Five Players Who were a One-Match Wonder in the IPL

The story of players making it big from the Indian Premier League (IPL) is eternal. Not one, but many, many players have the hogged the limelight by performing well in the IPL. Off those, there have been a few who got a national call-up. On the other hand, a few of the cricketers did earn a name for themselves but couldn’t capitalise on it later. Meanwhile, Cricket Addictor brings you those five players who were a one-match wonder in the IPL.

Five players who were a one-match wonder in the IPL

• Yusuf Abdulla (Kings XI Punjab – IPL 2009)

The South African left-arm seamer, Yusuf Abdulla featured in IPL 2009 for Kings XI Punjab; South Africa hosted the second edition of the league due to general elections in the country. Meanwhile, during a match in Durban between Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians, pacer Yusuf Abdulla stole the show for his bowling.

KXIP was defending a relatively low total (120), and in their pursuit of doing it successfully, their bowlers had to step up; which they did. At one stage in the chase, Mumbai lost three wickets inside 12 runs.

Though Duminy and Bravo did the rescue work, Abdulla’s exploits, in the end, helped KXIP win the close contest. In four overs, Abdulla gave away 19 runs and took two wickets, including the big one of JP Duminy on 59. Meanwhile, Yusuf Abdulla, in his only IPL season picked 14 wickets in nine matches played.

• Kamran Khan (Rajasthan Royals – IPL 2009)

Touted to be the next big thing in pace bowling department, former Rajasthan Royals pacer, Kamran Khan made a name for himself in the IPL. During a group stage match in IPL 2009 against Kolkata Knight Riders in Cape Town, Kamran produced a breathtaking spell of fast bowling; picking three wickets and giving away just 18 runs in four overs.

As the match got tied, Kamran was asked to bowl the super-over for the Royals. Though he conceded 15 runs off six balls, he showed heart and didn’t shy away from expressing himself. Later, it was Yusuf Pathan’s onslaught which saw RR winning the game within three balls. However, the MOM was given to the young, Kamran Khan. Meanwhile, Kamran Khan picked six wickets in total in five matches played in the season.

• Kevon Cooper (Mumbai Indians – IPL 2012)

During the fifth season of the IPL, Windies all-rounder, Kevon Cooper entered the scene. In a match against KXIP in Jaipur, Kevon stole the show with his bowling and batting. Though he got to bat for a mere three – hitting a four, a six and a single off them; Cooper starred with the ball – picking up four wickets for 26 runs.

Also, he affected a run-out as well. Courtesy his all-round show at his IPL home, RR won the match by 31 runs. Meanwhile, Kevon Cooper, in total has played 25 games; scoring 116 runs and picking up 25 wickets.

• Manvinder Bisla (Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL 2012)

The right-handed batsman, Manvinder Bisla starred in the finals of IPL 2012 for Kolkata Knight Riders. Chasing 191 against Chennai Super Kings, the defending champions; Bisla stood out to be the difference between two franchises. Opening with Gautam Gambhir, the KKR skipper and the highest run-scorer in the tournament, Bisla scored a magnificent 89.

In his match-winning innings, Manvinder hit eight fours and five massive sixes. Meanwhile, the KKR batsman coming good in the summit clash made him a household name, for a while though. In 30 matches he played, Bisla scored 798 runs.

• Paul Valthaty (Kings XI Punjab – 2011)

One of the most significant examples of a one-match wonder in the IPL has to be of Paul Valthaty. During an IPL match at the PCA, Mohali against Chennai Super Kings, Paul stirred his way to his maiden hundred, scoring 120* off 63 balls – hitting 19 fours and two sixes. As Punjab was chasing 189, they easily got past the winning line with six wickets in hand.

Though Paul Valthaty represented Punjab in games to follow, the opener couldn’t produce the same heroics again. In 23 overall matches played in the IPL, he scored 505 runs.