The batting game-changers of IPL-4

There was a time when they ruled the game. Though innovations and calls of equalisation have brought their tyranny to a lesser level, they still remain the rulers revered. Fans still cheer for the sixes, laud a well-hit boundary and jeer when they see their back. The batsmen, undoubtedly, are the most entertaining performers of the game and arguably the most crucial element for teams to succeed in any version of cricket. Here are some of the batsmen who will hold key of their team's fortunes in IPL 4. 

 

Sachin Tendulkar: The master has a knack of proving his detractors wrong by turning the tide when the waves are perilous. Sachin Tendulkar was highly criticized for his inability to excel in the T20 version of the game. With Mumbai's disappointing outings in the first two seasons, captain Tendulkar was under immense pressure. Just when it seemed detractors might get away, the champion struck back with 618 runs in 15 matches from the 2010 season. His knocks propelled Mumbai to the final but luck didn't abide by the master. This season, fresh from World Cup triumph, he will be looking to start from where he had left and given the purple patch he is going through his opponents should be wary of him. 

Adam Gilchrist: One look at Gilly on field and it would take pinching to make you believe that he had retired from international cricket almost 4 years ago. As active, as athletic and as devastating as he was during his days in national colours, Gilchrist led from the front to take Deccan Chargers to the IPL title in 2009. He is one of the most consistent performers of the league, both in front and behind the wickets, and holds the record for being the first batsman to get to the 1000 runs mark in IPL. Some might take his lack of real-match practice as a disadvantage but the demolisher has time and again shown he only waylays for his preys. In charge of Kings XI Punjab this year, Gilchrist would try to live up to the expectations of the owners, fans and teammates. 

AB de Villiers: AB de Villiers is one of the few practicing masons left of the once revered art of cricketing masonry. AB adds stability as well as flamboyance to any team he plays for. Be it South Africa or his former team Delhi Daredevils, he has been a proven performer. He was the corner stone of Delhi’s batting line in the first three editions of the tournament. His 105 (not out) in IPL II versus Chennai was just an exhibition of the oozing talent that this South African lad possesses. IPL 4 would expect AB to live up to his past performances, entertain the crowds and irritate the oppositions. 

Tillakaratne Dilshan: Tillakaratne Dilshan will be forever remembered as the man who revolutionized an unorthodox shot and used it to effect with clinical precision. His trademark paddle-scoop, known as 'Dil Scoop', is not one that goes by the cricketing books yet the doubters have never had the courage to guffaw it as a biblical blunder. That’s because the impact and not the rules decide games inside the 22 yards. His contribution to Delhi Daredevil’s success cannot be measured by statistics. He has contributed in almost every win of Delhi's and now in Royal Challengers Bangalore's colours, he is expected do what he does best- 'Scoop the opposition out of the game'. 

Virender Sehwag: The Delhi bomber has his reputation of playing the game in his own unconventional manner. A player who plays all three versions of the game in the same fashion, Sehwag has done it all that was once considered taboo. He holds the record for scoring the fastest triple century in Test Cricket and fastest century by an Indian in ODI cricket. Though his lesser success in T20 cricket remains a mystery, Sehwag was never defined by averages. His average of 35.11 in one-day internationals is a statistician's shame not of the batsman who has been quintessential part of every Indian victory. Viru, the face of Daredevils, was the only player retained by Delhi franchise during this year’s auction thus a lot will be expected out of him and the captain will strive to live up to his team’s dream.