IPL 2018: 5 foreigner players who have surprised everyone

Over the years, there are a few players who have been performing consistently in the IPL and have made a name for themselves. Consider the case of Sunil Narine, AB De Villers, Dwayne Bravo and Virat Kohli - these players are expected to perform in every game and they are the fan favorites.

However, every year there are some players who surprise everyone with their superlative performances. What makes things interesting is that you least expect them to come good and in the end, you have to eat your own words.

Here are the four players who have lighted IPL with their performances:

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#5 Shane Watson - Chennai Super Kings

Shane Watson

The 36-year-old batsman has been one of the few players who has been a part of the IPL right from the beginning. After being picked up by Chennai Super Kings in the auction, there were quite a few critics who felt that the burly all-rounder was past his prime.

He has silenced all those critics by performing consistently throughout the season and has been one of the core players for CSK this season. He has scored around 400 runs at a strike-rate of around 150 and picked up 6 wickets.

Along with Ambati Rayadu, Watson has helped CSK to get off to blistering starts and dent the opposition in the powerplays.

His effective bowling during the middle overs has stifled the opposition during the middle overs. He provides the CSK team with a balance which has helped them reached the playoffs with ease. Moving ahead, the MSD-led team will heavily bank on Watson to help them win their 3rd title.

#4 Trent Boult - Delhi Daredevils

Trent Boult's record till last year's IPL was below average and he hardly made an impact in the matches that he played. Contrast that to this year, and you will find a rejuvenated player who has performed exceptionally well.

In this season, he was consistently among the highest wicket-takers and impressed with his swing bowling. He was one of the few players from Delhi who has featured in almost all the matches that they have played.

In the 14 matches that he played, he picked up 18 wickets at an economy rate of around 8.

#3 Andrew Tye - Kings XI Punjab

Andrew Tye has picked up wickets consistently

Before the IPL in the cricketing circles, the name of Andrew Tye was not heard often, but that will most likely after this year's IPL as the Australian bowler was outstanding with the ball for Kings XI Punjab.

In the 14 matches that he played, he picked up 24 wickets at an impressive average of 18.6. His accurate line and length during the powerplay meant that the batsmen found it hard to garner fours and sixes.

During the death overs, his knuckleball was the X-factor. Many batsmen failed to read it and he picked up a lot of wickets with that delivery.

#2 Jos Butler - Rajasthan Royals

Jos Butler helped Rajasthan reach the playoffs single-handedly

One of the incredible stories of the tournament so far is that of Jos Butler. From being a failure in the first half of IPL to being a hero and single-handedly catapulting Rajasthan Royals to the playoffs, the Englishman has seen it all.

After the Royals team management decided to experiment with him at the top, he has vindicated their decision by stringing up five consecutive fifties and helping the team achieve stiff targets.

In the 13 matches that he played, he scored a whopping 548 runs at a strike-rate of over 150. This has earned him plaudits from all quarters, and Shane Warne in an interview wished that there were more Jos Butlers in their team.

Unfortunately, he will not be a part of the team as he has left to be a part of the national team. It would be interesting to see how the Royals will cope up in the absence of their talismanic player.

#1 Kane Williamson - Sunrisers Hyderabad

Kane Williamson

When SRH bought Kane Williamson during the auctions, there were apprehensions if he would feature regularly in their team. David Warner's absence meant that the New Zealander had a golden opportunity to cement his place in the team. He exceeded the expectations and has scored seven 50's so far.

Currently the highest run-scorer with 685 runs, the stylish batsman has scored runs at will and has bailed out the team from tough situations. His astute captaincy has helped the team to defend low scores.

Only Robin Uthappa has managed to win the Orange Cap as well as an IPL title in the same season. With the way Kane is playing, there is an opportunity for the stylish right-hander to run away with the Orange Cap as well as take the team to a second IPL title. Only time will tell if he can achieve the double.