Masters of UAE: Five most successful IPL bowlers on UAE tracks
The much-awaited T20 extravaganza, IPL 2020, is all set to hit the floors in September this year. The cash-rich league, in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, will be played in the UAE. UAE also hosted the first 20 matches of IPL 2014, and the event took place smoothly.
The wickets in the Middle East country are slow and low, assisting bowlers in the process. Bowlers, who previously have delivered in the UAE conditions in 2014, can certainly emerge as leading wicket-takers this year. Boasting an impressive past record, these five cricketers will be hoping to add a few more wickets to their tally.
5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
After being sidelined from the national side due to injuries, 30-year-old Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be itching to prove his worth and deliver in the IPL. The Meerut-born pacer, known for his swinging ability, is expected to play a crucial role in SRH’s title quest. The right-arm quick had an impressive stint in the 2014 UAE leg too, scalping eight wickets from five matches at an economy of 6.15. Considering his vast experience at the biggest stage, he’ll be expected to play a vital role in his franchise’s UAE campaign.
4. Mohit Sharma
Many players have flourished under the leadership of MS Dhoni and Mohit Sharma is also one of them. Sharma played his first season for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2013 and immediately hogged the limelight by picking up 20 wickets. The pacer continued delivering in 2014 too, picking up 23 wickets.
In UAE, he scalped eight wickets from five matches including a 4/14 against a stellar Mumbai Indians lineup. Sharma will be turning up for a new franchise– Delhi Capitals– this year and will be hoping to replicate his 2014 heroics.
3. Lasith Malinga
Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga is undoubtedly one of the greats to have braced the league. Known for his pinpoint accuracy, toe-crushing yorkers and slingy unorthodox action, Malinga has featured in 122 IPL games, scalping 170 wickets at an economy around 7.
His UAE voyage was also an impressive one as he picked eight wickets from five matches including a four-wicket haul. Malinga, who will be part of Lanka Premier League, is expected to miss the initial phase of IPL 2020. However, MI will be hoping to have the veteran back soon in order to bolster their bowling force.
2. Varun Aaron
30-year-old Varun Aaron had picked eight wickets in the 2014 UAE leg of the cash-rich league. In five matches, the pacer had registered eight scalps with best figures of 3/16. Aaron will be donning the Rajasthan Royals jersey in the UAE, aiming to leave his mark by flaunting his express pace. In 47 IPL matches, the right-arm quick has taken 42 wickets at an economy over 8.
1. Sunil Narine
Lately known for his batting exploits for Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunil Narine’s role in providing essential breakthroughs is praiseworthy. The pinch-hitter has several variations under his sleeve to baffle the batsmen.
The off-spinner, in the 2014 UAE leg, scalped nine wickets from five matches at an impressive average of 11.88 and best figures of 4/20. The Dinesh Karthik-led side will be chasing their third IPL title this season and Narine certainly can emerge as their mainstay on UAE wickets.
