MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN (Bangladesh)
His IPL franchise was in tatters consistently right through the IPL season. But contrary to his team’s fortunes, Mustafizur emerged as the brightest spot — even more consistent than captain Sanju Samson’s batting — in the Rajasthan Royals’ IPL campaign.
Be it with the new ball or while holding up the job in the middle or restricting the batters at the end, the left-arm pacer appeared to have found his missing mojo again. It reflected in his 14-wicket haul at a strike rate of 22.21 in the tournament.
As a result, despite Shakib Al Hasan coming into his elements, Mustafizur could well be Bangladesh’s trump card and inspire the side to repeat its 2016 exploits.