IPL 2020 is under two weeks away, and as ever, this year’s tournament will feature a host of new overseas names, hoping to make it big and ensure a bumper contract in future tournaments.

With just four overseas slots to play with, though, most IPL teams end up sticking with a tried-and-tested bunch of foreign stars, especially when they’re on a winning streak.

However, this year’s tournament is no ordinary one, what with the tournament being shifted to the UAE, the effects of the pandemic, and much else. It might mean there is more opportunities for players to make their case on the pitch.

That in mind, we’ve looked at some of the overseas players who could make their IPL debuts this year.

Josh Hazlewood [Chennai Super Kings]

35 T20s, 42 wickets @24.11, economy: 7.56

Australia’s Test specialist wasn’t regarded as a fancied candidate in the auction, especially since he hasn’t featured in a T20I since 2016, but CSK, known for their at times unconventional choices, lapped him up for his maiden IPL berth. Irrespective of the format, nippy pace and niggling accuracy are great virtues to possess, and Hazlewood might end up being a crucial addition along with Sam Curran, giving CSK’s pace attack much-needed depth.

Sheldon Cottrell [Kings XI Punjab]

95 T20s, 128 wickets @19.76, economy: 7.47

Cottrell, whose gangly action, brisk pace and trademark salute made him a runaway hit in the 2019 World Cup, bagged a whopping INR 8.5 crore deal in the IPL auction that followed. Left-arm quicks are always in demand, and Cottrell’s addition to KXIP provides variety in an overseas pace-bowling reserve containing right-armers Chris Jordan, Hardus Viljoen and all-rounder James Neesham.

Josh Philippe [Royal Challengers Bangalore]

32 T20s, 798 runs @33.25, strike-rate: 138.30

In June, Philippe was termed one of the youngsters to watch out for in the 2023 World Cup by Aaron Finch – a look at his recent numbers instantly validates Finch’s claim. The opener’s power-packed performances throughout BBL 2019/20, where he posted five fifties (including a Player of the Match performance in the final) meant he finished as Sydney Thunder’s highest run-getter. At RCB, he forms a potential opening option with Finch himself, and doubles up as a wicketkeeper, giving the franchise options beyond AB de Villiers and Parthiv Patel.

Isuru Udana [Royal Challengers Bangalore]

135 T20s, 145 wickets @23.83, economy: 8.02

The name might not instantly ring a bell, but Udana has been an international cricketer for over a decade now, regularly slipping in and out of contention for Sri Lanka. But RCB, who had admitted to seeking out bowling all-rounder this season, have got themselves a handy option, who picked up 10 wickets in as many games during last year’s Mzansi Super League.

Known to seam the ball both ways, and produce a cunning yorker as well as slower ball, Udana could end up being the key to solving RCB’s long-standing death-bowling woes.

Anrich Nortje [Delhi Capitals]

22 T20s, 27 wickets @21.70, economy: 7.54

Coming in for the unavailable Chris Woakes this year, Nortje might not get a regular spot in the XI, but is a more than formidable backup seamer to have. The spotlight was put firmly on him after a breakthrough MSL 2018, and even though injuries have slowed his progress, they have done little to dim his speed. Known to hit 150kmph, and use his towering frame to generate bounce, Nortje might be used as a mid-season element of surprise by DC.

Daniel Sams [Delhi Capitals]

37 T20s, 52 wickets @18.36, economy: 8.13

Sams earned a richly-deserved call-up to the Australian side for the England T20Is, after a breakthrough BBL where he topped the wicket charts with 30 wickets at 15.36. A bustling left-arm quick with a deceptive slower ball, Sams could get a decent run at Delhi if they are keen to field another overseas fast bowler alongside Kagiso Rabada. The fact that he’s a handy lower-order bat will also help him cut the competition.

 

Alex Carey [Delhi Capitals]

76 T20s, 1624 runs @30.07, strike-rate 130.23

The wicketkeeper came in for heavy praise after an impressive World Cup 2019, with Steve Waugh comparing his maturity to that of Michael Hussey. Carey effected 20 dismissals in the tournament, second only to Tom Latham, but it was his steady head and back-to-back fifties that would have caught Delhi’s attention ahead of the auction. Rishabh Pant will be the first-choice keeper – whether Carey finds a spot as a batsman in the middle order remains to be seen.

Fabian Allen [Sunrisers Hyderabad]

29 T20s, 16 wickets @30.75, economy: 164.89; 404 runs @25.25, strike-rate: 164.89

With Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi already available as overseas spin all-rounders at SRH, Allen might have a tough time breaking into the XI regularly. However, his tight left-arm spin could be a handy option on UAE pitches, as would his punchy lower-order batting. Having missed out on the CPL due to a missed flight, Allen will be itching to find his name on the playing sheet.

Tom Banton [Kolkata Knight Riders]

39 T20s, 1091 runs @30,30, strike-rate: 155.19

There’s little to dispute that Tom Banton is one of the youngsters to look out this year, overseas or otherwise. A remarkably gifted batsman, Banton uses his reach to nonchalantly lift the ball over the fielders, and isn’t shy to go down on one knee and sweep, ramp or switch-hit whatever is thrown his way. KKR have already termed him their ‘X-Factor’ this season, with mentor David Hussey calling him ‘a better version of Kevin Pietersen’.

 

Chris Green [Kolkata Knight Riders]

92 T20s, 74 wickets @27.12, economy: 6.62

At 26, Green brings with him a wealth of T20 experience – stints at CPL, PSL and BBL have made him a much sought-after off-spinner in franchise cricket. A revised bowling action means he might take time to return to his old form, but he’s shown his worth as Guyana captain in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League, bowling a spell comprising 21 dot balls in one of the games. A tricky customer to face in the Powerplay, Green could end up taking on the baton from Sunil Narine at the franchise in the future.

James Pattinson [Mumbai Indians]

39 T20s, 47 wickets @24.12, economy: 8.25

Originally not part of their IPL squad, Pattinson made a late entry to the Mumbai Indians camp as Lasith Malinga’s overseas replacement. It isn’t exactly a like-for-like replacement, and he’s low down the pecking order. In an injury-riddled career, he last played a T20I back in 2012, but has been gradually coming back into the T20 circuit, snaring a five-wicket haul for Brisbane Heat in the 2019/20 BBL.

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