There is more to cricket than just bat hitting the ball.
In this upcoming ninth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) we are not only looking forward to the majestic cricketers but also the ones who have brooding hot physiques to drool on.
From Virat Kohli to Chris Gayle, these superstars have enthralled us with their cricketing skills in the recently concluded ICC World T20. Now, it is time for them to dazzle in the IPL carnival and showcase some of their moves.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been evicted from the league for alleged involvement in match-fixing scandal, but we will still see eight teams in action as two new outfits - Rising Pune Supergiants (RPSG) and Gujarat Lions (GL) have made up for the suspended franchises.
Full coverage of IPL 2016, including match preview, commentary, score updates and standings
Cricket fans are anxiously waiting for their favourite players to show their charm, so let's take a glance at 10 players who can set the green pastures on fire. Remember, not just playing skills, here, we are also talking about the charisma which these players bring to the game.
1. Virat Kohli
Source: AFP
First and foremost, the cricket sensation, Virat Kohli. The hero of latest World T20 tournament, who fulfilled the expectations of millions of Indians, is one person to watch out for in IPL 9. Captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kohli is set to raise the mercury with his tremendous form and on field aggression. Mesmerising fans with some excellent batting performance, Kohli is definitely the hottest player, on record. Period.
2. Chris Gayle
Source: Getty Images
One of the most feared and powerful batsmen in the world, Chris Gayle will turn out for RCB. Gayle has achieved numerous feats in the shortest format of the game and we are set to watch him break and make some more records. Lastly, his dancing moves are infectious. Surely we will be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of his moves in this season as well.
3. Shane Watson
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This all-rounder from Australia who is also the costliest buy of the latest IPL auctions, will don the RCB jersey this time. Watson is one player who can single-handedly turn any game on it's head with both bat and ball and that's when his real charm reflects on the field. With his fit body and all-round effectiveness, fans are surely in for a treat.
4. Dwayne Bravo
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The 'Champion' Dwayne Bravo who has made several headlines in the past week is definitely a player to watch out for. Wait for his fantastic moves and grooves this season when he takes the field for Gujarat Lions (GL).
5. MS Dhoni
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He might be in his mid 30s but he is one player every cricket fan looks forward to. Captain Cool who is now going to lead the brand new Rising Pune Supergiants has a lot in store for his aficionados. Dhoni might not show off his physique but his calm nature and cool on field decisions are enough to showcase his hotness. Well, let's see what special has 'Mahi' planned for his fans this time around.
6. AB de Villiers
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The man who is known as 'Mr 360 degree' for his insane ability to hit the ball to all parts of the ground can surely give complex to certain team members named Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle. Bring it on ABD!
7. Carlos Brathwaite
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After his fantastic 34-run cameo which included four successive sixes in the last over of World T20 final, the West Indian will be one of the most interesting players to watch out for. Being part of Delhi Daredevils (DD) for the first time, Brathwaite is all set to get some oomph factor on field.
8. Brendon McCullum
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This explosive wicket-keeper batsman who recently hanged up his international boots is tailor-made for T20 cricket and will be a treat to the the eye. Fans should be thankful that even though New Zealand missed him in the World T20, we have him playing for Gujarat Lions in this edition. Get set for some slam bang action and ripple-effect on field.
9. Dale Steyn
Source: Getty Images
The South African pacer may not be in the best of form, but as they say 'form is temporary, class in permanent.' The fiery speedster who will ply his trade for Gujarat Lions this season is set to get the ball swinging and spectators dancing. Regarded as one of the best bowlers of the generation, let's see whether Steyn can grow his legend or not.
10. Glen Maxwell
Source: Getty Images
Termed as 'Big Show', Glenn Maxwell will again be one of the linchpins of Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). His tendency and audacity to play extravagant shots will keep fans hooked to TV sets.
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