IPL 2018: 5 experienced players who have disappointed the most

Every year we see many experienced players coming back in the IPL. We have likes of Chris Gayle and Shane Watson, who are doing exceedingly well for their respective franchises. But there are some other experienced players who are not performing up to the expectations. With age, the body starts tiring and it is difficult to remain fit. Still, these players were bought in the auction to offer something for their franchise, which they have failed to do, so far.

So let’s have a look at the 5 experienced players who have disappointed this season:

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#5 Aaron Finch (KXIP)

Aaron Finch is one of the most destructive opening batsmen when it comes to the T20 format. But till now in this season he hasn’t got it right. He obviously came late to the IPL due to his wedding. Since then, he has batted in 4 innings and scored just 16 runs with two golden ducks to his name. He got out on the first ball to Umesh Yadav in the first game and then to Imran Tahir in the second game.

Finch was supposed to be their premier opening batsmen, but now with Gayle back in form, he has been shifted down the order. But definitely, he has disappointed some of his fans and they will be hoping he comes well in the upcoming matches for KXIP.

#4 Ravindra Jadeja (CSK)

Jadeja has only one wicket to his name this season

Ravindra Jadeja is finding it really difficult to get into the Indian limited-overs team currently. So it was important for him to have a good IPL, but he hasn’t been at his best this season. Interestingly, Jadeja has bowled only 8 overs in 5 games, with only one wicket to his name. Maybe Dhoni is not trusting Jadeja enough with the ball. Talking about his batting, he has scored only 44 runs in the 4 innings which he batted. So this is not what you expect from an experienced player.

Jadeja has been a fabulous player for India over the years and CSK will be hoping, that he hits his straps pretty soon.

#3 Kieron Pollard (MI)

Kieron Pollard hasn't been at his best this season

Kieron Pollard has been an absolute match-winner for MI over the years. He has won them matches from any position.That’s the reason, MI wanted him back and used the RTM card for him in the auction. But so far in this season, he has definitely disappointed many Mumbai fans.

In the 5 innings which he has batted this season, Pollard has scored only 63 runs that too at a strike rate of 110.52. You don’t associate this type of a strike-rate with Kieron Pollard. He has been one of the hardest hitters of the ball in the history of the IPL. The fact that he doesn’t bowl these days, is not at all helping him and his side. The only plus about him is his fielding, which has been brilliant once again.

MI will hope that he comes back to form pretty quickly as they are languishing at the bottom of the table.

#2 Yuvraj Singh (KXIP)

Yuvraj Singh has scored only 50 runs in 4 innings this season

The fact that KXIP is winning without any contributions from Yuvraj tells how strong a team they have. KXIP have been absolutely brilliant this season, but not the same could be said about Yuvraj Singh. Yuvraj is really struggling with his form this year. He is looking a bit rusty when he is batting. He has scored only 50 runs in 4 innings at a strike rate of 89.28. The strike rate tells his struggles this year. KXIP can afford to give him some more chances as they are winning games pretty easily.

Yuvraj has to get back to form pretty quickly because players like Manoj Tiwary are waiting in the wings to get an opportunity.

#1 Gautam Gambhir (DD)

Gautam Gambhir has a strike rate of less than 100 this season

DD bought Gautam Gambhir in the auction because they wanted a captain. He has been good as a capta, but definitely Gambhir - "The batsmen" is struggling. He is just not able to rotate the strike in the first 6 overs. He has scored just 85 runs at an average of 17, which is below par for any opening batsmen. In the last 3 games, he has scores of 8 off 7 balls, 3 off 10 balls and 4 off 13 balls. These scores are just not good enough as an opener. Gautam Gambhir has been a great player in the IPL over the years and he always puts the team before himself.

Gautam Gambhir has already stepped down as captain. It will be interesting to see if he continues to play as an opening batsman or relegates himself to the bench for the rest of the tournament.