Every Indian T20 League season throws up some amazing names and newer talent, while we also see existing players step up for their teams to become key players. This season, with the tournament conducted outside India, we have had some outstanding players showing what they are capable of and becoming an integral part of their respective teams. Here are three of the most exciting yet unexpected players who have been in full bloom this season.
Anrich Nortje (Delhi)
Anrich Nortje set the speed gun racing and bowled the three fastest balls in the season, including the fastest ever since 2012 edition of the Indian T20 League in the game against Rajasthan. While impressive on the pace front, it is Nortje's incredible control and effectiveness across phases of an innings that has made him a terrific replacement player for Delhi who called upon him after Chris Woakes withdrew from the season. Nortje has 10 wickets in the season at an average of 23.5 and an economy rate of 7.34 which is even better than Rabada. An impact player this year for Delhi, Nortje wasn't even expected to start for them.
Mayank Agarwal (Punjab)
While Mayank Agarwal has been around in the Indian T20 League for nearly a decade, he has never had a better season before with the bat. Mayank has compiled 382 runs at an average of 47.75 and a stunning strike-rate of 161.18 this year. A terrific hitter of pace and spin alike, Mayank has been a force at the top of the order for Punjab in 2020. His previous highest tally in a season was 322 last year. While there were signs of improved form, Mayank has taken the 2020 edition by storm with his terrific striking prowess. Alongside a subdued KL Rahul, Mayank has constantly stepped up and helped Punjab to rousing starts.
Varun Chakravarthy (Kolkata)
Not even expected to start for his franchise, Varun Chakravarthy has become an elite spinner in the Kolkata ranks and has been leading their spin attack in the absence of Sunil Narine and the loss of form of Kuldeep Yadav. Chakravarthy, who had a forgettable debut last year for Punjab, seems to have a defined role in the Kolkata setup this year. The Tamil Nadu spinner has been tidy with his bowling, most importantly using his impressive variations lavishly to confuse batsmen. In the 2020 edition of the tournament, Chakravarthy has played six matches taking five wickets at an economy of 7.46. Chakravarthy has been used in tandem with the pacers and his restriction of batsmen with defensive tactics and the odd-flighted leggie or googly and paid rich dividends this year.
Feature image courtesy: Twitter.com / Delhi
