IPL 2018: 4 exciting buys who failed on their debuts this season

IPL 2018 has got off to an incredible start and has already drawn the attention of cricket fans all around the world. We have already seen two nail-biting finishes in the tournament.

Players like Mayank Markande, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Kulwant Khejroliya, Billy Stanlake, and Rinku Singh made their IPL debut this season. Some had a dream debut, while others struggled.

Mumbai Indians leg-spinner Markande was superb against Chennai Super Kings while Rahman was outstanding for the Kings XI Punjab. On the other hand, quite a few big names flopped on their debut game this season.

On that note, let’s take a look at the players who failed in their debut in IPL 2018.

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#1 D'Arcy Short - Rajasthan Royals

Short would want to forget his IPL debut

D'Arcy Short was bought by Rajasthan Royals for a whopping Rs. 4 crores in the IPL 2018 auction. With an incredible 572 runs in 11 games at an average of 57.20 and a strike rate of 149, the Hobart Hurricanes opening batsman was the highest run-getter in the Big Bash League 2017/18.

He also made his Australia debut in the recently concluded T20 series against New Zealand and England.

There was a lot of hype for him even before the auction and Rajasthan Royals beat Delhi Daredevils for his signature.

However, his debut innings in IPL turned out to be a disaster. He faced just four balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad and was run out by a direct hit from Kane Williamson. He has to do a lot better in the coming games to justify his huge price tag.

#2 Evin Lewis - Mumbai Indians

Lewis failed to get off the mark in his IPL debut

Evin Lewis demolished the Indian bowling attack with a stunning 100 in a T20I game in 2017. He has played some wonderful knocks for the Windies over the last 12 months.

Mumbai Indians bought him for a huge price tag of Rs 3.8 crores in the 2018 auction, and he made his IPL debut in the inaugural game of the 2018 season against the Chennai Super Kings, at the Wankhede Stadium.

A lot was expected of him but his debut innings lasted only two balls. He was trapped in front by Deepak Chahar in the third over of the innings, and failed to get off the mark.

#3 Krishnappa Gowtham - Rajasthan Royals

K Gowtham failed on his IPL debut

Rajasthan Royals decision to pay Rs. 6.2 crores for Krishnappa Gowtham's signature raised quite a few eyebrows, as Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals went head to head to sign him in the IPL 2018 auction.

The 29-year-old has a good T20 record, having picked 20 wickets in 27 matches at an economy rate of 7.06. With a strike rate of 160, he is a more than handy batsman lower down the order.

However, his IPL debut did not go according to plan. He was dismissed for a duck against Sunrisers Hyderabad and only bowled one over for nine runs. Rajasthan Royals need a lot more from their big money signing.

#4 Mark Wood - Chennai Super Kings

Mark Wood gave away 49 runs in his IPL debut

Mark Wood is one of the fastest bowlers in the world at the moment. He did well for England this year and troubled batsmen around the world with his bounce and pace.

The English seamer was bought by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 1.5 crores in the auction. With no other recognized seamer in the Chennai Super Kings squad, he was expected to lead the pace attack for the MS Dhoni-led team.

But his IPL debut ended in disaster. He conceded only two runs in his first over, but gave away 47 runs in his remaining three and finished the game with 4-0-49-0. Batsmen used his pace to their advantage and hit him all around the park. He was dropped for the Chennai Super Kings' second game against Kolkata Knight Riders.