The IPL 2022 is moving into its business end with all the teams having played at least 9 matches each. We also have one team eliminated – five-time winner Mumbai Indians – and defending champions Chennai Super Kings are one more loss away from eilimination, while Gujarat Titans, with 16 points in 10 games, have all but sealed their playoff spot. Others continue to tussle for a coveted top-four position.
While there have been a number of players who were bought cheaply and have done really well for their teams, there are other high-priced individuals who have been disappointing on the field.
Here we look at 5 expensive players who have so far been a flop in IPL 2022:
Ravindra Jadeja- INR 16 crore
Ravindra Jadeja was retained for 16 crore as the first priority by Chennai Super Kings as it had been decided that he will be the lead the side in IPL 2022. However, his captaincy stint lasted only 8 games, out of which CSK won only two, and the all-rounder gave the leadership back to MS Dhoni to focus on his own dipping performance.
One of the CSK’s significant contributors last season, Jadeja had been bogged down by captaincy pressure and his individual numbers took a hit. In 10 innings so far, he has scored only 116 runs, despite taking a promotion in the batting order, at a strike rate of 118; his best is a mere 26*. With the ball, the southpaw has managed just 5 wickets in 10 matches at a high bowling average of 49.
Rohit Sharma – INR 16 crore
Another big retention who has been a shocking flop is Mumbai Indians’ captain Rohit Sharma. While Rohit has got a few starts with the bat, he’s been unable to convert any of them into a big or match-winning score; his best is 41.
In 9 matches, the MI opener has managed 155 runs, averaging 17 at an uninspiring strike rate of 123. Rohit’s failure at the top has affected his team results.
Ishan Kishan – INR 15.25 crore
The second-most expensive Indian player at an IPL auction, Ishan Kishan eked out 15.25 crore from MI’s purse. After starting the season with two blistering knocks – 81* and 53 – Kishan’s form took a surprising nosedive. since the third game, the southpaw has managed scores: 14, 26, 3, 13, 0, 8, 26.
What’s been more disappointing has been his strike rate of 81 in these games! That’s very low from an opener who’s known for his attacking instincts and aggressive style of play.
Shardul Thakur – INR 10.75 crore
After an impressive all-rounder performance in the past year – for CSK and for India – leading into the mega-auction, Shardul Thakur elicited big bids, finally going to Delhi Capitals to 10.75 crore.
But, the Lord’s performances haven’t been upto his standards – 7 wickets in 9 matches at an economy of 9.75. The Capitals would want Thakur to better his bowling going into the last four league stage matches.
Shahrukh Khan – INR 9 crore
While there was no surprise that Shahrukh Khan got a contract worth a whopping 9 crore by Punjab Kings at the mega-auction – he had been in surreal form in domestic cricket in both white and red-ball cricket – he wasn’t able to take the IPL by storm as he was expected to, and was eventually dropped from Punjab’s eleven. The Tamil Nadu batter has scored 98 runs in 7 matches at a poor strike rate of just100!!
