IPL 2018: 3 top finds of IPL 2017 who are having a disastrous IPL 2018

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the best platform a budding Indian cricketer can get. This tournament gives rise to many talented cricketers or rather acknowledges their talent. The Indian team has hugely benefited from this tournament as many top players of the current squad were finds of IPL.

However, while the Hardik Pandyas and Yuzvendra Chahals have managed to rise to the top, there are many names like Paul Valthaty and Swapnil Asnodkar who faded into oblivion despite having a great IPL campaign. Let us have a look at 3 such players who performed exceptionally well in IPL 2017 but have failed to raise eyebrows in IPL 2018.

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#3 Shardul Thakur (Chennai Super Kings)

Shardul Thakur was a top contender for the IPL emerging player of the year award of 2017

Thakur had played just one match in IPL 2015 but made a name for himself last year while playing for the now dismantled franchise Rising Pune Supergiant. Thakur was one of the top contenders for last year's IPL emerging player of the year award because of his marvellous performances with the ball.

In 12 matches, he picked up 11 wickets and his economy rate was just above 8 runs per over. Owing to his brilliant performances, he got a call from the national selectors. However, he is not having a great 2018 season. Though he has picked 8 wickets in 6 games, his trademark economical bowling is missing, which is highlighted by his economy rate of nearly 10 runs per over.

#2 Rahul Tripathi (Rajasthan Royals)

Rahul Tripathi got a lucrative contract from RR this year

Another former Rising Pune Supergiant player, Rahul Tripathi received a very lucrative contract from Rajasthan Royals this year. The defunct Pune team were last year's runners-up and should give credit to the emerging talents like Thakur and Tripathi for their success. The opener scored 391 runs in 14 games at an average of few notches under 30. His strike rate was above 145.

This year, both parameters will show a downfall. Used as a floater, the INR 3.4 crores player has scored just 79 runs in this year's IPL at an average of around 15. His strike rate of just above 130 is not impressive either. To top it all off, Tripathi has missed some easy catches, thereby tarnishing his reputation of a great fielder.

#1 Mohammed Siraj (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Mohammed Siraj was the fairytale story of last season

Mohammed Siraj was the name on everyone's lip during IPL 2018. Hailing from very underprivileged conditions, the speedster showcased his talent while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Siraj picked up 10 wickets in just 6 games, which earned him the national shirt as well.

However, one year is a lot of time in cricket and Siraj now finds himself more on the memes than on the newspapers. Though Siraj's economy rate was never impressive, it is the depletion of his wicket-taking ability that has got his owners Royal Challengers Bangalore contemplating about their decision to invest in him. Siraj has picked up just 2 wickets in 4 games and hence might find his name omitted from the national selectors' dairy soon.