IPL 2018: Top 4 silent performers of the tournament so far

Every season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) brings some cricketers into the limelight. They become the hot topic of discussion at every cricketing conversation and their names reach the houses of even those who are extremely indifferent about the game - such is the popularity of the tournament.

But just like in a real-life scenario, there are certain heroes who do not stay in front of the cameras all the time and whose names do not circulate amongst the commentators much often, but they play a vital role behind their team's success. Let us have a look at 4 such cricketers who are silently performing their roles brilliantly in this season.

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#4 Shreyas Gopal (Rajasthan Royals)

Before the IPL, INR 11.5 crores player Jaydev Unadkat was expected to be Rajasthan Royals' prime bowling asset and hence he was the one most discussed. After a blistering knock of 33 runs from just 11 balls in the last game against Mumbai Indians, Krishnappa Gowtham has made a name for himself as well.

Amid so many big names, a certain Shreyas Gopal is criminally underrated. Sold for just his base price of INR 20 lakhs, Gopal has picked up 5 wickets in 6 games. While the rest of RR's bowling line-up has received a beating, Gopal is the only one who has been successful in keeping a check at the run flow. Gopal's economy rate is around 7 runs per over, making him one of the most economical bowlers of this year's IPL.

#3 Mandeep Singh (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Mandeep Singh has been the heart of RCB's lower-order

In a team that boasts of two of the biggest names of world cricket in Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, it is very obvious that Mandeep Singh is not talked of. Moreover, with RCB retaining Sarfaraz Khan, Mandeep was expected to be the second fiddle in RCB's lower-order.

But Sarfaraz has struggled and so have the rest of the lot except Mandeep. The 26-year-old was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for just INR 1.4 crores. After the auction, RCB's bowling mentor Ashish Nehra said that their team's only concern is with the finishing department as it contains an inconsistent Mandeep. As it turns out, he is now their most trusted batter after having scored 139 runs in 5 games at an average of over 45. His strike rate of 160 is nothing short of being called exceptional.

#2 Rahul Tewatia (Delhi Daredevils)

Rahul Tewatia (right) has been DD's most consistent bowler

Although all-rounder Rahul Tewatia was expensive in the auction with Delhi Daredevils having to spend INR 3 crores on him, his performances for the team has not been highlighted enough. In a team that is dealing with a lot of problems in the eleventh season, Tewatia has been one of the few positive points.

Tewatia has picked up 6 wickets in as many games, and like Gopal, his economy rate has been just over 7 runs per over. With his spinning partner Shahbaz Nadeem's economy rate soaring above 10 runs per over, Tewatia has been leading DD's spin department so far, albeit silently.

#1 Ambati Rayudu (Chennai Super Kings)

Ambati Rayudu has done a phenomenal job for CSK

Ambati Rayudu is a tried and tested player in IPL, yet he failed to attract many bidders during the auction. Perhaps they were not interested in the 32-year-old player, but Rayudu was roped in for just INR 2.2 crores by Chennai Super Kings, a team that is filled with veterans. Just like his team, Rayudu has been unstoppable this season.

He has excelled in the role he has been handed by his new franchise. Rayudu has scored 201 runs at an average of over 40 and at a strike rate of over 160. The floater's match-winning knock of 79 runs from 37 deliveries has been praised widely.