5 West Indians Who Are Having A Big Say In IPL 2018

The Indian Premier League (IPL) hasseen some of the biggest T20 players in the world, over the years. Ever since the lucrative tournament began with a bang in 2008, when Brendon McCullum set stadia across the country alight with his pyrotechnics with the willow for KKR with a brilliant 158 in the inaugural match,owners of all franchises have been scouting for wicket-takers and hard-hitters. West Indian cricketers Kieron Pollard, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo evolved as key players
who come under this prized category of match winners.

This West Indian lot has not only emerged as vital players in the IPL, but also in the domestic T20 tournaments across the world. In fact, it would not be wrong to say that a league is not complete without a bunch of West Indian players who can turn the games around, before you say Jamaica. A testimony to this fact lies in the sheer dominance of these players even in the international arena, wherein West Indies stand as the current World T20 champions.

Right from the inaugural match of IPL 2018, the West Indian players have risen to the occasion when their teams needed the most, in the form of match-winning innings from Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo for their respective teams. Let us take a look at their performances in the IPL 2018 so far:

Chris Gayle

Gayle needs no introduction for any cricket fan. Christopher Henry Gayle has lent muscle at the top to Kings XI Punjab and has not just the franchise owner, Preity Zinta, but the entire cricketing fraternity applauding him. The boss of the universe, as he described himself, has indeed added colour to this edition of the IPL, and is scoring runs at will this season, with two match winning knocks so far, one of which is a fine century, the first of IPL 2018.

Andre Russell

The mighty all rounder has been brilliant for Kolkata Knight Riders, who have been crowned IPL champions twice, over the past few years. Russell made an unbelievable 88 runs off just 36 balls,an innings filled with 11 sixes in a sensational knock against Chennai Super Kings early in the season. He has also been handy with the ball for the Knight Riders.

Sunil Narine

Mystery spinner Sunil Narine is arguably one of the best bowlers who has
played in the IPL. Although his bowling performances have dipped from his high standards after facing a series of illegal bowling action notices in the past one year, Narine's latest batting prowess has contributed heavily for the opening partnership with valuable runs in the powerplay for KKR.

Dwayne Bravo

MS Dhoni's all time go-to bowler in the death overs and timely rescuer in the rear end of the innings with the bat, Dwayne Bravo can be called the most consistent performer in the IPL. The West Indian all rounder pulled off a sensational win for Chennai Super Kings in the opening match of the season, when he scored 68 runs off just 30 balls. He could be key to CSK's attempt to clinch their third IPL trophy this season.

Keiron Pollard:

The all rounder is under the scanner of Mumbai Indians team coach Mahela Jayawardene, who openly said Pollard's inclusion in the team will be considered, following his poor form lately. The fiery West Indian is known for his big hitting prowess and also for his contribution with the ball. The lanky West Indian could however get back to form in a bid to pull MI into winning ways.