name five batsmen and five bowlers who have the potential to win the Orange and Purple cap respectively. They have been judged based on their performances till now.

The favourite batsmen to win the Orange cap!

KL RAHUL – The KXIP captain has been a silver lining for his team. He has been performing literally in almost every game. He has scored a total of 302 runs in the five games played. He scored a beautiful 132 and two fifties at a strike rate of 141.78! Even though his team is struggling, he can continue to be at the top because of his ability to score runs by playing just traditional shots!

FAF DU PLESSIS – Du Plessis has been phenomenal throughout the IPL. He has scored 282 runs with three fifties. Most importantly, he prevented CSK’s boat from sinking when their top-order and middle-order was struggling. He also covered for Ambai Rayadu’s absence and also accepted the role of an opener.

ROHIT SHARMA – Hitman has been timing the ball beautifully. He has scored two great half-centuries and also set a platform for Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard to explode. He’s expected to only get better as the tournament progresses.

SHREYAS IYER – Iyer has been in really good form throughout the season. He adapts to the situation and plays accordingly. He has scored 181 runs in the season with a strike rate of 143.65.

MAYANK AGARWAL – Agarwal has been a breathe of fresh air throughout this season of IPL. He has already scored a brilliant century and a fifty scoring 272 runs with a healthy strike rate of 162.87. The entire nation was aware of his prowess in Test cricket. The fact that he can replicate the same in T20 are good signs for Indian Cricket.

The interesting observation is that all batsmen play traditional cricketing shots and their extensions. This season, therefore, proves that you don’t necessarily have to be a slogger. You can manipulate the field, rotate the strike, target specific bowlers, play according to the pitch and situation, and still score runs at a healthy strike rate.

The favourite bowlers to win the Purple cap!

KAGISO RABADA – Rabada has been leading the Delhi Capitals’ bowling lineup exceptionally well. He has been very effective in the death overs. He has picked up 12 wickets in this season. Not to forget, he gets great support from other bowlers like Anrich Nortje, Amit Mishra, Ashwin, Axar Patel, and Harshal Patel.

YUZVENDRA CHAHAL – Chahal has been really good with his leg-spin. He can flight the ball and invite the batsman to hit big shots to take their wickets. He can also bowl pacy deliveries to trap the batsmen. He has taken 8 wickets so far in the season.

MOHAMMED SHAMI – Shami has continued his form from 2019 and emerged as a great T20 bowler. He has been leading the KXIP bowling attack with 8 wickets in the season.

JASPRIT BUMRAH – Bumrah started off haphazardly being too expensive. However, you cannot keep a good man down for too long. He stamped his authority by taking 4 wickets against Rajasthan Royals. He’ll be even more dangerous as the tournament progresses.

TRENT BOULT – Boult has been under the radar, however, has been quietly picking up 1-2 wickets per match consistently. He has picked up 10 wickets so far and bowl well both in powerplay and death overs.

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