Five of the most expensive IPL signings who scarcely played

In the high-stakes theatre of the IPL auction, franchises often engage in bidding wars that send player valuations into the stratosphere. Usually, these multimillion-dollar investments are the first names on the team sheet.

However, the IPL’s unique constraints, most notably the four-foreigner rule and the mercurial nature of Indian pitches, have occasionally created a bizarre phenomenon: the Million-Dollar Benchwarmer.

These aren’t just flops who played poorly; these are elite players who, due to tactical shifts or squad imbalances, sat through entire seasons without ever taking the field. Here are five of the most expensive signings who remained sidelined.

1. Tymal Mills (2017) – Royal Challengers Bangalore

Tymal Mills was the breakout star of the 2017 auction, fetching a staggering US$1.8 million. While he did eventually feature in five games, he spent the bulk of the season, and the most critical matches, as an expensive spectator from England.

RCB’s tactical error was over-investing in a pace specialist on a Chinnaswamy deck that had suddenly turned into a slow, spin-friendly surface. Mills’ express pace became a liability, leading to his permanent benching in favour of more versatile options.

2. Colin de Grandhomme (2019) – Royal Challengers Bangalore

Purchased for approximately US$700,000 to provide late-order fireworks and handy medium-pace, the Kiwi all-rounder found himself trapped by the numbers game.

With RCB desperate to stabilize their top order, they were forced to use their overseas slots on AB de Villiers, Marcus Stoinis, and Shimron Hetmyer.

De Grandhomme became a tactical insurance policy that was never cashed in. He spent 13 of the 14 games in the dugout, proving that an overseas all-rounder is only as good as the balance of the local talent around him.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

3. Pawan Negi (2016) – Delhi Daredevils

Negi made headlines when he became the most expensive Indian player of the 2016 auction at roughly US$1.25 million.

While he technically played a handful of games, he was famously benched while on the field, often not being asked to bowl a single over or bat higher than number eight.

By the business end of the tournament, the coaching staff lost faith in his abilities, and he spent the final, crucial weeks as a tactical “DNP” (Did Not Play).

4. Mitchell Santner (2018) – Chennai Super Kings

While Santner eventually became a CSK regular, his first year was a lesson in squad redundancy. Purchased for about US$75,000 (a steal, but a high-value tactical target), he missed the entire winning season.

Even when fit, MS Dhoni’s preference for Ravindra Jadeja meant there was no room for a second left-arm orthodox spinner. Santner’s benching wasn’t about form; it was about a set-in-stone tactical blueprint that didn’t require a carbon copy of their primary spinner.

5. Lockie Ferguson (2023/25) – Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings

Ferguson has often been the victim of the Impact Player rule. Despite his US$1.2 million-plus price tags in various seasons, the New Zealand fast bowler has frequently sat out entire blocks of games.

Teams often buy his 150kph pace as a fear factor but pivot to slower bowlers the moment they see a dry surface. His presence on the bench represents millions of dollars kept in reserve simply to counter a specific opponent that never arrives.

Currently with RCB Ferguson has yet to play in 2026 while in 2025 he made just four appearances. In 2023, playing for KKR he appeared three times.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

The post Five of the most expensive IPL signings who scarcely played appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/q8IYa2u

Revealed: The 7 most underrated impact players in the IPL

In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League, the Orange Cap and Purple Cap are the ultimate symbols of individual dominance.

It’s the explosive openers piling up 600 runs or the death-over specialists snatching 25 wickets a season who tend to make the headlines and win the plaudits.

But there are some players who produce outstanding results season-after-season who somehow always seem to travel below the radar.

Cricket, and T20 in particular, is a game of margins often decided by those who operate in the shadows.

These ‘invisible’ impact players may never stand on the podium at the end of the final, but they are the tactical glue that holds championship-winning sides together.

From suffocating middle-over spells to high-pressure cameos that shift momentum, their value is found in the smart stats rather than the raw aggregates.

Here are seven IPL stars whose impact transcends the traditional leaderboard.

1. Axar Patel: The middle-over surgeon

Axar Patel is the personification of economical impact. While he rarely tops the all-time wicket-taking charts in a single season, his ability to freeze the game is unparalleled.

With a career IPL economy rate hovering around 7.36, he serves as a tactical roadblock for opposition batters.

His invisible edge: Axar’s value lies in his ability to build pressure. By bowling four overs for 22 runs, he forces batters to take risks against the bowler at the other end.

In the 2024 and 2025 seasons, his consistency remained a cornerstone for the Delhi Capitals, often proving more vital than a bowler who takes three wickets but concedes 45 runs.

2. Sunil Narine: the tempo controller

Though Sunil Narine has occasionally reinvented himself as a pinch-hitting opener, his primary invisible impact is as a bowling enigma.

Despite being analyzed by every pundit and analyst in the world, Narine remains one of the hardest bowlers to score against in the tournament’s history.

His invisible edge: Teams often decide to play him out, effectively reducing their innings to 16 overs of attacking play. His career economy rate of 6.73 is staggering in a league where scores of 200 are common.

He creates a psychological ‘Narine Tax’ that disrupts batting rhythms long after he has finished his spell.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

3. Rahul Tripathi: the momentum shifter

Rahul Tripathi is a rare breed: a top-order batter who prioritizes the team’s run rate over his own personal milestone. He has consistently maintained a strike rate above 135 without ever truly challenging for the Orange Cap.

His invisible edge: Tripathi’s impact is found in the ‘Intent’ metric.

He often enters during the Powerplay or at one-down and starts hitting from ball one. A quick-fire 35 off 18 balls won’t win him a top-scoring award, but it ensures his team never loses momentum, a role he perfected for KKR and later SRH.

4. Ravindra Jadeja: the triple-threat specialist

‘Sir’ Jadeja is the ultimate Swiss Army knife. While he has never won a Purple or Orange Cap, he is arguably the most valuable player on any team sheet. The India star impact is spread across three disciplines: bowling, batting, and elite fielding.

His invisible edge: It’s impossible to quantify the runs Jadeja saves in the field. Whether it’s a direct hit from the boundary or a diving stop at point, he creates wickets through sheer athleticism.

Combined with his ability to finish an innings or bowl four overs in under 15 minutes, he dictates the game’s speed and tempo like few others. That he has done it in every season of the IPL since its inception in 2008 is even more remarkable.

5. Sandeep Sharma: the powerplay specialist

Sandeep Sharma is often overlooked during the glitzy IPL auctions, yet he has a knack for dismissing the league’s most dangerous openers. He famously has one of the best head-to-head records against Virat Kohli, despite lacking the raw pace of an Anrich Nortje or Jofra Archer.

His invisible edge: Sandeep provides ‘early control.’

By swinging the ball and taking wickets in the first six overs, he allows his captain to hold back his primary strike bowlers for the death. His impact is seasonal consistency; he rarely has a bad year, even if he isn’t the one grabbing the headlines.

6. Nicholas Pooran: The death-over accelerator

While the Orange Cap usually goes to openers who face 500+ balls a season, West Indies star Nicholas Pooran’s impact is felt in the final five overs. He consistently ranks near the top for sixes per ball faced, turning competitive totals into match-winning ones.

His invisible edge: Pooran’s value is his ability to bypass the settling in period.

In modern T20, a batter who can strike at 180-plus from their first delivery is more valuable than an anchor who scores a 50-ball 60. His presence in the LSG middle order forces captains to save their best bowlers, often disrupting their entire tactical plan.

7. Krunal Pandya: The tactical anchor

Krunal Pandya is a player who thrives in the ‘unseen’ phases of the game. Often used to break partnerships or shore up a crumbling middle order, his contributions are frequently tactical rather than statistical.

His invisible edge: Krunal is a master of the ‘match-up.’ Whether he is brought on specifically to bowl to a left-hander or promoted to counter a leg-spinner, he is frequently used to execute the coach’s specific plan.

His impact is found in his versatility; he is the player who allows a team to balance their XI without sacrificing a specialist spot.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

The post Revealed: The 7 most underrated impact players in the IPL appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/bp4lH7X

IPL predictions: Who will win Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings El Clasico?

The Indian Premier Legaue continues to thrill and intrigue.

Read these IPL predictions for the upcoming fixtures.

Find out more today.

Sunrisers Hyderabad v Delhi Capitals

Key talking points

SRH

After an excellent win on Saturday over CSK the Sunrisers currently sit fourth with three wins from six games.

Heinrich Klaasen (283 runs) and Ishan Kishan (213 runs) are in excellent form, though Klaasen’s strike rate has curiously dipped to 140 compared to his usual 170-plus.

SRH’s top three have been doing the hard-lifting, scoring almost 70% of their total runs. Despite their firepower, SRH have struggled to defend totals at home, successfully pulling off only one 200-plus defence this season.

DC

The Capitals are fifth with three wins from five matches, recently finding rhythm after a shaky start.

Tristan Stubbs is their man in form, fresh off an undefeated match-winning 60 against RCB. Interestingly, DC has performed better away than at home, sporting a 3-1 road record.

A stand-out stat is their lower-order resilience; their tail has resurrected the team from losing positions twice this year, most notably turning 66-5 into a win.

Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad

Historically, teams batting second have a clear advantage at this ground, winning 57 percent of matches (48 out of 85).

While the long-term average first-innings score is 163 runs, the venue has evolved into a batter’s paradise in recent seasons.

In 2024 and 2025, first-innings totals regularly breached 200, including SRH’s recent stadium-record of 286/6 against Rajasthan Royals.

David Warner remains the undisputed king of Hyderabad with 1,623 IPL runs and three centuries – the most by any batter at this ground.

SRH legend Bhuvneshwar Kumar leads the bowling charts here with 49 wickets in 51 innings, including a personal best of 5/19.

The venue holds the record for the best bowling figures in IPL history – Mumbai Indians’ Alzarri Joseph took 6/12 here on his debut in 2019.

The record for the highest individual score at this ground was set just last season in 2025, when Abhishek Sharma smashed 141 runs off 55 balls against the Punjab Kings.

Uniquely, the toss is statistically less decisive here than elsewhere. Roughly 62% of teams that lost the toss at this stadium have gone on to win the match.

Weather

The evening in Hyderabad will be mostly cloudy as temperatures settle around 31 degrees. After a day of light rain there remains a 50 percent chance of showers and conditions will remain humid at 33 percent.

Winds will be very light from the East providing a warm but slightly damp atmosphere as the city transitions into a cloudy night.

Form

• SRH: W, W, L, L, W.
• DC: W, L, L, W, W.

Predicted line-ups

SRH

Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Liam Livingstone, Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Praful Hinge, Sakib Hussain.

DC

Pathum Nissanka, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, T Natarajan.

Key players

Heinrich Klaasen

The current holder of the Orange Cap, Klaasen is the gold standard for spin-hitting in the IPL. With 283 runs this season, he remains SRH’s most vital weapon during the middle-over squeeze.

His ability to launch Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel into the stands without needing a sights-set period makes him a worry for the Capitals.

Klaasen’s senior presence and elite strike rate of 170-plus are crucial for propelling SRH to a match-winning total at home.

Interestingly Klaasen’s strike rate this season is lower than normal (his average is above 170, but he is going at around 140 this season), but his average is higher – it looks like he has found a winning balance.

David Miller

“Killer Miller” has found a second wind since joining the Capitals, becoming their primary rescue artist. His composure under pressure was evident in DC’s recent surge, providing the veteran experience needed to navigate tricky run chases.

Facing an SRH attack missing its leader, Miller’s prowess against both high-pace and leg-spin will be key. If DC’s top order wobbles, his ability to manipulate the field and clear the long boundaries at Uppal will be the difference-maker.

Prediction: Sunrisers Hyderabad

SRH’s batting lineup, led by the explosive Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen, is perfectly suited for the high-scoring Uppal deck.

While Delhi’s spin duo of Kuldeep and Axar is formidable, SRH’s depth and home-ground familiarity should provide the edge needed to outmuscle a Capitals side that has been historically inconsistent in Hyderabad.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

Lucknow Super Giants v Rajasthan Royals

Key talking points

LSG

LSG currently languishes in eighth place with just two wins from six matches. Their recent form is concerning, following a heavy 54-run defeat to Punjab Kings.

Captain Rishabh Pant and middle-order batter Mukul Choudhary have been the standout performers while Aiden Markram and Mitch Marsh have chipped in, the lack of runs from Nicholas Pooran has been a major concern.

Mohammed Shami leads the attack with control, supported by the raw pace of Mayank Yadav. Statistically, LSG has struggled on home turf this season, failing to defend scores over 160 on the characteristically slow Ekana surface.

RR

The Royals enter this encounter sitting comfortably in third place with four wins from six games. Despite a recent four-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders, they remain one of the most balanced squads in the tournament.

Riyan Parag has flourished in his new captaincy role, supported by the experience of Ravindra Jadeja and the extreme pace of Jofra Archer.

Look out for 15-year-old batting phenom Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who holds the record for the fastest fifty this season. Historically, RR dominates this fixture, having won four of their five total meetings.

Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium is traditionally known as a low-scoring venue due to its slow, black-soil pitches.

However, recent games, including Kolkata Knight Riders’ record-breaking performance there, show the ground is becoming more balanced for power hitters.

Chasing is the preferred strategy at the ground. While historical data for T20Is favoured batting first, in the IPL, teams batting second have won approximately 58% of the matches at the ground (14 wins out of 24 played).

The average first innings score at the venue is 173.46.

Kolkata Knight Riders hold the record for the highest team total at this stadium, smashing 235/6 against Lucknow Super Giants in 2024.

KL Rahul is the all-time leading IPL run-scorer at this venue having amassed 540 runs in 13 innings.

Ravi Bishnoi has been the most effective bowler at this ground, taking 19 wickets in 18 matches by exploiting the turn offered by the pitch.

The lowest score successfully defended at this stadium is 126/9 by Royal Challengers Bengaluru against LSG in 2023, a game that saw LSG bowled out for just 108.

The record for the highest individual IPL innings at this ground is held by Rishabh Pant, who scored an unbeaten 118* for LSG against RCB in 2025.

Weather

The evening in Lucknow will be warm and clear, with temperatures cooling slightly to around 28 degrees. Conditions are expected to remain dry with only a minimal chance of rain.

A gentle breeze from the Northwest will provide some relief from the daytime heat, making it a pleasant evening for cricket.

Form

• LSG: L, L, L, W, W.
• RR: L, L, W, W, W.

Predicted line-ups

LSG

Aiden Markram, Mitch Marsh, Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, Mukul Choudhary, Prince Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan.

RR

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Shimron Hetmyer, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma.

Key players

Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran remains a pivotal figure for LSG despite a challenging 2026 season where he has struggled for rhythm, managing only 51 runs in six innings.

Retained for a record fee, his value lies in his elite class, evidenced by a stellar 2025 campaign where he smashed 524 runs at a strike rate near 200.

As a premier finisher with 102 sixes over the last three seasons, his ability to dominate both pace and spin makes him the primary candidate to ignite LSG’s middle order in this crucial clash.

A firing and confident Pooran is what has been missing for LSG this campaign – if their talisman fires, expect results to take a turn for the better.

Ravindra Jadeja

Returning to Rajasthan Royals in a blockbuster 2026 trade, Ravindra Jadeja has quickly reaffirmed his status as a world-class all-rounder. He has already made an impact this season with five wickets and 85 runs in six matches.

Jadeja’s importance stems from his multifaceted contributions: his economical left-arm orthodox spin is vital for controlling the middle overs, while his finishing ability remains legendary.

On a Lucknow pitch that often assists turn, his experience and elite fielding will be key to RR’s defensive and offensive strategies.

Prediction: Rajasthan Royals

While LSG has the home advantage, RR’s squad balance looks superior following the 2026 mega-auction and the strategic addition of Ravindra Jadeja.

Their bowling attack is better equipped to exploit the tricky, often slow Lucknow surface. If RR’s top order neutralises LSG’s early pace, their tactical depth should see them secure the win.

Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings

Key talking points

MI

It has taken a while, but MI are slowly starting to find form.

They head into this fixture with renewed confidence following a crushing win over Gujarat Titans on Monday, performance that followed on from Quinton de Kock’s blistering century against Punjab.

There is also the small matter of Rohit Sharma’s expected return to full fitness. Currently sitting seventh with two wins, their boom or bust nature remains as much a blessing as it is curse.

Jasprit Bumrah remains their bowling anchor – he has had a lean season in terms of wickets with just a single scalp to his credit, but his economy rate, especially at home, remains excellent.

Watch for Suryakumar Yadav, who thrives on this surface’s true bounce.

CSK

CSK’s season has been defined by resilience despite a growing injury list, including the loss of Ayush Mhatre.

Currently eighth with two wins, they have relied heavily on Sanju Samson’s adaptability and Shivam Dube’s spin-hitting prowess.

A standing anomaly is their dependence on Noor Ahmad, who has taken 40% of their wickets in middle overs.

While their away form has been patchy, the expected return of MS Dhoni provides the tactical cool required to navigate the high-pressure Wankhede atmosphere and MI’s pace battery.

Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Out of 125 IPL matches played at the venue, teams batting second have won 67 matches (53.6%), compared to 58 wins for those batting first.

Captains almost universally prefer to bowl first in night games due to a significant dew factor that makes the ball difficult for bowlers to grip in the second innings.

The average first innings score at the ground is approximately 171 runs. However, recent seasons have seen a massive surge; in 2026, totals have frequently exceeded 200, including a record 240/4 by RCB against MI on 12 April.

Rohit Sharma leads the run-scoring charts at the ground with 2,451 runs. He is followed by Suryakumar Yadav (1,395 runs) and Kieron Pollard (1,226 runs).

The highest successful run chase at Wankhede was achieved earlier this season, when the Mumbai Indians chased down 221 runs against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Lasith Malinga remains the all-time leading wicket taker at the ground with 68 wickets, closely followed by Jasprit Bumrah, who has 64 wickets at this venue.

The record for the highest individual score at the ground is held by AB de Villiers, who smashed an undefeated 133 off 59 balls for RCB against MI in 2015. The highest score by an Indian at this venue in the IPL is Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 124.

Despite being regarded as something of a “graveyard for bowlers,” the venue holds the record for the lowest-ever IPL total of 67, recorded by KKR against MI in May 2008.

Conversely, SRH holds a unique record for defending the lowest total here, successfully protecting 118 by bowling out MI for 87 in 2018.

Weather

Mumbai’s coastal evening will be warm and humid, typical for April, with temperatures around 29 degrees. While the sky may show scattered clouds, no rainfall is anticipated. Expect a steady sea breeze from the West.

High humidity will make the “real feel” temperature significantly warmer for spectators at the stadium.

Form

• MI: W, L, L, L, L.
• CSK: L, W, W, L, L.

Predicted line-ups

MI

Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar.

CSK

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan, MS Dhoni, Jamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Matt Henry.

Key players

Quinton de Kock

He missed the first few games of the season with Ryan Rickelton preferred in his place, but after marking his return to the side with a century QdK is back in possession of his accustomed position at the top of the order.

His ton against PBKS saw him become the first overseas player to score centuries for three different franchises.

His ability to dominate the Powerplay and his recent form, including passing MS Dhoni for the most fifties as a designated wicketkeeper, makes him the primary threat for CSK’s bowlers.

MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni’s likely return from a calf injury provides a massive psychological and tactical boost for a struggling CSK side.

Despite his age, Dhoni remains a master strategist; his presence behind the stumps is expected to steady captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s decision-making.

After a season of “Impact Player” roles focusing on high-strike-rate finishing, his calm under pressure at the Wankhede, the site of his 2011 World Cup heroics, remains the “X-factor” for the Yellow Army.

Prediction: Mumbai Indians

Playing at the Wankhede gives MI a massive home advantage, especially with Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma in form.

While Dhoni’s return provides CSK with a spiritual lift, MI’s superior pace attack, led by Bumrah and Boult, is better equipped to exploit the bounce and pace of this specific pitch compared to CSK’s spin-heavy roster.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

The post IPL predictions: Who will win Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings El Clasico? appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/gZdU3SE

Five incredible IPL five-wicket hauls you never saw coming

While IPL leaderboards are typically dominated by modern greats like Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal, the league’s history is peppered with extraordinary “blink-and-you-missed-it” performances from unexpected sources.

Taking a five-wicket haul (a “five-for”) in just four overs is a monumental task, yet some bowlers managed to capture lightning in a bottle exactly once, etching their names into trivia lore forever.

Here are five of the most unlikely bowlers to have dismantled an opposition in the IPL.

1. Ishant Sharma – (5/12 vs Kochi Tuskers Kerala, 2011)

Known more for his Test match longevity and red-ball precision, India seamer Ishant Sharma isn’t the first name that comes to mind for T20 demolition.

However, playing for Deccan Chargers in 2011, he produced one of the most devastating spells in league history.

In a single match against the now-defunct Kochi Tuskers, Ishant tore through the top order, claiming 5 wickets for just 12 runs in a performance that remains his only five-for in a T20 career spanning nearly two decades.

2. Amit Mishra – (5/17 vs Deccan Chargers, 2008)

While Amit Mishra eventually became the IPL’s hat-trick king, his early-career 5-wicket haul for Delhi Daredevils in the inaugural 2008 season was a massive surprise.

At the time, the world was still figuring out if leg-spinners would even be viable in the new format. Mishra’s 5/17 not only answered that question but established the template for the wicket-taking wrist-spinner that defines the modern IPL.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

3. Ankit Rajpoot – (5/14 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2018)

Perhaps the most ‘unlikely’ name on this list in terms of star power, Ankit Rajpoot stunned the cricketing world in 2018. Playing for Kings XI Punjab, the uncapped Indian pacer delivered a masterclass in swing and bounce against a powerhouse Sunrisers Hyderabad lineup.

His 5/14 remains one of the best-ever figures by an uncapped Indian player, a feat even seasoned international superstars struggle to match.

4. Alzarri Joseph – (6/12 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2019)

It is rare for a bowler to take a five-for; it is nearly impossible to do it on your debut. Alzarri Joseph did one better by taking 6 wickets for 12 runs in his very first IPL appearance for Mumbai Indians.

Joseph wasn’t a household name at the time, but he broke Sohail Tanvir’s long-standing 11-year record for the best bowling figures in IPL history in just 3.4 overs.

5. Dimitri Mascarenhas – (5/25 vs Pune Warriors India, 2012)

England all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas was a solid professional but rarely considered a “strike” bowler in the IPL. In 2012, however, he found the perfect conditions at Mohali for Kings XI Punjab.

Utilizing subtle changes of pace and impeccable lines, he dismantled the Pune Warriors India middle order to finish with 5/25, a classic case of a smart “bits-and-pieces” player outshining the specialists.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

The post Five incredible IPL five-wicket hauls you never saw coming appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/TL8jmSX

The ultimate unlucky IPL XI – many seasons, no trophy

The Indian Premier League is a tournament that rewards consistency and individual brilliance, but the ultimate prize, the trophy itself, can remain frustratingly elusive for even the game’s greatest icons.

For 17 long seasons, the narrative of ‘the nearly men’ was headlined by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their talisman, Virat Kohli.

However, the long-standing ‘unlucky’ tag was finally shed last season, when RCB defeated the Punjab Kings in a historic final.

This victory removed Kohli from the list of all-time greats without a title, leaving a new void in the hall of those who conquered every peak except the IPL summit.

Looking back over the last 18 seasons of the games’ premier franchise league, here is our ultimate Unlucky XI, which features outstanding players who, despite their individual records and impact on the league, never managed to lift the IPL trophy.

1. Chris Gayle

The ‘Universe Boss’ is arguably the greatest T20 batter of all time, but an IPL title is a glaring omission from his resume. Gayle’s peak years at RCB were defined by pure carnage, including his legendary 175* in 2013.

Despite multiple final appearances, most notably the heart breaking 2016 loss where he scored 76 off 38 balls, Gayle never got to hold the silverware before transitioning to Punjab Kings and later moving away from the league.

2. KL Rahul

Statistically, Rahul is one of the most prolific openers in IPL history, consistently crossing the 500-run mark season-after-season.

From his early days at RCB to leading Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, he has been a run-machine. While he led LSG to consecutive playoffs, the final step has always eluded him, making him one of the most high-profile active players still searching for a championship.

3. AB de Villiers

Known as ‘Mr. 360’, De Villiers redefined what was possible on a cricket field. His partnership with Kohli at RCB was the stuff of legend, yet the South Africa retired without a title to his name.

When RCB finally broke the curse in 2025, Kohli famously stated the victory belonged as much to AB as it did to the current squad, acknowledging the years of “heartbreak and hustle” they endured together.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

4. Rishabh Pant

Now at LSG, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter was previously the face of the Delhi Capitals (formerly Daredevils) for years. Pant has produced some of the league’s most audacious innings and successfully led his side to the playoffs.

However, Delhi remains one of the original franchises yet to taste title success, leaving their captain as one of the premier Indian stars without a trophy.

5. Glenn Maxwell

Maxwell has been a match-winner for multiple franchises, including a standout 2014 season with Kings XI Punjab where he led them to the final.

Despite finding a consistent home at RCB in later years and contributing to their deep playoff runs, he was no longer part of the title-winning core by the time they triumphed in 2025, leaving the Australia star on this list.

6. Chris Morris

For a time, Morris was the most expensive player in IPL auction history, valued for his rare ability to bowl 140kph at the death and hit massive sixes.

He played vital roles for Delhi, Rajasthan, and RCB, but despite being a high-impact “clutch” player, he never found himself on a winning podium before his retirement from the league.

7. Anil Kumble (captain)

The legendary leg-spinner led RCB to their first-ever final in 2009, where his magnificent spell of 4/16 was somehow not enough to secure victory against Deccan Chargers.

Kumble’s tactical acumen and sheer competitive will made him a great leader, but he remains the most iconic Indian captain to never win the IPL title.

8. Amit Mishra

Mishra is a triple-hat-trick hero and one of the leading wicket-takers in the league’s history.

His longevity is remarkable, yet he has spent much of his career with franchises like Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants that have struggled to cross the final hurdle. As a quintessential T20 wicket-taker, his lack of a winner’s medal is a statistical anomaly.

9. Dale Steyn

Widely considered the greatest fast bowler of his generation, Steyn’s IPL journey saw him terrorize batters for Deccan Chargers, SRH, and RCB.

His “burn” and precision were unmatched, but the timing of his stints never aligned with a championship-winning campaign, particularly missing out during SRH’s 2016 triumph as he was no longer a regular starter.

10. Zaheer Khan

The “Pro” was a master of swing and tactical bowling, serving as a mentor and leader for both RCB and Delhi.

While he won the World Cup with India in 2011, his IPL career ended without the domestic T20 trophy, despite several seasons where he was the backbone of his team’s bowling attack.

11. Yuzvendra Chahal

The leading wicket-taker in IPL history, Chahal was the heart of the RCB bowling attack for nearly a decade. After moving to Rajasthan Royals, he continued to dominate, but even a record-breaking tally of wickets hasn’t been enough to secure a title.

His exclusion from RCB’s 2025 winning squad means the league’s greatest spinner remains its most prominent trophyless bowler.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

The post The ultimate unlucky IPL XI – many seasons, no trophy appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/4zu7b3v

IPL predictions: KKR in survival mode, Mumbai Indians still struggling

The Indian Premier League continues with an intriguing set of fixtures.

Find out more via these IPL predictions.

We’re in for some cracking  clashes.

Kolkata Knight Riders v Rajasthan Royals

Key talking points

KKR

KKR enters this contest in survival mode, having just suffered a 5-wicket defeat to the Gujarat Titans on Friday. Despite record investments, their batting unit, particularly Finn Allen and Cameron Green, has failed to fire.

KKR have failed to secure a single victory in their first six matches for the first time in their 19-year history. They must win all eight remaining games to have a mathematical chance at the playoffs. It really is make or break time for them.

RR

The Rajasthan Royals sit comfortably in third place on the table with four wins from five matches.

Their batting is spearheaded by the prolific Yashasvi Jaiswal and 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has taken the league by storm with a strike rate exceeding 240.

Their bowling remains elite; Ravi Bishnoi and Jofra Archer have consistently stifled opposition in the middle and death overs respectively.

Remarkably, RR remains the only team this season to have successfully defended a sub-160 total twice, showcasing their defensive bowling depth.

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Chasing is the clear preference at Eden Gardens. Historically, the ground has a strong bias toward teams batting second.

Out of 103 IPL matches played here, the chasing side has won 58 times (56 percent), compared to 43 wins for the team batting first.

The average first-innings score at Eden Gardens stands at approximately 167 runs. However, recent seasons have seen a massive surge, with the team batting first often needing at least 185-plus to be competitive.

Former KKR captain Gautam Gambhir remains the all-time leading run-scorer at this venue with 1,407 runs.

Sunil Narine is the undisputed master of this turf, having taken 73 IPL wickets here—the most by any bowler at a single venue in the league’s history.

In April 2024, Eden Gardens witnessed the highest successful run chase in T20 history when the Punjab Kings chased down a target of 262/2 against KKR.

Conversely, the ground also holds the record for one of the lowest team totals in IPL history. In 2017, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru were famously bundled out for just 49 runs by KKR.

The stadium is known for its high boundary count. In 2026, it has consistently recorded an average of roughly 17 sixes per match, making it one of the most explosive venues for power hitters this season.

Weather

Expect intense heat in Kolkata this Sunday afternoon, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 37 degrees accompanied by high humidity.

Skies will be mainly clear with no chance of rain, though some thundery development is possible in the wider region later in the day. A light southerly breeze will offer minimal relief from the oppressive conditions in India.

Form

• KKR: L, L, L, NR, L.
• RR: L, W, W, W, W.

Predicted line-ups

KKR

Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane, Anukul Roy, Rinku Singh, Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sunil Narine, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Umran Malik, Blessing Muzarabani.

RR

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Donovan Ferreira, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Sandeep Sharma, Nandre Burger.

Key players

Rinku Singh

Rinku remains the heartbeat of KKR’s middle order, especially with the side desperate for their first win of 2026.

While his current season strike rate of 120.00 is below his peak, he thrives under pressure at this venue, famously striking five consecutive sixes here in 2023.

As the team’s newly appointed vice-captain, his ability to salvage a collapse or provide explosive cameos in the final overs is vital to reviving KKR’s flailing campaign.

Donavan Ferreira

The South African “finisher” has emerged as a game-changer for the Royals since his return to the franchise. He is in scintillating form, coming off a maiden IPL fifty, a brilliant 69 off 44 balls, against Sunrisers Hyderabad just days ago.

Ferreira’s rare versatility as a power-hitter, handy off-spinner, and occasional wicketkeeper provides RR with elite tactical flexibility. His strike rate of 148.94 this season makes him a terrifying prospect at the death.

Prediction: Rajasthan Royals

While KKR has the home advantage at Eden Gardens, their winless streak and disjointed powerplay bowling are massive liabilities.

The Royals boast superior momentum and a more balanced XI, particularly with the explosive form of Yashasvi Jaiswal and the clinical finishing of Donovan Ferreira.

Expect the Royals’ bowling depth to stifle KKR’s struggling middle order under pressure. While RR are a happy and settled unit, KKR still don’t appear to know what their best XI is.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

Punjab Kings v Lucknow Super Giants

Key talking points

PBKS

The Kings enter this fixture in imperious form, sitting at the top of the table after a dominant win over Mumbai Indians.

Captain Shreyas Iyer is the standout performer, boasting 137 runs at a strike rate of 187.67, while Yuzvendra Chahal remains a middle-overs menace.

PBKS have cruised through the 2026 IPL largely untroubled, chasing down scores of 195 and 219 in their last two outings with relative ease.

LSG

LSG are struggling for form and confidence, having lost three of their first five matches.

While Mitchell Marsh has provided some resistance at the top, the form of Nicholas Pooran, who is averaging just 8.4 this season, is a major concern.

Interestingly, despite their recent slumps, LSG still holds the record for the highest-ever total in this fixture (257/5), a fact they will hope inspires a turnaround on Sunday night.

Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh

Winning the toss is statistically huge at this venue. In its short IPL history, roughly 69% of matches have been won by the captain who won the toss.

In terms of setting or chasing a score the ground is incredibly balanced. Out of 13 matches, the side batting second has a slight edge with 7 wins to 6.

The average first innings score at the ground is approximately 172 runs.

The venue record for a team total is 228/5, set by the Mumbai Indians against the Gujarat Titans in May 2025.

Local star Shashank Singh leads the charts with 222 runs at this stadium. He is closely followed by fellow PBKS batter Prabhsimran Singh with 211 runs.

The Kings’ pace spearhead Arshdeep Singh thrives on the New Chandigarh bounce, holding the venue record for the most scalps with 12 wickets.

Priyansh Arya holds the record for the highest individual score here, smashing 103 off 42 balls against CSK in April 2025.

Weather

Conditions in New Chandigarh will be warm and overcast on Sunday evening, with temperatures lingering around 28 degrees following a daytime high of 38.

Humidity is low at around 15 percent, making the air feel relatively dry despite the cloud cover. There is a small chance of isolated thunderstorms developing late in the evening, accompanied by light winds.

Form

• PBKS: W, W, NR, W, W.
• LSG: L, L, W, W, L.

Predicted line-ups

PBKS

Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Cooper Connolly, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.

LSG

Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Mukul Choudhary, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Shami.

Key players

Shreyas Iyer

As the captain and batting anchor of PBKS, Iyer has been the driving force behind Punjab’s rise to the top of the table. His ability to manipulate the field and dominate spin during the middle overs is crucial at the New Chandigarh stadium.

Currently boasting a strike rate of over 180, he provides the tactical stability that allows Punjab’s aggressive hitters to flourish. If Iyer settles in, he typically guides PBKS to match-winning totals.

Rishabh Pant

Pant remains the “X-factor” for his struggling Lucknow side. Following a minor injury scare, his return to full fitness is a massive boost for LSG’s middle order.

Known for his unorthodox stroke play and ability to dismantle world-class bowling, Pant is the primary candidate to counter Punjab’s spin threat of Yuzvendra Chahal.

His aggressive intent is vital for LSG if they are to overhaul a high target on this batting-friendly surface.

Prediction: Punjab Kings

PBKS are currently the most balanced side in the competition, enjoying a prolific run of form that has taken them to the top of the table.

With Shreyas Iyer anchoring a fearless batting line-up and Arshdeep Singh the master of local conditions, they should prove too clinical for a struggling Lucknow side who have too many stars lacking form.

Gujarat Titans v Mumbai Indians

Key talking points

GT

The Titans enter this fixture with a mixed record of three wins and two losses from five games, placing them mid-table.

Captain Shubman Gill remains their cornerstone, recently bolstered by the arrival of South African sensation Connor Esterhuizen to replace the departed Tom Banton.

Form-wise, the top order has been dominant, with Gill and Sai Sudharsan frequently providing platforms. The Titans rely notably on their top three, who historically score over 75% of the team’s runs.

MI

Mumbai Indians are currently struggling near the bottom of the standings with one win and four losses. A significant blow to their campaign is the hamstring injury to Rohit Sharma, who is expected to miss this clash.

Despite the losses, MI’s batting remains explosive; Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock have both notched high individual scores this season.

Interestingly, MI’s spinners, led by Mitchell Santner, took the most wickets in the middle overs last season, a trend they are desperate to replicate to arrest their current slide.

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

The venue is remarkably balanced between setting and chasing, with a 51 percent win rate for teams batting first (23 wins) and 49% for chasing sides (22 wins) across a total of 45 IPL matches.

While the historical average first-innings score is around 178 runs, the 2025 season saw this rise to an average of 219 runs, marking it out as a very high-scoring venue.

The Undisputed King of Ahmedabad is Shubman Gill who dominates the venue with 1,109 runs in 23 innings, including three centuries.

GT’s Mohit Sharma leads the list of the top IPL wicket takers at the ground with 29 scalps, including a venue-best 5/10 against MI in 2023.

The highest team total at this stadium is 243/5, set by the Punjab Kings against the Gujarat Titans in March 2025.

Conversely, the ground saw a record-low score for a home team, with GT dismissed for just 89 runs by the Delhi Capitals in April 2024.

Despite the balanced historical win record, the heavy evening dew often leads captains to prefer bowling first in night games to aid the chase.

Weather

Monday evening in Ahmedabad will be notably hot and mainly clear. After a searing daytime maximum of 39 degrees, the temperature will slowly settle toward 30 by the evening.

No rain is expected, and the relative humidity will be low at approximately 30 percent. Light winds will persist, providing little cooling effect after the sun sets over the parched landscape.

Form

• GT: W, W, W, L, L.
• MI: L, L, L, L, W.

Predicted line-ups

GT

Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Connor Esterhuizen, Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

MI

Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Sherfane Rutherford, Mitchell Santner, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Mayank Markande.

Key players

Glenn Phillips

Phillips has become the Titans’ versatile “X-factor” in the middle order. Known for his freakish athletic ability and 360-degree stroke play, he is essential for maintaining momentum during the middle overs against Mumbai’s spin.

His ability to double as a reliable wicketkeeper and a handy off spinner gives GT immense tactical flexibility.

He hasn’t scored many runs this season, but he looked good in taking the Titans to the brink of victory last time out as he was dismissed with the win in sight.

Quinton de Kock

With Rohit Sharma sidelined, the pressure is squarely on the veteran South African to anchor the innings.

De Kock made his first appearance of IPL 2026 in the previous game, and even though MI ultimately lost, it was not for lack of runs from QDK.

The veteran South African, who opened with compatriot Ryan Rickelton made an undefeated 112 from 60 balls. De Kock averages 31.67 in IPL with three centuries to his credit.

Prediction: Gujarat Titans

Playing at home in Ahmedabad gives them a significant edge, especially with Shubman Gill’s incredible scoring record at this venue.

While Mumbai possesses explosive individual talent, the absence of Rohit Sharma leaves a void in their leadership and top-order stability.

GT’s superior bowling balance, led by Rashid Khan, should successfully exploit MI’s current middle-order inconsistency. A big concern for MI is their key strike bowler Jasprit Bumrah who has yet to take a single wicket this season.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

The post IPL predictions: KKR in survival mode, Mumbai Indians still struggling appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/zxB30X5

Revealed: The greatest IPL one-season wonders of all time

The Indian Premier League is a stage where careers are born, but for some, the spotlight shines blindingly bright for just a single season before fading into the shadows of cricketing trivia.

These ‘one-season wonders’ captured the imagination of millions, often playing pivotal roles in their team’s success or rewriting record books, only to never replicate those heights again.

Following the start of the 19^th season of the IPL, as RCB start their quest to defend their title, it is the perfect time to look back some of those individual campaigns that felt like destiny but ended up as isolated anomalies.

1. Paul Valthaty (Kings XI Punjab, 2011)

Valthaty’s 2011 season is the gold standard for IPL one-hit wonders. An unheralded name at the time, he stunned the world with a blistering 120* off 63 balls against a powerhouse Chennai Super Kings side.

He finished the season with 463 runs and even chipped in with a 4-wicket haul, briefly becoming the league’s most talked-about player.

Injuries and a sharp dip in form saw him manage just 36 runs over the next two seasons before he disappeared from the IPL landscape entirely.

2. Swapnil Asnodkar (Rajasthan Royals, 2008)

In the inaugural 2008 season, the diminutive Asnodkar was the fearless engine of the champion Rajasthan Royals. Under Shane Warne’s mentorship, he formed a lethal opening partnership with Graeme Smith, amassing 311 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate of 133.

His fearless cutting and pulling against world-class pacers were vital to the Royals’ title win. However, in the three seasons that followed, he could never reclaim that spark, eventually fading into domestic obscurity.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

3. James Faulkner (Rajasthan Royals, 2013)

Australia star Faulkner’s 2013 campaign was statistically absurd. He became the first bowler in IPL history to take two five-wicket hauls in a single season, finishing with 28 wickets, the third-most in any individual IPL season at the time.

His back-of-the-hand slower balls were unpickable. While he remained a useful all-rounder for a few years, he never again came close to that level of wicket-taking dominance, with his economy rate ballooning in later years.

4. Manvinder Bisla (Kolkata Knight Riders, 2012)

Bisla’s wonder status is defined by one of the most high-stakes innings in history. In the 2012 final, he was a late inclusion for an injured Brendon McCullum and proceeded to smash 89 off 48 balls to chase down CSK’s massive total.

It was a performance that brought KKR their first title. While he played a few more seasons, including a decent 2013, he never managed to sustain the momentum of a frontline match-winner and was eventually released and went unsold by 2016.

5. Manpreet Gony (Chennai Super Kings, 2008)

Gony was the breakout pace star of the first-ever IPL. His ability to hit the deck hard and extract bounce earned him 17 wickets in 16 games, helping CSK reach the final. His performances were so impressive that he was immediately fast-tracked into the Indian national team.

Unfortunately, he struggled to adapt as batters figured out his length, and his subsequent seasons were marred by inconsistency and high economy rates.

6. Siddharth Kaul (Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2018)

Kaul was the linchpin of an SRH bowling attack that defended paltry totals throughout 2018. He finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker for his team with 21 wickets, utilizing a lethal knuckleball to great effect.

This earned him an India call-up, but his effectiveness waned almost immediately. By 2024, he was released by RCB and went unsold in the auction, unable to replicate the “death-overs” magic of his peak year.

7. Saurabh Tiwary (Mumbai Indians, 2010)

Tiwary was famously dubbed the “next MS Dhoni” due to his long hair and Jharkhand roots. In 2010, he lived up to the hype, scoring 419 runs and winning the “Under-23 Player of the Tournament” award.

His power-hitting was a key reason Mumbai reached their first final. However, after a big money move to RCB the following year, his scoring dried up.

Though he remained in the league for a decade as a squad player, he never again crossed the 400-run mark or influenced a season the way he did in 2010.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

The post Revealed: The greatest IPL one-season wonders of all time appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/gGy28lz