The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most-watched and highly anticipated cricket leagues in the world. Every year, the league attracts top cricketing talent from around the globe, and IPL 2023 promises to be no different. With the world’s best cricketers set to take the field, fans are eagerly waiting to see who will be the most valuable player (MVP) in this season. In this article, we will take a look at three players who could be the MVP in IPL 2023.
1. Ben Stokes ( Chennai Super Kings)
At the mini-auction held last year, CSK had to break the bank to secure the England all-rounder for a staggering price of 16.25 crore. After being out for two seasons, Ben Stokes will rejoin the IPL and catch up with Dhoni, with whom he previously shared the IPL 2017 season with the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants.
England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, has recently shifted his focus to red-ball cricket, but he showed his versatility by playing a crucial role in England’s 2022 T20 World Cup triumph. Stokes was unbeaten on 52 as England chased down 138 runs on a tricky pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with one over to spare.
Stokes ability to perform across all formats of the game has been highlighted by his impressive record in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In 43 games between 2017 and 2021, he has scored 920 runs at a strike rate of 134.50 and picked up 28 wickets at an average of 34.79. He was even named the MVP in the IPL 2017, where he scored 316 runs and claimed 12 wickets in as many matches.
Stokes all-round abilities make him a valuable asset to any team, whether it be in T20s, ODIs, or Test matches. His performances in the T20 World Cup and the IPL are a testament to his adaptability and versatility, which will undoubtedly continue to serve him well in the years to come.
2. Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)
Sanju Samson, the captain of the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has shown glimpses of his prime performance in the last two seasons. In 2021, Samson batted predominantly at the top of the order and scored a total of 484 runs at an average of 40.33 and a strike rate of 136.72. In 2022, he was asked to bat lower down the order, and he still managed to score 458 runs at a strike rate of 146.79.
Despite his consistent performances, Samson has been unable to earn a regular spot in the Indian team due to injuries and luck with team selection. However, at 28 years old, he may be in the prime stage of his career and could potentially produce a season with a high run total and a flurry of sixes and boundaries. With a strengthened lower order in the Rajasthan Royals and improved performances from Riyan Parag in the domestic season, Samson may have the support he needs to break out and fully participate in the IPL 2023.
Samson’s ability to adapt to different batting positions and still maintain a high strike rate is a valuable asset to any team. If he can continue to perform consistently and lead the Rajasthan Royals by example, he may finally earn the recognition and success he deserves in the IPL and potentially in international cricket.
3. Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders)
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), having an all-rounder with a high strike rate and a low bowling average is crucial for any team’s success. Andre Russell, the West Indian cricketer, is one such player whose IPL statistics speak for themselves. With a strike rate of 177.88 from 82 batting innings and a bowling average of 24.48, Russell is an ideal all-rounder in the shortest format of the game.
Russell’s ability to win games with both bat and ball is well-known. He is a dangerous batsman who can cause serious damage in the final overs of a match. Russell has won the IPL MVP award twice, in 2015 and 2019. However, he has typically batted at positions six and seven for his team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
To get the best out of Russell, KKR should consider moving him up the batting order to position number five, giving him more time to settle in and make an impact. If Russell can perform well in this position, KKR will become a dangerous side and could potentially compete with the best in the IPL in 2023.
Russell will be looking to win the MVP award for the third time in IPL history, which would make him the first player to achieve this feat. With his impressive statistics and ability to win games, Russell is an asset to any team, and KKR should use him to his full potential to achieve success in the upcoming IPL season.
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In conclusion, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting season with many talented players ready to showcase their skills. While it’s impossible to predict who will win the coveted MVP award, there are three players who are likely to be in the running.
Firstly, England’s Ben Stokes, who has already proven his worth as an all-rounder in the IPL and played a crucial role in England’s 2022 T20 World Cup win. Secondly, Sanju Samson, who has shown consistency in his performance in the last two seasons and has the potential to score big runs. Finally, Andre Russell, with his impressive statistics and ability to win games with both bat and ball, could be a strong contender for the MVP award if he is utilized effectively by Kolkata Knight Riders.
These players have the talent and ability to take their teams to victory in the IPL 2023 season. However, there are many other talented players in the league who could also make their mark and become the MVP. It will be interesting to see how the season unfolds and which player ultimately comes out on top as the most valuable player of IPL 2023.
