5 players that may have gone out of favor with IPL franchises

Another IPL season has come to a close: one that was peppered with match-winning knocks, jaw-dropping spells and breathtaking catches. While each team had its share of stars and performances, there were some not so sought-after stars who did more harm than good to their IPL numbers.

If open auctions take place next year, teams will be allowed to let go of the excess baggage in their ranks. Here are five players who will be the first to get their transfer papers for the next IPL from their respective franchises.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction and should not be taken seriously.

Stuart Binny

Like an X-man in disguise, Stuart Binny instantly transformed into Stuart Broad in Florida last year, haplessly being exploited for 31 runs from a single over against Evin Lewis (Who?). Such exploitation in the US, even before the Trump government?

The last time an Indian turned into an English bowler so seamlessly was Akshay Kumar in Patiala House.

IPL is the season of nostalgia, and Binny is the flag bearer of RCB’s local taste. Our very own Stuart Little put all the effort in the field: jumping, diving, sprawling on the boundary ropes to save crucial runs for the team. Alas, he gave away more than he saved. Just like a rookie philanthropist.

Ishant Sharma

The long, flowing mane, the menacing run-up, the prodigious swing and lively pace.

Yes, Imran Khan was a great bowler.

But let’s talk about Ishant Sharma.

Ishant’s priorities are fixed, he is dead clear about what he wants to do (hurl back of a length outside the off stump). Ishant is one of the earliest prototypes of the bowling machine. The ones that can’t be configured.

Ishant has played for five IPL teams, five more than the number of wickets he took this season. With three Sharmas in one side, Punjab thought they had all their bases covered. Unlike the 10th boards, this Sharma ji ka beta flopped big time.

Ashok Dinda

Dinda epitomises the Indian friendzoned guy. Poor fellow thinks he has a chance when he gets picked up, but ends up delivering the same cliched lines and getting dumped. Yet Dinda never gives up, a remarkable trait that sets him apart from the other Indian bowling stars (Munaf Patel, VRV Singh et al). The Tribbianis might quit, but the Dindas don’t.

Allan Donald once compared Dinda to himself. That’s great if we’re just talking about their high jump skills. Dinda is a complete athlete as well, finishing the trio of a 100 m dash, a long jump and a high jump, all in one single run-up.

Also read: IPL 2017: Top 5 bowlers who have conceded the most runs in an innings

Despite Dinda’s economy of 12, the Pune side has managed to reach the finals. Hand them the trophy already.

Angelo Mathews

If you thought Tahir Shah’s ‘Angel’ was head-splitting, Delhi got Angelo. In one of the games, he got promoted ahead of the in-form Chris Morris and single-handedly killed all the excitement with his drab strokeplay. Such a healthy advertisement for Test cricket, I say.

Mathews is the ideal spinner: three-step run-ups, excessive off-cutters, no pace in deliveries and astronomical economies. Surprisingly, they still refer to him as a medium pacer.

If Delhi looks to repeat their IPL 2017 heroics next year as well, Mathews is the player they would love to retain.

Munaf Patel

Legend has it that Munaf Patel was yanked out of his farm and enlisted by the Gujarat Lions for IPL 2017. It is the same Munaf who used to bowl 145 kmph in 2006, and it is the same Munaf who last bowled 145 kmph in 2006.

People seemed to have forgotten Munaf’s tearaway pace. During the trials, one of the coaches asked him to put more flight in his deliveries. A bewildered Raina got an idea and decided to use Munaf in the powerplays. You know, like Washington Sundar and Harbhajan Singh?

Two matches and one wicket later, the 33-year-old boasted how he was back to full fitness. Someone then pointed out to him that the IPL was already over.

Check RCB Squad 2024 Details. Follow Sportskeeda for IPL 2024 Live Score, Schedule, Points Table

Quick Links

Edited by Staff Editor