Here are the hits and flops of IPL 2019
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 concludes on Sunday, May 12. It has been a fascinating journey as we witnessed several high octane encounters. Before the league started, several high-profile players were expected to light up the campaign once again. Notably, on one hand some players left a mark, whereas others faltered. Here we look at the hits and flops of IPL 2019.
Warner and Rahul stole the show with the bat
David Warner showed no sense of rustiness after returning after a 12-month ban. The Sunrisers Hyderabad player is set to win the Orange Cap after amassing 692 runs. The southpaw smashed one hundred and eight fifties at an average of 69.20. KXIP's KL Rahul was top notch as well. He repeated the heroics of last season. Rahul (593) amassed one hundred and six fifties.
Russell and Pandya were the most valuable all-rounders
Andre Russell lit up IPL 2019 with effortless sixes as he smashed 52 of them. The KKR all-rounder was the best performer for his side with 510 runs and 11 wickets. He was a class act and defined T20 cricket. Hardik Pandya shined for MI throughout the season and helped them reach the final. He has struck 386 runs, besides claiming 14 scalps.
Bowlers Rabada and Tahir bring consistency
Kagiso Rabada ended the IPL 2019 campaign with 25 wickets from just 12 matches. An injury ruled him out of the final phase for DC, but Rabada did his job effortlessly. He averaged 14.72 and claimed two four-wicket hauls. CSK's ace leg-spinner Imran Tahir stood out for the defenders with 24 wickets. He might finish as the Purple Cap holder after the finale tonight.
Karthik and Rayudu way off their mark this season
Dinesh Karthik not only struggled as a batsman, but he also flopped as KKR's captain. His decision-making during KKR's six consecutive losses was the turning point. DK managed only 253 runs in 14 matches. Ambati Rayudu's form has been a talking point for CSK. The veteran's strike-rate of 93.97 is questionable as he often slowed down the proceedings. He has managed just 281 runs.
Ben Stokes and Sunil Narine fail as all-rounders
After being off the pace last season, Ben Stokes failed to provide substance for RR this term as well. He managed just 123 runs in nine matches. The million dollar man claimed just six wickets at an economy-rate of 11.22. Sunil Narine endured a poor campaign for KKR. He scored just 143 runs and took 10 scalps at an average of 34.70.
Kuldeep and Unadkat fail with the ball
Kuldeep Yadav was way below his standards for KKR and that hurt the side badly. He was dropped from the playing XI after nine games. The wrist-spinner averaged 71.50 with the ball and was nowhere near to last season's show. After garnering mega bucks last season, Jaydev Unadkat never lived up to the billing for the second consecutive campaign. His economy-rate (10.66) hurt RR.
