The Indian Premier League (IPL) offers a platform for cricketers across all countries to showcase their talent and make a name for themselves. We are into the 3rd week of IPL 2022 and have already witnessed last-ball thrillers and some individual performances.
On the other hand, some players have failed to live up to the expectations. A couple of players, who had a stellar season in 2021 are yet to make a mark in the 15th edition of the cash-rich league. On that note, we take a look at 3 such players, who have not performed in IPL 2022 but had an extraordinary campaign last year.
3 Players Who Had A Good IPL 2021 But Has Failed So Far This Season
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad
The Chennai Super Kings played an integral role as CSK lifted their fourth IPL trophy last season. He finished as the highest run-scorer with 635 runs to win the Orange Cap of the season. He along with Faf du Plessis gave the Super Kings good starts on a consistent basis that laid the platform for the win.
However, Gaikwad has been miles away from his rich form last season. He has managed to score only 35 runs in five matches at a paltry average of seven and a strike rate of below 90. The talented opener has struggled to hit the ground rolling in the new season.
Ruturaj’s form with the bat pretty much sums up Chennai Super Kings’ campaign so far in IPL 2022. They managed to win their last game against RCB after four straight defeats to kick off their campaign. CSK will hope Ruturaj Gaikwad hits the purple patch as they look to keep themselves alive for the playoffs.
2. Nitish Rana
The southpaw from Delhi is known to be the linchpin of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) side. Nitish Rana played a crucial role as KKR made a superb comeback in the second half of IPL 2021 to reach the final. Rana scored valuable 383 runs in 17 games at an average of 29.46.
On the back of his superlative form, the Kolkata franchise shelled INR 8 crore to rope in Rana at the IPL 2022 mega auction. However, he has failed to live up to the expectation. Rana has accumulated only 69 runs games in five matches at an average of below 15.
He is one of the weak links in KKR batting, which otherwise looks flawless. Nitish Rana will hope to hit the strides in Kolkata’s next fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad later tonight at the Brabourne Stadium.
3. Shardul Thakur
The 30-year-old Shardul Thakur has emerged to be one of the best all-rounders in the country given his recent performances for India, with both bat and ball. He also played an integral role in Chennai Super Kings’ title-winning campaign last season.
However, Shardul has failed to hit the ground running for Delhi Capitals (DC) in the first four games. He has picked up just three wickets in four matches with an economy rate of over 10. His returns with the bat have been decent given his limited opportunities, scoring 53 runs at a good strike rate, but he is capable of more.
With Delhi struggling with their pace bowling, the cricketer from Mumbai needs to assume more responsibilities as the franchise aim for their maiden title in the 15th edition of the cash-rich league.
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