Five Surprise Performers In IPL 2020 Thus Far

In the unpredictable and frenetic world of the Indian Premier League [IPL], it has been time and again proved that almost anything is possible.

The ongoing season of the IPL has testified that to the hilt with some of the games’ biggest superstars failing to live up to their reputation.

On the other hand, we have also seen some of the unfancied names scripting some unbelievable heists, which has not only baffled fans but also the pundits of the game.

Here’s a look at five surprise performers in IPL 2020 thus far:

T Natarajan

That the IPL is a platform where talent meets opportunity, has once again been proved to the hilt this season with a plethora of young Indian cricketers showcasing their prodigious skills against the best in the world.

One of them has been Tamil Nadu and SunRisers Hyderabad left-arm fast bowler, T Natarajan.

Natarajan has not only claimed scalps of esteemed cricketers like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Andre Russell, Shane Watson, but he has also shown remarkable temperament while bowling at the death and consistency in nailing those wide yorkers.

Natarajan has thus far claimed 11 wickets in nine games at an average of 26.09.

Rahul Tewatia

Whenever the history of IPL 2020 will be written, it will not be completed without the mention of Rajasthan Royals all-rounder, Rahul Tewatia.

Tewatia came into the limelight for all the wrong reasons initially after he was promoted in the batting-order during RR’s run-chase of 224 against Kings XI Punjab earlier in the tournament.

Tewatia struggled for timing during his first 20 balls, leading to a furor on social media. Everyone from fans to pundits questioned the Royals’ move to send the southpaw ahead of Robin Uthappa and Riyan Parag.

He started getting brutally trolled on social media but in a matter of a mere six balls, Tewatia staged his redemption by smashing Sheldon Cottrell for five sixes in the 18th over.

Tewatia smashed 45 in his last 12 balls to lead RR to a record-breaking heist.

And, just to prove that it wasn’t a fluke, Rahul Tewatia repeated his heroics- this time with the help of Riyan Parag- against SunRisers Hyderabad by stitching an unbeaten 85-run-stand to help his side gun down the target.

Overall, Tewatia has thus far scored 222 runs in nine innings at a strike-rate of 145.1 besides claiming 6 wickets at 35.

Marcus Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis had flattered to deceive in the past due to his inconsistency.

But the burly all-rounder has been right on the money with both bat and ball this season for the Delhi Capitals.

His whirlwind assault on Chris Jordan in the first match, where he smashed a 21-ball 53 was instrumental in DC posting 8-157. Stoinis wasn’t done though! He then proceeded to defend 19 in the last over by claiming wickets of Mayank Agarwal and Chris Jordan to enforce a Super Over, which was eventually won by DC.

Stoinis has then contributed to two more wins against RCB and RR, thanks to his brutal 26-ball 53 against the former and 39 & 2-17 against the latter.

Overall, Marcus Stoinis has scored 217 runs at an average of 31 besides claiming 6 wickets at 25.83.

Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal has been a prolific white-ball player for his domestic side, Karnataka, but for some reason, the stylish opener hadn’t replicate those exploits in the IPL prior to the ongoing season.

That has thankfully changed this season, with Mayank finally translating his domestic white-ball success in the cash-rich league.

Mayank started the season with a bang thanks to a whirlwind 60-ball 89 against the Delhi Capitals. Since then, the Indian Test opener hasn’t taken a backward step.

The right-hander smashed his maiden IPL ton against RR in Sharjah and since then has consistently given good starts to KXIP in the powerplay.

Overall, Mayank Agarwal has racked up 382 runs in eight innings at an average of 47.75 and he is currently second on the list as far as top run-getters in this season are concerned.

Anrich Nortje

Anrich Nortje wasn’t even the first choice of the Delhi Capitals in the IPL auctions, and it was only after Chris Woakes pulled out of the competition at the 11th hour that the South African bolter was roped in as a replacement.

And, what was the replacement the fast bowler has turned out to be! Nortje has turned up serious heat in this IPL with his precocious pace and has already broken the record for the fastest ball ever bowled in the history of the IPL.

Nortje has bowled a total of 16 balls in excess of 150 km/h and he has backed that pace with consistency in line and lengths, having taken 12 wickets at an average of 23.25.

Also Read- IPL 2020: David Warner Breaks Virat Kohli’s Record To Become Fastest To 5,000 IPL Runs