The ODI World Cup 2023 is approaching, generating considerable excitement. The players who recently participated in the IPL 2023 have now returned for this global showdown. However, it has always been a challenge to separate the IPL from international cricket since its inception.
IPL 2023 featured remarkable performances and thrilling close matches, including the final. While Rinku Singh, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal used the IPL as a platform to enhance their reputations, some players didn’t shine during the prestigious franchise event.
5 underachievers in IPL 2023 who secured World Cup spots:
5. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, India’s captain and a dependable opener, embarks on his third World Cup campaign, carrying the expectations of a billion fans. Despite a lacklustre IPL 2023 season where he captained the Mumbai Indians, Rohit’s name was likely the first on the Indian selectors’ list.
In IPL 2023, he managed 332 runs with just two scores above 50, averaging 20.75 compared to his career average of 29.58. Despite his modest batting performance, his team secured a playoff spot by finishing fourth in the standings.
One bright spot in his season was an improved strike rate of 132.80, underscoring his evolving approach to aggressive cricket at the top. Teaming up with Shubman Gill, Rohit will create a strong opening partnership, with Virat Kohli anchoring the top order.
4. Sam Curran
Sam Curran emerged as the most expensive acquisition of the season, commanding an enormous 18.50 Crore contract. Punjab Kings displayed no hesitation in signing this bowling all-rounder. However, the returns on this significant investment didn’t live up to the expectations.
Over 14 matches, he contributed 276 runs and secured 10 wickets. Curran’s underwhelming performance was widely viewed as a major factor in Punjab Kings missing out on a playoff berth. Despite being acquired for his death bowling skills and powerful hitting, the results he delivered may prompt Punjab to reconsider his inclusion in the next auction.
Nevertheless, England places great trust in Sam Curran’s remarkable all-round abilities. He was named the Player of the Tournament last year when England triumphed in the T20 World Cup in Australia. If Curran can replicate his exceptional performance, his IPL struggles could lose their significance.
3. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya entered IPL 2023 on the heels of winning his maiden captaincy stint in 2022. His new role as an anchor, bowling at 140 kmph, appeared promising on paper but didn’t align with expectations as he struggled to find form throughout the season.
In terms of captaincy, Pandya continued to excel as the Gujarat Titans reached their second consecutive final, narrowly missing the trophy due to Ravindra Jadeja’s last-over heroics. However, Pandya’s personal performance raised questions, as he managed 346 runs and claimed just 3 wickets in the tournament.
For this Indian lineup, his role has evolved since his maiden ODI World Cup, where he now serves as Rohit Sharma’s deputy. With added responsibility, all eyes are on how he can maintain a high scoring rate as a finisher, as he’s poised to occupy the number six slot for Team India.
2. Aiden Markram
Aiden Markram is currently ranked fourth in both the batter and all-rounder categories in T20I cricket, making him a vital asset for South Africa. His unique ability to control an inning as an anchor while swiftly increasing the tempo when necessary sets him apart from his peers.
Despite his stature, his performance in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad turned out to be lacklustre, an outcome the team likely didn’t anticipate. During the season, Markram managed 248 runs with a strike rate (SR) of 125.89, struggling to secure victories for his franchise.
In addition to his batting responsibilities, he also bore the captaincy, and the team’s subpar performance took a toll on his own form. Although he identifies as an all-rounder, he only bowled 49 balls during the season, achieving limited success.
1. Lockie Ferguson
Lockie Ferguson is undeniably one of the swiftest bowlers in the contemporary cricket scene, consistently demonstrating his match-winning prowess with the ball in limited-overs formats.
While Trent Boult and Tim Southee typically open the bowling for New Zealand, Ferguson has distinguished himself as an outstanding bowler with the older ball, especially towards the end of matches. His sheer pace is a formidable deterrent for opposing batters.
Kolkata Knight Riders secured the services of this fearsome paceman for a substantial 10 Crores, but his impact in the IPL didn’t align with his price tag. In the three games he participated in, Lockie Ferguson managed just one wicket with an economy rate exceeding 12. For the majority of the season, he remained on the bench.
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