From Iron Man to Hulk, we take a look at the Avengers in this season's IPL
As millions of fans await the highly anticipated 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL), followed by the much awaited 'Avengers: Endgame', IndiaTV tried their hands at decoding which Marvel character is similar to the heroes of the IPL. Right from the birth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the IPL - in 2008 - we take a look at the cricketers who are worthy of being compared to some of the superheroes from the hugely-popular 'Avengers' franchise.
As the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League dawns on us, the players are all geared up for the T20 extravaganza and the opening bout would be between three-time champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. A mouth-watering Dhoni vs Kohli clash in the opening encounter has already got the fans debating.
Which team will come out on top? Which player or 'Avenger' would be the deciding factor this season? IndiaTV takes a look.
Dinesh Karthik - Hawkeye
As an integral part of the 'Avengers' squad, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Dinesh Karthik has also been an important figure in the Purple camp last season and his role in the 12th edition will be quite vital. He led KKR to the playoffs of the 2018 IPL and the Knight Riders are hungry for success. The way Hawkeye makes a return to the Avengers squad with his skills, technique and composure having improved with time, it's the same with our very own DK. With an aim in sight and the target set, DK will look to lead KKR to the coveted title.
Rishabh Pant - Hulk
Other than being a brilliant scientist, Dr Bruce Banner is known better for when he transforms into the mean, green rage machine called the Hulk and a cricketer similar to the uncontrollable green monster is explosive batsman - Rishabh Pant. The bold, lionhearted Delhi Capitals batsman and the Hulk have one factor in common - SMASH. Pant was the second highest run-getter in the 11th season of the IPL where he amassed a staggering 684 runs in the 14 matches he played. He also scored a century last season and had scored the most number of sixes (37) and the highest score (128*). Pant is expected to turn into 'Hulk' mode this season, so do keep an eye out for the maximums.
Kuldeep Yadav - Doctor Strange
Like Dr Strange's mystery and spells, there is an indistinguishable character in the IPL who is weaving his own spells to bamboozle others - chinaman Kuldeep Yadav. The leg-spinner has a knack of deceiving batsman like the Marvel wizard and is quite clever against the opposition. The only factor that Kuldeep does not possess is the time stone; apart from that, his spells are more than enough to keep the enemies at bay. The leg-spinner claimed 17 wickets in the 14 matches he played last season, which consisted of a four-for. The KKR wizard is a sure threat to any team this season.
Jasprit Bumrah - Black Panther
Strength, speed, agility, and stamina, the components that describe the 'Wakanda King' Black Panther and one of the best death-overs specialists - Mumbai Indians' Jasprit Bumrah. The right-armer may not possess the high-end technology that T’Challa does, but Bumrah is surely a player who delivers at all times and has a composure rarely found amongst others in his trade. Bumrah claimed 17 wickets in 14 matches played last season and in this edition, the fast bowler will look to disturb the stumps many more times.
MS Dhoni - Captain America
Just like the first 'Avenger' of the Marvel universe, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been the backbone of Chennai Super Kings since it’s formation. A leader and an action-packed superhero, Dhoni is quite similar to Captain America. The calm, composed factor, is what makes these two heroes stand out against the opposition and just like Cap, Dhoni never backs away from a fight. Leading the Yellow gang to their third IPL title last season, Dhoni will hope to successfully defend the coveted title this season. The veteran is known to defy all odds under pressure and has managed to come out on top on many occasions. Will Captain Cool lead CSK to their fourth title? We will know, over the next 50 days or so.
AB de Villiers - Spider-Man
Quick, hard-hitting and agile on the field, AB de Villiers is no less than Spider-Man on the field. Just like the web-spinner shoots around, de Villiers does the same, with the only difference being that his shots are smashed all around the field. With both heroes donning red, de Villiers doesn't need a mask to do his job. The explosive batsman smashed 480 runs in the 12 matches he played last season where he made 6 half-centuries and smashed 30 sixes. Also, not to forget, the catch of the season was taken by a flying AB near the mid-wicket boundary line. The swashbuckler never fails to amaze the fans, just like the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man.
Virat Kohli - Iron Man
Genius, passionate and dedicated. Iron Man and skipper Virat Kohli have plenty in common. Both need no introduction in their respected fields as their actions speak louder than words. Like Tony Stark, Kohli is a man on a mission as well and that is to win the IPL trophy. Having been with the franchise since its inception, Kohli hopes to end his title-less run this season as millions of fans know what the RCB skipper is capable of. Can Stark lead the Avengers to defeat Thanos? Can Kohli lead RCB to win the IPL trophy? The final result will tell us all as we're in the Endgame now.
Thor - Rohit Sharma
The 'God of Thunder' and the 'HIT-man' are two vital forces who can be extremely difficult to stop once they get going. Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma is no less than a wrecking ball as he rips through bowlers on a daily basis and slams thunderous sixes with ease. The MI captain had a dreadful last season, but like Thor, Rohit is expected to make an enormous comeback this season and lead the Mumbai franchise in a fight to win their fourth trophy.
Thanos - Chris Gayle
A destructive force that strikes fear into the hearts of the opposition and a name, that sends chills down one's spine when confronted. Like Thanos, Chris Gayle is an immovable force. While Gayle does not possess all the infinity stones, he does have the power which can break any opposition. Like the 'Mad Titan', the Gaylestorm has torn apart many oppositions. He smashed a century for Kings XI Punjab and hammered 368 runs in 11 matches played and had a best score of an unbeaten 104 last season. Who can stop this destructive force on the loose? As unpredictable as the 'Avengers: Endgame' will be, so will be this season of the IPL.
