Five Most Overrated Players In The History Of IPL

Since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, it has become a breeding ground for young and talented Indian and foreign players – to prove their mettle on the international stage.

With the IPL commanding a viewership and popularity like no other, players from the top cricketing nations ply their trade in the cash-rich league.

In its 12-year-old illustrious history, various legends of the gentleman’s game have graced the IPL with their presence.

The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Lasith Malinga, Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson, Kumar Sangakkara have all turned out for various IPL franchises in the past.

Having said that, some players, despite their excellent track record on the international stage, have failed to live up to their lofty standards in the cash-rich league.

Here are the top five most overrated players in the history of IPL:

5) Ben Stokes

History books will tell you that Rising Pune Supergiants made Ben Stokes the costliest foreign player in the history of IPL, back in 2017 when they spent Rs. 14.50 crores on the English all-rounder.

Barring a few excellent showing now and then, Stokes has never really managed to justify the price tag since.

Even before 2017, the 28-year-old was never in the league of players who carry the franchise on their backs. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Stokes has been an overrated player in the IPL.

Overall, the left-handed batsman has scored 635 runs in 34 matches, whilst also achieving 26 scalps.

Due to such performances, Stokes will be counted in the list of top five most overrated players in the history of IPL, undoubtedly.

4) Pat Cummins

Despite his pedigree in international cricket, Pat Cummins has failed to live up to the billing in India’s domestic T20 league so far. In his debut season with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the 26-year-old managed to play just one match, despite having cost the franchise INR 1 crore.

Then, Delhi Capitals (DC) added Cummins to their ranks in 2017, and he performed well, but couldn’t justify the price tag of INR 4.5 crores.

Since then, the right-arm pacer has played for Mumbai Indians (MI) as well, but they released the injury-prone player ahead of IPL 2020.

Meanwhile, a player who managed just 17 scalps in 16 matches last term was signed by KKR yet again, for a whopping amount of INR 15.75 crores, thereby becoming the most expensive overseas player ever.

Judging by his past performances, Cummins will be counted as one of the most overrated players in IPL history.

3) Sourav Ganguly

As one of India’s best-ever skippers on the international level, Sourav Ganguly was never really convincing enough in the IPL. He was signed by KKR the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008 for INR 7 crores and was even named as the skipper but the team finished in the sixth position.

Without the doubt, Ganguly’s pedigree as a batsman on the world stage was unparalleled but somehow the IPL was never really his cup of tea.

After having played 40 matches for his home franchise, ‘Dada’ as he is fondly renowned, was released in the auction pool.

The 47-year-old’s overall stats read as follows: 59 caps, 1263 runs scored, with a not so impressive average of 25.45 as per his own lofty standards.

Unfortunately for Ganguly, he will be counted as one of the most overrated players in the history of IPL.

2) Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell has always been a big fish, going for big bucks most of the times, when he was in the IPL auction. After having a mixed debut season with Delhi Daredevils, he moved to Mumbai Indians and did just enough to earn a move to Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in 2014.

In Mohali, Maxwell developed into one of the most fearsome big hitters of the shorter format.

After scoring 552 runs in 2014, the 31-year-old had a few hits and misses and was shipped to Delhi Capitals ahead of 2019-19 season. He failed to justify the price tag of INR 9 crores and has been picked up by the Punjab outfit once again.

It remains to be seen how Maxwell’s homecoming season goes, but judging by the track record the Aussie all-rounder will go down in the list of most overrated players in the history of IPL.

1) Yuvraj Singh

When the IPL started in 2008, Yuvraj Singh was in the form of his life. Having smacked six sixes off Stuart Broad’s over around just a year before, he fetched a contract worth INR 6 crores with Kings XI Punjab.

However, the eternal romance never really took off and after four underwhelming seasons, the left-handed all-rounder was shipped off to the now-defunct Pune Warriors in 2011.

Thereafter the 38-year-old went for big bucks in 2014 and 2016 auctions, first to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), followed by Delhi Daredevils, but he never really convinced for either team.

Before hanging up his boots, Yuvraj did turn out for Mumbai Indians but the dark fate seemed to follow him everywhere he went.

Despite having 132 caps, ‘Yuvi’ will remain as the most overrated player in the history of IPL.