Predicting the MVP of IPL 2021: Key Players to Watch
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a prestigious recognition given to the player who has the greatest impact throughout the tournament. The award was first introduced by the IPL council in 2013, and since then, a rating system has been used to crown the most impactful cricketer.
Understanding the MVP Scoring System
The MVP scoring system is as follows:
Batting:Every boundary fetches 2.5 points, and every six scored gets 3.5 points. Bowling:Each wicket awards a bowler with 3.5 points. Fielding:A fielder gets 2.5 points for each stumping or a catch, and 1 point for each dot ball.Top 5 Players to Watch for the MVP Award in IPL 2021
5. Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell was the MVP in IPL 2014 and proved to be a pivotal player for his team, Punjab Kings. His 550 runs played a crucial role in helping Punjab Kings qualify for the finals that year, a feat they have not achieved since. Maxwell's ability to hit power-ful shots and his comfort in the middle order make him a strong contender again this season.
4. Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes was the MVP in IPL 2017 when he helped Pune qualify for the finals. Known as one of the rare all-rounders, Stokes is capable of changing the game from both bat and ball. Opening the batting for Rajasthan Royals, Stokes will be more crucial due to the absence of Lendl Simmons. His recent form with the ball and strong overall performance make him a top contender for the MVP.
3. KL Rahul
KL Rahul has been one of the most consistent stars in the IPL over the past three years, scoring more than 570 runs in each of the last three seasons. Apart from his batting, Rahul also keeps wickets and leads Punjab Kings as captain. His ability to handle multiple responsibilities and perform well under pressure makes him a strong MVP contender.
2. Andre Russell
Andre Russell is one of the most formidable players when it comes to winning matches. He won the MVP award twice in 2015 and 2019. Russell's performance in the 2020 IPL was underwhelming, but with IPL 2021 being hosted in India, he should feel more at home. His critical batting and bowling skills make him a valuable asset for Kolkata Knight Riders.
1. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli was the MVP in IPL 2016 and had an outstanding season where he scored 973 runs and struck four hundreds. No batsman has managed to breach the 900-run mark in a single season. Kohli will be opening the batting for Royal Challengers Bangalore this season and has been in excellent form against England in the limited-overs format. A strong performance can earn him the MVP title once again.
These top players will be pushing hard for the MVP award, and their performances throughout the IPL 2021 will determine the winner. The MVP award not only recognizes individual excellence but also impacts team morale and performance, making it a highly anticipated honor.