IPL 2021: These star strikers can set the stage on fire

Andre Russell, Hardik Pandya, Sam Curran and Ben Stokes. Pictures/BCCI; IPL

Andre Russell (KKR)

Matches: 74
Runs: 1,517
Wickets: 61

The West Indian (left), who was struggling with an injury last season, was not at his best in IPL-13. But the big-hitter has the ability of making a strong comeback with the bat as the league returns to India. The explosive all-rounder can smash the ball all over the park and take the game away from the opposition within the span of a few overs. His right-arm pace has also turned many a game in KKR's favour.

Jason Holder (SRH)

Matches: 18
Runs: 104
Wickets: 19

The tall West Indian, who turned up late for SRH last season, had a big impact with both bat and ball. The right-arm pacer impressed one and all, claiming 14
wickets in just seven matches at an average of 16.64. He also made crucial contributions with the bat, scoring 66 at a decent strike-rate of 124.52.

Marcus Stoinis (DC)

Matches: 46
Runs: 825
Wickets: 28

The Australian was purchased by Delhi Capitals for R4.8 crore last year and he did not disappoint. He played his best IPL in the UAE last season, scoring 352 runs in 17 games at an impressive strike rate of 148.52, including three half-centuries. He also went on to claim 13 wickets. The right-handed batsman will look to live up to his reputation of going big in the death overs.

Ben Stokes (RR)

Matches: 42
Runs: 920
Wickets: 28

RR will bank on the Englishman's abilities that saw him excel with both bat and ball in the limited overs series against India recently to take them to the Top-4 for the first time in three years. He missed the first half of the last edition due to his father's illness but impressed one and all, scoring 285 runs in eight matches, including a century and a fifty. The right-arm pacer bowled just 15 overs last season, claiming two wickets.

Sam Curran (CSK)

Matches: 23
Runs: 281
Wickets: 23

The Englishman was a surprise element for Chennai Super Kings last year. He played a pivotal role for the franchise with the bat, scoring 186 runs in 14 games, and was effective with the ball too, claiming 13 wickets. He is expected to flourish further in his role for the three-time champions and his unbeaten 95 in the third ODI against India proves that he's on the right path.

Washington Sundar (RCB)

Matches: 36
Runs: 186
Wickets: 24

The Tamil Nadu lad will be high on confidence given his recent good form with the bat in international cricket. Batting lower down the order, he scored three half-centuries in four Tests (v Oz and England) while claiming four wickets in five T20Is v England. The off-spinner had an impressive economy rate of just 5.96 last season, which was the second best in the tourney (for bowlers who played two or more games).

Hardik Pandya (MI)

Matches: 80
Runs: 1349
Wickets: 42

A back injury prevented him from bowling last season, but according to MI bowling coach Shane Bond, the right-arm medium pacer will be playing the upcoming edition as an all-rounder. Pandya was in good form with the bat, scoring 100 runs at an impressive strike rate of 144.92 in the recently-concluded three-match ODI series v England. And while bowling full throttle, he claimed three wickets in five T20Is v England.

M Henriques (PBKS)

Matches: 57
Runs: 969
Wickets: 38

The Australian led the Sydney Sixers to the Big Bash League title earlier this year and is in good form as he makes his IPL return after four years. He was purchased by Punjab Kings for Rs 4.2 crore and will hope to change the fortunes of a team that has never won the IPL. In 2017, Henriques scored 277 runs in 12 games for Sunrisers Hyderabad.