IPL 2023: Brilliant Brook, bustling Buttler, super Stokes and more - 12 England stars to watch
- Planet Sport writer
- 30 March 2023
The 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League will feature several stars from around the world. Planet Sport takes a look at the 12 England stars who could light up the tournament.
Reece Topley (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Topley placed for Durban's Super Giants in the SA20 and Dubai Capitals in the International League T20 earlier this year. He is a promising addition to Bangalore's seam-bowling attack. The Royal Challengers remain in pursuit of a maiden IPL title after losing three finals.
David Willey (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Willey's role as a left-arm seamer for Bangalore will be important. But the all-rounder's prowess with the bat might take on more onus, too, after fellow England star Will Jacks was sidelined from Bangalore's campaign due to injury.
Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals)
Buttler scored the most runs in the 2022 IPL, topping the second-placed KL Rahul of the Punjab Kings by almost 250. He will go into another campaign with Rajasthan occupying 10th position in the International Cricket Council's rankings for T20I batsmen.
Joe Root (Rajasthan Royals)
This will be Root's first time in the IPL. He will accompany Buttler at the Royals. Root effectively prepared for the tournament with back-to-back 80s for the Dubai Capitals in the International League T20 relatively recently.
Liam Livingstone (Punjab Kings)
Livingstone missed MI Cape Town's SA20 campaign due to a knee injury. He won't play in Punjab's opening fixture of the IPL, but will be available thereafter subject to fitness clearance. Livngstone's participation will be particularly important in the absence of the injured Jonny Bairstow.
Sam Curran (Punjab Kings)
Curran was named Player of the Tournament at the 2022 T20 World Cup. He, too, has a key role to play with the bat in the absence of Bairstow. Left-arm seamer Curran will likely open the bowling for Punjab on occasion as well.
Jofra Archer (Mumbai Indians)
Archer returned to competitive cricket this year after a lengthy stint on the sidelines due to injury. New Mumbai Indians head coach Mark Boucher is hopeful fast bowler Archer "can kickstart the IPL with a bang."
Moeen Ali (Chennai Super Kings)
Ali was the second-highest wicket-taker among Chennai's spinners last season. He was also among the franchise's top five run-scorers in 2022. The England all-rounder will be key to the Super Kings' pursuit of a fourth IPL title.
Ben Stokes (Chennai Super Kings)
Whether Stokes will bowl for Chennai remains in the balance. England want to protect his match fitness ahead of the Ashes series later this year. Super Kings head coach Mike Hussey has suggested Stokes will play as a specialist batsman, for the most part.
Phil Salt (Delhi Capitals)
Salt played for the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 earlier in 2023. The Capitals lost the final to the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. The hard-hitting top-order batsman will want to go one better in India - and help secure a maiden IPL title for Delhi.
Harry Brook (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Brook has enjoyed a remarkable start to international cricket. He has scored four centuries in six Tests - and now has the opportunity to star on the IPL's global stage. Sunrisers Hyderabad have a massively talented recruit in the England batsman.
Mark Wood (Lucknow Super Giants)
Wood's raw pace might struggle in the slower conditions experienced in India. He's a solid addition to the Lucknow Super Giants seam attack, regardless. Perhaps look forward to him partnering Australia's Daniel Sams with new ball.
