The grandeur and magnificence of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have captivated cricket enthusiasts worldwide, drawing in a constellation of elite players. Nevertheless, not all players have basked in the tournament’s glory, for some have landed in franchises that were incommensurate with their distinctive style of play, leaving them bereft of the opportunities they merited. In this blog, we shall delve into the fates of five players who unwittingly found themselves at the wrong end of the IPL spectrum. From thwarted international bigwigs to local heroes, their tales serve as cautionary reminders of the criticality of synergy and coherence in team sports.
Number 1. Yuvraj Singh (Delhi Daredevils)
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Yuvraj Singh’s stint with the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League (IPL) can be described as underwhelming at best. The left-handed batsman was purchased by the franchise for a whopping Rs. 16 crores in the 2015 auction, making him one of the most expensive players in the tournament’s history.
Yuvraj was expected to bring his vast experience and explosive batting to the Daredevils’ lineup, but he failed to make a significant impact during his two seasons with the team. In the 2015 season, he scored 248 runs in 14 matches at an average of 19.07, with a high score of 57. In the 2016 season, his form dipped even further, as he managed just 236 runs in 10 matches at an average of 23.60, with a high score of 69.
Number 2. Glenn Maxwell (Kings XI Punjab)
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Glenn Maxwell’s time with the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) was marked by highs and lows, with the Australian all-rounder putting up some scintillating performances while also enduring some forgettable outings.
Maxwell was signed by the KXIP in 2014 for a whopping Rs. 6 crores, and he repaid the franchise’s faith in him with a remarkable season. He scored 552 runs in 16 matches at an average of 34.50 and a strike rate of 187.75, with four half-centuries and a high score of 95 not out. He also picked up six wickets with his off-spin bowling, making him a valuable asset for the team.
In the following season, Maxwell’s form took a dip, as he managed just 145 runs in 11 matches at an average of 13.18, with a high score of 32. He also failed to pick up any wickets, and his performances were criticized by fans and pundits alike.
Number 3. Ravindra Jadeja (Kochi Tuskers Kerala)
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Ravindra Jadeja’s brief stint with the Kochi Tuskers Kerala in the Indian Premier League (IPL) was marked by controversy and disappointment, with the Indian all-rounder failing to make a significant impact on the team.
Jadeja was signed by the Kochi Tuskers for a whopping Rs. 9.72 crores in the 2011 auction, making him one of the most expensive players in the tournament’s history at the time. However, he could not live up to the expectations, as he scored just 283 runs and picked up 8 wickets in 14 matches for the team.
Number 4. Dale Steyn (Gujarat Lions)
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Dale Steyn’s time with the Gujarat Lions in the Indian Premier League (IPL) was a short-lived one, but it was still a notable chapter in the South African fast bowler’s career. Steyn was signed by the Lions in 2016 as a replacement for injured Australian pacer Andrew Tye, and he played only one match for the team before being ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
Steyn’s only appearance for the Gujarat Lions came in a match against the Kings XI Punjab, where he bowled a spell of 1/33 in four overs. He dismissed the dangerous Hashim Amla with a well-directed bouncer, and he looked in good form before being forced to leave the field due to a hamstring injury.
Number 5. Chris Gayle (Kolkata Knight Riders)
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scoring just 107 runs in seven matches at an average of 17.83. Gayle was also criticized for his slow scoring rate, with many fans and analysts questioning his place in the team.
Despite his poor performances in the first season, the Kolkata Knight Riders retained Gayle for the 2009 season. However, he continued to struggle with the bat, scoring just 200 runs in 12 matches at an average of 16.66. Gayle’s poor form was a contributing factor in the Knight Riders’ disappointing campaign that season, as they finished in last place with just three wins from 14 matches.
