IBL Season 1: How did the icon players fare?

Krrissh Delhi Smashers: Jwala Gutta

Record : Played : 2, Won : 1, Lost : 1

Jwala Gutta did more cheer-leading than playing at the IBL (Getty Images)

For all the controversy around the auctions and reduction in the base price, Jwala Gutta ended up having a very sober and meek IBL I should say. A shoulder injury prevented her from participating for a majority of the IBL and she ended up with a 50-50 record in the two matches she did play.

In the opening match of the IBL, she faced off with her ex-partner Ashwini Ponnappa in what turned out to be a thrilling match and the decider of the tie. After the loss in this game, she was ruled out for the remaining matches. Her next appearance came in what was the last match for the Delhi Smashers, as she combined with her ex-teammate V. Diju to win a closely fought tie against the international pair of Carsten Mogensen and Carolina Marin.

This IBL, Jwala will be remembered more for her cheer-leading skills, as she was seen on the sidelines spurring her team-mates on, despite being injured for most of the tournament. Jwala should hope that the next season has a women’s doubles match in the format to exhibit her skills better and to make a greater impact on the results of her team.