IPL 2019: Possible Stand-In Skippers

The Indian Premier League (IPL), the biggest T20 extravaganza, almost occupies two months of a cricketing calendar. During the long tournament where each team at least plays 14 matches, players are bound to take a toll on their body. In addition to, heavy traveling also gives them very little time to recover.

Moreover, cricketers, who have international assignments, come to the tournament after finishing their commitments for their country. As a result, fatigue comes into play and they miss some games here and there. Furthermore, with the ICC Wolrd Cup within a few days after IPL, the players will look to remain fit to give their best in the crickets biggest tournament ever.

In this article, we will take a look at the top four players who can lead their franchises in the absence of their regular skipper:

SURESH RAINA (CHENNAI SUPER KINGS)

Mr. IPL, as he is profoundly called, Suresh Raina has been the best product that has come out of the tournament over the years. When in touch, the southpaw can destroy any bowling attack with elegance.

He has been the deputy to skipper MS Dhoni for several years and has led the side in his absence in few matches here and there. Moreover, he has also led Gujarat Lions for two years, although they didn’t find much of a success.

Thus, Raina is the perfect bet for CSK if MS Dhoni is forced to miss a game or two in the upcoming season.

AB DE VILLIERS (ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE)

AB de Villiers along with skipper Virat Kohli has been the backbone of Royal Challengers Bangalore over the years. He single-handedly has bailed out the franchise on several occasions.

Moreover, having announced his international retirement, de Villiers is not going to be a part of the 2019 World Cup. Hence, the RCB do not have to worry about him missing any part of the tournament due to international commitments, which would make for a seamless transition in terms of captaincy.

ROBIN UTHAPPA (KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS)

The cricketer from Karnataka has been the mainstay of Kolkata Knight Riders’ batting for quite a few years now. He has led their batting on his shoulder and also won the Orange Cap during their successful campaign in 2014.

Robin Uthappa, over the years, has anchored the innings while batsmen from the other end have gone after the bowling. He gave a tough fight to Dinesh Karthik last year in taking the baton of captaincy as the franchise left out Gautam Gambhir.

Robin Uthappa will be the perfect choice for KKR as the stand-in skipper who also can have a good view from behind the wicket.

KIERON POLLARD (MUMBAI INDIANS)

The all-rounder from Windies has loads of experience behind his back and have spent nine years with the franchise. Kieron Pollard who is known for clearing the grounds with ease is one of the senior most cricketers, which makes him an automatic choice for the vice-captain spot.

The giant all-rounder has significant experiences to his name leading his side Barbados Tridents and Saint Lucia Stars in CPL. Moreover, he also has one title to his name as the skipper of the team. In addition to, he has successfully led Windies in few games as the stand-in skipper.

Kieron Pollard will look to pay back the owner’s faith with some notable contributions after having a horrific season last season.