IPL 2018: One big-money player from each team who has been extremely disappointing

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With more than a week of the IPL done and dusted, and each team having played at least three matches, there is enough sample space to determine which players have starred and which ones have flopped for their respective teams.

While the likes of Mayank Markande and Sanju Samson have put in stellar performances, many star names have been left by the wayside, their displays overshadowed by their less illustrious teammates.

On that note, here is a look at one player from each team who has failed to live up to his price tag:


Rajasthan Royals - Jaydev Unadkat

Many eyebrows were raised when RR decided to splurge on Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat, a decision that has backfired spectacularly. Unadkat, who was bought for INR 11.5 crores in the auction, has flattered to deceive, picking up just 2 wickets from four matches so far. What's worse, he has conceded runs at 11 per over, making him one of the worst buys of the season.

Chennai Super Kings - Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja

It came as a surprise to many when Jadeja was retained ahead of the likes of McCullum and Ashwin prior to the auctions and his performances have done nothing to alter that opinion.

With scores of 12 off 13, 11* off 7 and 19 off 13 with the bat and 1 wicket in three matches, Jadeja has been one of the poorest players this IPL season. The loss of Mitchell Santner has increased the responsibility on the shoulders of Jadeja but he is yet to come good.

Kolkata Knight Riders - Chris Lynn

Chris Lynn
Chris Lynn

The name on the lips of all KKR fans ahead of the start of the season was Chris Lynn, especially once Mitchell Starc was ruled out due to injury. Lynn was procured by KKR for a whopping INR 9.8 crores, but following the shoulder injury he picked up prior to the tournament, has not looked the same hard-hitting batsman he built his reputation on.

Lynn has managed just 107 runs from five matches, at a meager average of 21.4 and poor strike rate of 120. While KKR have managed to secure wins despite him misfiring, he will need to come good sooner rather than later.

Royal Challengers Bangalore - Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal, over the past year, has cemented his spot as India's leading spinner. Having risen to fame with sensational performances in the IPL, Chahal was expected to lead RCB's new look bowling unit in what was supposed to be their year to lift the trophy.

However, he has been arguably one of their worst bowlers. While he has picked up 3 wickets in four matches, he has leaked runs at 8.5 per over, when the need of the hour was containment. If RCB are to make the playoffs, Chahal would need to step up his game big time and become the player that dons the Indian colors.

Kings XI Punjab - Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch
Aaron Finch

KXIP, many felt, had the best auction as they managed to add depth to all departments (bar wicketkeeper). They procured a strong overseas contingent in the likes of Stoinis, Finch, Mujeeb etc.

However, Finch, in particular, has had a dreadful start to the season. After missing the first game to attend his wedding, he was dismissed for two golden ducks, not what you would expect from your marquee player.

Delhi Daredevils - Chris Morris

Chris Morris
Chris Morris

For some reason, Delhi just never seem to get their combination right. In an attempt to fix their batting woes, they obtained the services of the No.1 T20 batsman in the world, Colin Munro amongst others, having already retained South African all-rounder Chris Morris for a whopping 15 crores.

For that kind of money, the least Delhi would have expected would have been a couple of key wickets per game and at least 20 odd runs with the bat at a high strike rate, something he managed for them in the past. However, Morris has struggled in the initial parts of this season, both with bat and ball.

He picked up a couple of wickets against KKR, but was expensive and did not contribute with the bat. Against Rajasthan, he went wicketless and against Punjab, he picked up a wicket but was again quite expensive.

Mumbai Indians - Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard

Mumbai Indians dropped the ball big time when they used their RTM card on Kieron Pollard at the auctions. He is a shadow of his former self and simply lacks the confidence to clear the boundaries at will, something he used to do with ease for his side.

Considering the fact that he doesn't bowl anymore, the decision to retain him is all the more surprising. Pollard has notched up scores of just 28, 0 and 5 in three innings, not the returns you need from someone you are paying 5.4 crores.

Sunrisers Hyderabad - Manish Pandey

Manish Pandey
Manish Pandey

A lot was expected of Manish Pandey following his move from KKR to SRH but things have not panned out for him. Pandey was one of only three Indians to bag a contract worth more than 10 crores, but he has not lived up to expectations.

His stint with his new team got off to a poor start, scoring just 11 and 4 against Mumbai Indians and KKR. However, his poor form was masked by steady performances from the rest of the line-up.

While he did get a fifty in the game against KXIP, the runs came all too slowly and he ended up costing his side the game rather than winning it. SRH have fared quite well despite his failures, but they need him to find a semblance of his KKR form if they are to go all the way this time around, especially without an explosive top order.

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Edited by Amit Mishra