Published: Apr 08, 2016, 04:06 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 09, 2016, 12:39 PM (IST)
After the completion of ICC World Twenty20 (T20), it is now time for cricket fans to welcome the ninth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016. With all the controversies surrounding IPL behind us, focus now shifts to cricket beginning with the clash of defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) against new entrants Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS). RPS was purchased by Sanjeev Goenka, who went on to pick up the most wanted cricketer in the IPL draft MS Dhoni. Dhoni will lead a side filled with immense talent and leadership prowess with the likes of Steven Smith, Kevin Pietersen, Faf du Plessis, Ajinkya Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin. Vishal Mehra lists down the likely XI that RPS team will field for the first time in IPL 9. READ: IPL 2016 Schedule, Time Table, Fixture PDF Download
Top Order: One of IPL’s most dependable batsmen Ajinkya Rahane will now provide his services to RPS in this season of IPL 9 after playing for Rajasthan Royals in previous seasons. Rahane shot to fame after his consistent performances that catapulted him in the Indian national side; accompanying him will be Faf du Plessis at the top order. Du Plessis, who has been a miss for South Africa in the T20 World Cup, will feel at home alongside Dhoni, Ravichandran Ashwin and Stephen Fleming. Coming in at No.3 will be former England player Kevin Pietersen, who has been a hit in the recently concluded Big Bash League (BBL) playing for Melbourne Stars. With a mix of explosive and steady batsmen up-front it will only give the already strong middle order a perfect platform. ALSO READ: Rising Pune Supergiants team in IPL 2016 Preview: MS Dhoni, Steven Smith and Co all set to clinch IPL 9 title
Middle Order: Coming in next is one of current generation’s most promising star Steven Smith. Australia’s T20 skipper did not have a great run of form in the T20 World Cup 2016 and will want to make up for his ordinary form. Youngster Baba Aparajith will come in next to bring in the much needed Indian batsmanship to the batting line-up. Baba has been in good form with the bat for Tamil Nadu, and his previous stint with CSK will only enhance his confidence. Skipper MS Dhoni will come in at his customary No.6 position to provide impetus to the scoring rate or even sheet-anchor the innings.
All-rounders: With Mitchell Marsh coming in next, it will only bring flexibility to the playing XI, with his recent exploits with the bat for Australia and his know-how off the Pune stadium will help him keep with an impressive show. Once India’s next all-rounder sensation, Irfan Pathan, will likely be a helping hand to other young bowlers in the side with his abundance of knowledge about T20 cricket.
Bowlers: Ravinchandran Ashwin will lead the spin department for RPS, coming off from an ordinary show in the T20 World Cup final for India, he will look to prove his detractors wrong. Ishant Sharma will spearhead the pace department. Ishant has been rather inconsistent in his bowling for India in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20s. Ishant will want to make amends and put up an imposing show for all to see. Ashoke Dinda, who was with Pune Warriors India (PWI) and now is back to his Pune franchise, will want to cash in this opportunity provided to him. Dinda with his variations in the death overs can be a lethal factor for any opposition.
Rising Pune Supergiants Likely XI (Batting order): Ajinkya Rahane, Faf du Plessis, Kevin Pietersen, Steven Smith, Baba Aprajith, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Mitchell Marsh, Irfan Pathan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma and Ashoke Dinda
(Vishal Mehra is a reporter at CricketCountry, who enjoys his weekly dose of anime, and plays cricket once a white moon. His twitter handle is @vishal_oxyjinn.)
