As Friday's 2024 IPL opener draws nearer, we take a look look at every English player ready to represent their franchises at this year's tournament...
Chennai Super Kings - Moeen Ali:
The beard that's feared! Once again bringing his dynamic all-round skills to the Chennai Super Kings, Moeen Ali adds depth and versatility to CSK's lineup. His explosive batting and dangerous off-spin bowling make him a valuable asset for Chennai as they aim to make it back-to-back IPL titles in 2024.
Kolkata Knight Riders - Phil Salt:
'Salty's' aggressive batting style and electric fielding make him an exciting addition to the Kolkata Knight Riders. His ability to provide quick starts at the top of the order could set the stage for some exhilarating performances throughout the tournament. Salt has replaced fellow England batter Jason Roy after the 33-year-old withdrew from the tournament for personal reasons earlier this month.
Lucknow Super Giants - David Willey:
David Willey's left-arm pace bowling and handy lower-order batting promises to be an exciting proposition for the Lucknow Super Giants this year. His knack for picking up crucial wickets and scoring vital runs down the order makes him a valuable asset for Lucknow as they look to establish their IPL presence. Willey took 3-56 against Pakistan at Eden Gardens in his last match for England at the 2023 World Cup last year.
Mumbai Indians - Luke Wood:
Luke Wood's left-arm seam bowling brings variety to the Mumbai Indians' formidable bowling attack, which already includes Gerald Coetzee and Jasprit Bumrah this year. Wood's ability to generate pace and swing the ball makes him a potent weapon for Mumbai as they seek their first IPL win since 2020.
Punjab Kings - Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes:
The Punjab Kings have backed the Brits this year, with Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow, and Chris Woakes all featuring. Livingstone's explosive batting, Curran's all-round threat, Bairstow's aggressive strokeplay and Woakes' deadly seam bowling provide Punjab with a formidable English platform in the tournament.
Rajasthan Royals - Jos Buttler, Tom Kohler-Cadmore:
What more is there to say about Jos Buttler? An IPL winner in 2017, England's white-ball captain has put in some incredible performances for Rajasthan Royals since making his debut in 2018. In 2022, Buttler became the first overseas player to score four hundreds in a single IPL tournament, and only the second player in the history of the IPL to do so after Virat Kohli. He scored 39 runs in the final and ended the season with a total of 863 runs, the second-highest in IPL history. Tom Kohler-Cadmore is also a part of the squad, bringing aggressive strokeplay to bolster the Rajasthan Royals' top order.
Royal Challengers Bangalore - Will Jacks, Reece Topley, Tom Curran:
Will Jacks' aggressive batting, Reece Topley's left-arm pace, and Tom Curran's all-round firepower should provide RCB with the variety needed to mount a strong challenge in the IPL this year. Their contributions will be crucial as Bangalore seek its first IPL title.
Tune into the tournament's opening game on Friday, March 22 to watch as Chennai Super Kings take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai at 14.30 GMT, with Moeen Ali, Will Jacks, Reece Topley and Tom Curran all set to feature.