IPL 2019: Five Cricketers Who Excelled in 2018 But Struggling in this Edition

The ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have almost reached its business end with only a handful of leagues matches left before it progresses to the playoffs. The 12th edition of the IPL have given the cricket lovers innumerable memories and was filled with close encounters – with the results of two games decided on super over.

Also, over the last month or so, we have witnessed exciting cricketers taking over the grip in the IPL. The likes of Andre Russell and Hardik Pandya have made a significant mark in the IPL with their scintillating performances. The likes of Kagiso Rabada, Navdeep Saini, has also impressed. New stars have also come up the ranks like Rahul Chahar and Riyan Parag.

Meanwhile, there are a handful of performers who excelled in the IPL 2018 but have failed to replicate their performance. The likes of Shane Watson and Umesh Yadav who impressed in 2018 have not looked consistent at all in this edition. On that context, let us take a look at the five cricketers who excelled in IPL 2018; however, failed to get going in this edition of IPL:

SHANE WATSON

The opening partnership of Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu was one of the main reasons for Chennai Super Kings successful campaign in the 2018 season of IPL. The former Australian all-rounder scored 555 runs from 15 matches last year including a match-winning century in the finals against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

However, Watson has failed to replicate his form in the ongoing season. Despite being in good form leading to the tournament, the veteran all-rounder has looked entirely out of socks for Chennai in this edition. So far, he managed to score only 251 runs from 13 games with the best score of 96 – which is below par to his standards.

But MS Dhoni has shown trust in his old warhorse and persisted with him at the top despite his poor show. With Chennai once again in line for a clinical finish, Watson will be desperate to end the tournament on a high.

SURYAKUMAR YADAV

Suryakumar Yadav‘s inability to convert starts has been a significant concern for the Mumbai Indians. Batting at one drop, the experienced batsman has managed to register only one half-century scoring only 292 runs from 13 outings at an average of 24.33.

Mumbai, who have been inconsistent in this season, has been mainly due to their batsmen inability to put runs consistently and Suryakumar is one of the main reasons. Last year, he scored 512 runs from 14 games at an average of over 35 which is a lot better than his outing in this season.

The Mumbai batsman will look to score runs as his team booked a berth in the playoffs beating Sunrisers Hyderabad in a super over.

KULDEEP YADAV

Kuldeep Yadav has been one of the main reasons for Kolkata Knight Riders consistent show in the IPL. He has delivered in almost all the season since he joined Kolkata in 2016. However, this season has been different for the young spinner.

Kuldeep has managed to bag only four wickets from nine games at an economy rate of over 8.5 – which is very against his character. Owing to poor performance, the management had to drop Kuldeep, and his participation in the rest of the tournament remains in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, many have tipped this can a take on toll on Kuldeep Yadav during the World Cup. But this is not likely to be the case. Kuldeep has gone for runs mostly against the Indian batters who are good players of spin. Kolkata skipper Dinesh Karthik and senior cricketers will have to play a significant role to keep his morale high leading to the World Cup.

AMBATI RAYUDU

Ambati Rayudu is going through a tough time in his career. While he failed to make it to the 15-member World Cup squad, Rayudu has not been among the runs in the ongoing IPL. His poor form at the top forced the management to drop him in the batting order, but Rayudu is yet to find his touch back.

Last season, his partnerships with Shane Watson was the main reason behind Chennai’s success. The duo scored the bulk of the runs as Rayudu finished with 602 runs from 16 games including three fifties and one century – his best outing in the history of IPL.

However, this season has been a sad story for the Hyderabad-born cricketer. So far, Rayudu has managed to score only 216 runs from 13 matches with an average of just over 20. With Chennai already qualified for the playoffs, the veteran batsman will look to contribute in the final games.

UMESH YADAV

Royal Challengers Bangalore is the first team to bow out of the ongoing season of IPL. The main reason behind their poor run in the lack of presence of a fast bowler who can lead the unit. The management expected it out of veteran India pacer Umesh Yadav, but he has been a total failure.

The Vidarbha fast bowler who returned with 20 wickets last season to forge his return to the ODI side but has failed to replicate his effort this time around. Yadav has only managed to pick eight wickets from ten outings and has given runs at 9.60 per over. The lack of ability to pick wickets with the new ball hurt Bangalore badly, and Umesh’s poor return is one of the main reason.

He is also not among 15-member squad for the World Cup, and his limited over career hangs by the wire. With Bangalore still have one game to go, Umesh would like to repay the trust shown by the franchise.