IPL 2015: 5 World Cup flops who could set the tournament alight

A week has not passed since the World Cup’s picturesque culmination in Melbourne but attention has swiftly turned to the imminent return of cricket’s boldest offspring: the Indian Premier League (IPL). Now in its eighth edition – and back exclusively in India – the tournament once again promises blasts of Bollywood and boundaries in a way only the sport’s most glitzy showpiece can provide. As always, however, a show needs stars and while the trials and tribulations of Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta will undoubtedly feature in the sub-plots, it’s the cricketers who will take centre stage on their own turf. But while those who dominated in Australia and New Zealand will hope to secure the lead roles in the latest script, there are plenty of others seeking to grasp the headlines as they lick their wounds from below-par World Cup efforts. With the competition sure to endorse typically flat pitches and small grounds, here are five who may banish their poor form, and enjoy a resurgence at the IPL extravaganza.

#5 Quinton de Kock (Delhi Daredevils)

One of South Africa’s freshest young talents, Quinton de Kock flattered to deceive in the World Cup despite participating in all eight of his country’s matches. Aside from an unbeaten 78 which aided the Proteas’ chase of 134 to defeat Sri Lanka in the quarter-finals, the 22-year-old accumulated a puny 67 from his seven other outings – only twice reaching double figures.

Yet albeit bruised, de Kock’s other international experience, particularly in the limited-over formats, suggests he could be a valuable asset for a Delhi Daredevils unit which will see him accompanied by compatriots Imran Tahir, Albie Morkel and captain Jean-Paul Duminy. A wicket-keeper as well as an opener, he has a strong case for being afforded plenty of game time, and as a T20 average of 33 at a strike-rate in excess of 130 indicates, he is capable of getting his franchise off to flying starts.

With a necessity to cement himself in his country’s future plans, the IPL offers de Kock the chance to do just that. He is far from the finished article but still, a man with his skillset is due runs and a watchful eye should be kept on him throughout the event.

#4 Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings)

Ravindra Jadeja couldn’t replicate his fast-bowling compatriots at the World Cup, who exceeded expectations as India sped to the last four in defence of their title. A mere 57 from five knocks with the bat didn’t threaten, and while his spin bowling was better, a price close to 40 runs for each of his nine wickets was hefty by his standards.

Chennai Super Kings are the IPL’s most dependable franchise, progressing from the league phase every year, winning twice, and Jadeja has been a part of the set-up since 2012. A tally of 19 wickets from 16 games in 2014 ensured he was the competition’s second-most successful spinner – behind Sunil Narine. With the bat, he was reliable at the back-end of the innings, often giving his side late impetus.

Nicknamed ‘Sir Jadeja’ by many, the 26-year-old hasn’t lived up to the title of late but he has a habit of turning up at the IPL and therefore, more notable performances can be envisaged over the next few weeks – he remains one of the most useful Indians in the tournaments.

#3 Kane Williamson (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

While his crunching six over long-on to snatch a humdinger between for New Zealand against Australia in Auckland made waves, the rest of Kane Williamson’s World Cup was rather forgettable as he mustered just a single half-century in the whole campaign – and that came on the opening day. However, on the back of an extended illustrious patch for the Black Caps, he was scooped by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs. 60 lakh in this year’s IPL auction.

Williamson’s style lends to him being a strengthener for any squad’s batting lineup. A career strike-rate of 117 translates to around seven-an-over – not groundbreaking, but if he can fulfil his duties of keeping the score ticking over, and building a platform for the more explosive, he will be an integral part of Hyderabad’s strategy. However, a crushing hundred for the Northern Districts in the most recent Champions League shows he too can be expansive. In addition, his 74 T20 matches have seen him pick up 27 wickets at an economy rate of 7.07, so expect to see him utilised sparingly in the middle overs.

One of the most complete players currently in the sport, Williamson’s rocky stretch with the blade won’t prolong much further, and on the batting-friendly wickets in India, the Kiwi looks set for a superb IPL.

#2 David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Bar slaughtering a stunned Afghanistan for 178 in Perth, David Warner endured a quiet World Cup by his standards, totalling fewer runs in his other seven innings combined. His blushes were spared though as Australia sauntered to a fifth world crown, but he will be keen to display his brutalising best with more regularity when he dons the Sunrisers Hyderabad kit next week.

With the announcement last month that he will captain the team, Warner has a responsibility to produce. A fiery character, he holds much self-belief, a trait which should serve him well as both a leader, and a batsman. Boasting almost 2,000 career runs from six seasons of IPL – and 528 in 2014 alone – the tournament has shown itself to be a prolific playground for him. The flat tracks suit his powerful game well, and if he can negotiate the opening overs, he has a tendency to score heavily.

The rigours of captaincy appear to be the only hurdle to the Australian recapturing form. But with his uncomplicated outlook, an approach similar to New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum is probable, as is a return to the limelight in the IPL.

#1 Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

It appears Virat Kohli assumed his World Cup work was done after striking a century in India’s opening match against arch-rivals Pakistan. Failure to surpass 50 again in the competition – with scores of three and one all he could manage in the knockouts – was a shock, considering his proficiency in the one-day arena and his penchant for a chase. A well-documented spat with a journalist during the event did little to attract sympathy either.

However, now back on home soil, the Royal Challengers Bangalore captain has reasons to be confident of reversing an unfamiliar slump. In seven years of IPL, Kohli has racked up over 2,600 runs at an average of nigh on 31. A man of his ability should relish the tiny dimensions at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a ground which has hosted the largest team and individual totals in T20 history.

Due to the recent criticism, Kohli has a point to prove. The 26-year-old is usually a player for the big stage and the IPL marks the perfect opportunity to remind of his credentials as both a batsman and a leader. Expect a hot streak with the willow and a much-improved Bangalore – they languished in seventh last year – in the coming weeks.