The thrilling competition between the bat and the ball is getting more unpredictable by the day as the bowlers are trying every way to overcome the batsmen and vice-versa. The death-specialist like Jasprit Bumrah, Dwayne Bravo, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Andrew Tye are widening their arsenal with knuckle-balls, slower bumpers, back of the hand slower balls whereas spinners like Sunil Narine, Kuldeep Yadav, Rashid Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal and others adding the flavour of mystery in their tank.

5. Yusuf Pathan

The 35-year-old has been consistent for Kolkata Knight Riders over the years. He was out of touch in the last season, but SRH would bank upon his experience and what he can pass on to a youngster like Hooda will be vital for their future.

4. Andre Russell

The 29-year-old won the 'Most Valuable Player' award in 2015 and will be crucial for his side, returning after a one-year ban for the doping violation. The Caribbean star has previously set the IPL on fire with his all-around performances for Kolkata Knight Riders.

3. Kieron Pollard

Caribbean all-rounder, Kieron Pollard has been outstanding performer in the IPL and MI has never taken the risk of letting him go to another franchise since then. Kieron Pollard scored 2343 runs with an impressive strike-rate of 146.

2. AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers aka Mr. 360 scored 3473 runs in 118 IPL innings with an mammoth strike-rate of 148. AB de Villiers highest scores of 133 was the highlight of his IPL career. The inclusion of top-order batsmen like young Manan Vohra, Quinton de Kock, Brendon McCullum, and even Parthiv Patel for that matter would mean AB has to bat lower than what he did of late and give finishing touches to the RCB innings.

1. MS Dhoni

The 36-year-old has gone past his peak and isn't that sharp anymore, but his involvement can never stand overlooked. MS Dhoni scored 3561 runs with magnificent strike-rate of 136