IPL: 5 key players whose form might concern their teams

The long wait is nearly over with IPL being merely a couple of days away. Battle lines are drawn, and all teams are in the final phase of their preparations. Team managements ought to have decided team combinations and the final playing XI by now.

Due to the sandpaper gate issue and some unfortunate injuries, teams have lost crucial players. Owing to which, it becomes vital for other players to be all geared up in good form, in order to make up for the loss. A team that has players in good knick will have an extra edge over its rivals. However, a few key players have been out of touch for some time now, only adding to their teams' woes.

We will look at 5 such players whose form might cause some gnawing concern to their respective teams.

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#5 David Miller

Miller has struggled against the spinners

Over the years, David Miller has been a key player for Kings XI Punjab. He has played some match-winning innings for the franchise but his current form will give the team management some headaches. Except for a couple of innings, Miller failed miserably in the ODI series against India. And even in the T20 series, he managed just 38 runs in three innings, which wasn't expected from a senior player like Miller.

Even for the Kings, Miller had a lean past couple of seasons. In 2016, when he was given the captaincy of the team, Miller averaged just over 16. While in 2017, he played only 5 matches. Miller will have to get his act together and put up a decent show for his team who retained him at the auction.

#4 Mustafizur Rahman

Mustafizur and Bhuvneshwar were instrumental in SRH's title victory in 2016

Mustafizur Rahman became one of the most sought-after players in the world, at the back of some eye-catching performances in both international and IPL cricket. Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in his debut season in 2016, Mustafizur took 17 wickets in 16 matches, bowling with an economy of fewer than 7 runs per over.

However, with time Mustafizur's form has taken a big hit. Batsmen have started reading him better making him less penetrative. In the recently concluded Nidahas trophy in Sri Lanka, the left-arm seamer was taken apart as he gave away runs at a high average of 8.85 runs per over and did not look as effective as he before.

With Mumbai Indians already thin on the bowling front, it becomes vital for Mustafizur to come good for them.

#3 Axar Patel

Axar Patel celebrating after taking a wicket

Axar Patel was the only player Kings XI Punjab retained before the auction. And they had a reason to do so. Axar has performed exceedingly well for the franchise in the last three seasons with both bat and ball. While he has been able to bowl tight lines and strangle the batsmen for runs, he has scored quick runs when it was needed. Unfortunately, Axar is going through a lean patch off late.

A comeback to the Indian side after the injury hasn't been smooth for the all-rounder. In the only match that he played in the series against South Africa, he went for 16 runs in the sole over that he bowled. In Nidahas trophy that was held in Sri Lanka, he warmed the bench throughout series. It will be important for Kings XI Punjab team management to give Axar Patel some confidence, as he is crucial for their chances in the tournament.

#2 Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya has had a poor domestic season

Krunal Pandya has been a consistent performer for the Mumbai Indians. In his debut season in 2016, he made 237 runs and picked up six wickets. While in 2017, he contributed tremendously to Mumbai Indians' title victory by scoring 243 runs and picking up 10 wickets. The thing that impressed everyone the most was his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

However, Krunal Pandya has had a dismal domestic season this year. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the domestic T20 competition, Krunal scored just 9 runs in four innings. His bowling was comparatively better as he took 4 wickets in four matches, but on three of those four occasions, he didn't complete his quota of four overs. Even in the Vijay Hazare trophy, he wasn't able to improve his performance. Nonetheless, Krunal Pandya has shown the ability to bounce back and Mumbai Indians' team management will be hoping that he manages to do so in this IPL.

#1 Jaydev Unadkat

Unadkat hasn't been able to carry his good IPL form in International Cricket

Jaydev Unadkat became the most expensive Indian player in the 2018 auction when he was bought by Rajasthan Royals for a whopping 11.5 crores. The tall fast bowler had an excellent season with Rising Pune Supergiant last year and was selected for the national side too.

After a promising start to his international T20 career, Unadkat's performances have become inconsistent. In the series against South Africa, he did managed to take wickets but was a little expensive, and was thus dropped for the final match. His lackluster performance was extended to Nidahas trophy as well. While Unadkat was successful in picking up 7 wickets in 4 matches, his economy rate was on the higher side. In the 14 overs that he bowled in the series, he gave away 139 runs at an economy of 9.92 runs per over.

Royals' bowling already looks weak and a lot depends on Unadkat's performance, so it becomes imperative for him to put behind the disappointments of the previous series and start the season afresh.