IPL 2018 : 5 Players who got a chance and surprised many this IPL

We are in the 11th season of the IPL and as always we have many surprises. Some unknown players have come to the rescue, whereas some of the old stars have also made a comeback. So let’s have a look at 5 players who have got a chance and surprised many.

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#5 Rahul Tewatia (DD)

Rahul Tewatia is keeping a spinner like Amit Mishra out of the side, which itself tells how impressive he has been this season. With Amit Mishra in the squad, not many expected him to get a place in the playing XI. But Gambhir showed faith in him and he has definitely done his job till now.

He has 6 wickets in 4 games and is currently 5th in the leading wicket-takers list. He is the leading wicket-taker for DD and has an excellent economy of 7.13. He bowled a great last over against KKR in which he took 3 wickets and gave away just 1 run.

Wrist spinners have always been effective in the IPL and he is proving it right once again. DD will be hoping that he continues his good run and keeps taking wickets at regular intervals.

#4 Billy Stanlake (SRH)

Billy Stanlake can consistently bowl over 145KMPH

Not many fast bowlers are as tall as Billy Stanlake. If you are as tall as Billy and can bowl with a speed of 150 then you are ought to be dangerous. SRH already had a formidable attack so many thought that they would go in with an all-rounder like Carlos Braithwaite.

But they went in with an out and out fast bowler and the move has paid rich dividends for them. He has surprised many Indian domestic batsmen with his pace and bounce. He has taken 5 wickets in 3 games at an excellent economy rate of 7.66. Even though he didn’t feature in the last game, he will be a force to reckon in this IPL.

#3 Mujeeb Ur Rahman (KXIP)

Mujeeb Ur Rahman foxed Virat Kohli with the googly

After the auction, KXIP already had India’s two experienced spinners in Axar Patel and R Ashwin. Obviously Mujeeb did exceedingly well in the World Cup Qualifiers, but still many didn’t expect Mujeeb to start in the first XI.

Ashwin who himself is a spinner, backed the mystery spinner to come through in the toughest T20 league and Mujeeb has been brilliant till now. He has an economy rate of 6.80 which is great.

The ball he bowled to get rid of Virat Kohli has to be the ball of the tournament till now. You don’t get Virat Kohli bowled through the gate every day. That definitely will be a special moment for him and we hope that he has some more special moments in this IPL.

2. Chris Gayle (KXIP)

Chris Gayle has smashed 15 sixes in 2 games

After the auction, Virender Sehwag who is the mentor of KXIP said that Gayle has been bought mainly for the marketing purpose. So, it was pretty clear that he would not get a chance until some of the big names in the team fail.

But surprisingly, he was given a chance in the 3rd match, and he was absolutely sensational. He surprised, even more, when he smashed his 6th IPL century against the best bowling attack this year.

He hammered the No.1 T20 bowler for 4 consecutive sixes. He has smashed 15 sixes in just 2 games and right now is 3rd on the leading run scorers list. Once Gayle gets going, everybody enjoys except the bowlers. Let’s hope that he keeps smashing those big sixes into the crowd.

#1 Mayank Markande (MI)

Mayank Markande has taken 8 wickets in just 4 games

Mayank Markande has to be the story of the IPL till now. It tells us how good the scouting process of the Mumbai Indians is. Coming into this season, MI didn’t have any experienced wrist spinner. So, many thought that MI would struggle in the spin department and there was an opportunity for the youngsters to shine.

Mayank Markande has definitely grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He has been absolutely magnificent this season. Against CSK, he foxed MS Dhoni who couldn’t read his googly. He has taken 8 wickets in the 4 games and currently is the purple cap holder this season. If he continues the way he is going right now, he definitely has a bright future ahead of him.