IPL 2018: 3 international players who had a dream start to their IPL careers

If you are an international cricketer and aspire to become a millionaire overnight, all you need to do is to perform well enough to get recognized in the Indian Premier League. While year after year, tons of money is invested by the teams to acquire the services of these game changers, very few perform according to their reputation.

For those who do the needful, there’s no looking back as they end up becoming famous and wealthy. Here are three overseas players who got off to an impressive start this season:

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#3 Mujeeb Ur Rahman

The 17-year-old mystery spinner from Afghanistan had a base price of Rs 50 lakh before the auctions began. By the end of the auctions, he fetched eight times more than his base price. After intense bidding by Delhi Daredevils (DD) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), the latter got Rahman’s services for Rs 4 crore.

In his debut match against DD, he not only became the youngest player to play in the league but also impressed with his bowling. In his spell, he picked up two wickets and gave away 28 runs.

He also got DD skipper Gautam Gambhir run out with a direct hit when he was on 55. By dismissing Colin Munro, Rishabh Pant and Gambhir, Rahman put a brake on DD’s scoring. Eventually, KXIP chased 167 in the penultimate over.

Post his debut game, Rahman hasn’t looked back and has given match-winning performances in several games. Rahman is a vital cog in the KXIP outfit and he might just help the team reach the playoffs.

#2 Liam Plunkett

Liam Plunket has strengthened DD's bowling attack

The 33-year-old English pacer was roped in by DD as a replacement for the injured South African speedster, Kagiso Rabada. Having won only one game from five matches, DD decided to go with Plunkett against table toppers KXIP.

Plunkett dismissed three in-form batsmen of KXIP and restricted the opposition to a modest total. In his quota of four overs, he gave away just 17 runs and dismissed KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, and Karun Nair.

Plunkett also pitched in the fielding department as he caught David Miller in the deep. Despite his outstanding performance, DD lost the match by four runs.

However, Plunkett will surely play many more games and if he contributes in a similar manner, DD will have few wins on the board.

#1 Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer got the man of the match award on his debut

The 23-year-old all-rounder, who hails from Barbados, garnered attention in the Big Bash League where he took 17 wickets and pitched in with the bat in 13 appearances for Hobart Hurricanes.

In the IPL auctions, his base price was Rs 40 lakh. With five teams bidding for him, it was obvious that he would fetch a lot.18 times more than his base, Archer fetched Rs 7.2 crore to become a part of Rajasthan Royals.

While he had to sit out for a few games due to a side strain, Archer played his first match against Mumbai Indians. Yorkers, knuckle-balls, and 145km/hr deliveries were some of the variations that Archer showcased in his IPL debut. Archer gave 22 runs and took three wickets in his spell.

Not only did he restrict MI with his top-notch bowling, he also made a small but vital contribution with the bat during the run chase. Eventually, RR won the match by three wickets and Archer got off to a dream start in the IPL.

RR would hope that Archer continues to perform in the same way as he can change the complexion of the match on his day.