The IPL is nearing its business end and it’s that time when fans and managements look at the points table to do the permutation combination in order for them to qualify. Most people would agree that the UAE leg of the IPL, by all accounts, has been more of a bowler’s show. There have not been many matches that have gone above 190-200. Bowlers successfully defended 130s and 140s. Except for a few games in Dubai, the pitches have been a drag and slow. The ball has not been coming onto the bat and thus stroke-play has been incredibly difficult.
The IPL teams are dotted with a few of the biggest hitters in the business. Players like Gayle, Dhoni, Warner and Pooran who come with the reputation of sending the ball many miles into the stands have all failed to get going.
Numerous players who have not been able to score big and fast in the IPL are part of their national teams for the upcoming world cup. We look at 5 such players who may have been subdued recently but could have a huge impact in the world cup.
1. KL Rahul
A constant point of criticism for Punjab has been the way Rahul has paced his innings when Punjab Kings are chasing. He has found it very difficult to get going and gobbled up balls. In the 12 matches that he has played so far, he has notched up 528 runs. He is in the race for the Orange cap. However, these runs have come at a strike rate of 129. The pertinent point being, last season too he was the Orange cap holder with 670 runs but that too came at 129. He has found it tough to shift gears and close games. However, it is expected that he would have now figured the UAE pitches and would not repeat the same mistakes in the world cup. If he gets going, no one can stop him.
2. Rohit Sharma
Strike rate and pacing innings have never been an issue for this champion. However, this IPL has been tough for even the best. He has scored 363 runs in 12 matches but the majority of those runs have come in the India’s leg. His strike rate has hovered around 126 this season. He has found it tough to get double-digit scores in the UAE leg. All of these issues shall not worry the Indian team management because Sharma is capable of shaking off bad form in a matter of a game. His big innings would be right around the corner and once he finds his touch, there would not be enough shelter for bowlers to take.
3. Aiden Markram
Another promising and technically stylish batsman who has found the going tough is Markram. He was picked by Punjab Kings in the UAE leg and has played 5 matches for the franchise. His 133 runs have come at a sluggish strike rate of 120. However, the real Markram is far more dominating than the one witnessed in the IPL. When in South African colors, his strike rate shoots up to 150. The young South African squad would be relying on the collective prowess of De Kock and Markram to set the tone for them.
4. David Warner
Another mercurial T20 player who has lately not been his true self on the pitch is David Warner. He was unceremoniously dropped from the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad and was relieved of his captaincy duties. Reports suggest there have been issues cropping between him and management. Warner has scored a meager 195 runs this season at a strike rate of 107. However, his big-hitting abilities need no special introduction. In the previous 4 seasons for Hyderabad, he has had a strike rate of 151, 141, 144, and 135 with every season being around or more than 550 runs. He is a different beast when in Australian colors. Australia is a different team when Warner is in prime form and if his form clicks then the fury would be unimaginable.
5. Eoin Morgan
The England captain was handed the captaincy of Kolkata Knight Riders midway last season. In 2021, his performances in the IPL have left a lot to be desired. His 111 runs from 13 games have come at a strike rate of 101. However, it would be foolish for teams going into the world cup to take Morgan and his capabilities lightly. With the likes of Roy, Bairstow, Livingstone, and Moeen Ali; Morgan could well come into his own. His performance peaks when he is surrounded by his mates in the English dressing room. His numbers in T20 internationals for England reflect the abovementioned sentiment as his strike rate shoots up close to 140 when playing for England.
