IPL 2018: 5 veterans who have failed to perform so far

Over the past few weeks, we have seen a lot of surprises in IPL 2018. While a number of new players did exceptionally well, some of the veterans failed to show their worth.

Most of the teams picked the veterans keeping in mind their mind-boggling performances of the past. While some of them like Chris Gayle, MS Dhoni, and Shane Watson are performing brilliantly for their teams, many seem to be way past their peak days.

Right on this, here's a list of four veterans who failed to perform so far this season.

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#5 Harbhajan Singh

One of the most successful spinners in the history of IPL, Harbhajan Singh was bought by Chennai Super Kings in the auctions this year.

The Punjab-born spinner was a consistent performer for Mumbai Indians for the past ten seasons and he won three IPL titles with them. He played 140 IPL matches and registered 129 wickets in the course of his career.

However, Bhajji is not up to his usual best this year and failed to replicate his days in Mumbai Indians with his new franchise. He played four games this year taking only two wickets. He leaked 9.00 runs per over, which is way above his average economy rate of 6.99. While he is usually a decent performer with the bat, he managed to score just eight runs this season.

The veteran spinner is moving towards the end of a wonderful career and we might be seeing him play in the IPL for the very last time.

#4 Brendon McCullum

Baz failed to replicate his success with RCB

One of the most successful Kiwi batsmen of all time, Brendon McCullum is playing for his fifth different team this time around.

He became the first player to score a century in the IPL when he scored 158 runs while playing for KKR in the inaugural match of the IPL. He played 106 matches since then and scored 2801 runs with the strike rate of 131.31.

However, the Kiwi opener failed to impress this season and scored just 47 runs in the three games he took part in. He looks way off from his usual explosiveness and also failed to give a start to the liking of his team.

RCB is struggling this season and the veteran needs to step up and lead his team during the time of crisis.

#3 Amit Mishra

Amit Mishra is struggling this year

The second highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL, Amit Mishra is struggling to get into Delhi Daredevils' starting line-up this season.

Mishra played 128 matches in the IPL and registered 134 wickets to his name, which is second only to Lasith Malinga. He holds the record of picking three hat-tricks in the IPL with 5 for 17 being his best bowling figures.

However, the Sonipat-born leg breaker failed to live up to his expectations this season. He played just two games and failed to take a single wicket. He also got hammered by the batsmen this year and has an expensive economy rate of 9.87.

With Delhi Daredevils struggling in the IPL this term, Amit needs to get back to his best at the soonest to give some hope of qualifying for the playoffs.

#2 Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard is misfiring

The defending champions, Mumbai Indians are struggling in the IPL this year with just one win in their opening six matches. One of the biggest areas of their concern is the misfiring Kieron Pollard.

The West Indian played many match-winning innings for Mumbai Indians in the past and was one of their star performers in their trophy-winning campaign last season. Pollard played a match-winning knock in the finals and finished the season really well with 385 runs.

However, he is a poor show this season and scored just 63 runs in the opening six matches. Pollard is yet to ball a single over in this season and this indicates that he is being played as a batsman rather than an all-rounder.

The 30-year-old veteran needs to find his form soon, otherwise, the team management would be left with no options but to drop him.

#1 Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh is in a poor form this year

One of the most successful T20 batsmen of all time, Yuvraj Singh is on a rapid decline and looks well beyond of his peak days.

Picked by the Kings XI Punjab during the IPL auctions this year, Yuvi played six games for the Lions so far in this season and has scored just 50 runs. He averages 12.50 runs per game with a poor strike rate of 89.20.

'The Prince of Punjab' helped India win many trophies in the past but he is not the same player anymore and should consider hanging his boots.