The IPL is not just about amazing success. It’s also about stupendous failures. Not every big-name player can have a good season, but some suffer never-ending nightmares.
Here we take a look at five stars who performed well below desired levels in the league phase. There are a few like Prithvi Shaw for Delhi Capitals and Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson of Chennai Super Kings who have failed thus far but can turn it around in the playoffs.
Kuldeep Yadav (KKR)
Matches: 9, Wickets: 4, Economy: 8.6
The Knight Riders’ star India wrist spinner had a disastrous IPL. It went from bad to worse for the left-armer, and the lowest point came against RCB where Kuldeep was almost reduced to tears after getting smashed for 59 runs.
He was dropped thereafter, jeopardising his World Cup prospects in the process.
No need to cry Kuldeep. It was not your day yesterday. Look at our courageous RCB bowlers (Siraj, Umesh, Negi) who got hit by every batsmen in every match but still bowl with same courage and dedication. Don't learn from them, but look at them. :) pic.twitter.com/ZNNXnbAiJf
— Pa₹idhi $₹ivastava 🏏 (@BeingKohlicious) April 20, 2019
Ben Stokes (Rajasthan Royals)
Matches: 9, Runs: 123, Wickets: 6, Economy: 11.2
The star England all-rounder was expected to be the backbone of Rajasthan’s campaign. But Stokes was horrible with the bat and ball. Not only did he fail to make a memorable contribution with the bat, he was consistently one of the most expensive bowlers when most batsmen were struggling on indifferent pitches.
The forced break due to England’s World Cup preparations came at the perfect time for his (lack of) confidence.
Ashton Turner (Rajasthan Royals)
Matches:4, Runs: 3
The Aussie batsman came into the tournament with the reputation of being a finisher. After getting a chance in the latter half of the league phase, Turner bombed by registering three golden ducks to make it five blobs in a row in the format.
With such poor returns, it is not certain whether he will be seen in Rajasthan colours next year.
Robin Uthappa (KKR)
Robin Uthappa (l).
Matches: 12, Runs: 282, SR: 115
He’s been one of the strongest performers for Kolkata over the past four years. But 2019 turned out to be utterly forgettable for Uthappa, who was even dropped for poor form. For some reason, the 33-year-old batsman was promoted to No3 position in the must-win match against Mumbai Indians and despite trying every shot in his arsenal, Uthappa scored 40 off 47 balls which ultimately cost his team the match and the playoff spot.
Mujeeb ur Rahman (KXIP)
Matches: 5, Wickets: 3, Economy: 10.05
Kings XI didn’t seem to have a lot of confidence in the young Afghan spinner. He picked up 2-31 and was in and out of the side for the next three games before he was taken to the cleaners by Sunrisers Hyderabad. The right-arm mystery spinner went for 66 runs from his four overs – the second-worst bowling performance in IPL history.
Maybe there is a reason why he didn’t get much gametime in the first place.
