IPL 2011 - New Heroes on the Rise and Big Names who have Bombed

Now that the IPL season 4 has reached it’s midway point, it’s time to take a restrospective look at how the tournament has progressed so far and do some analysis. Some heroes have emerged while some big name players have bombed big time. Let’s a look at them.

NEW HEROES ON THE RISE

1. Paul Valthaty – He came into limelight this season with his blitzkrieg innings against defending champions Chennai Superkings — a classy innings of powerhitting producing 120* against the tournament’s favourites. Few know that in 2010 he played a couple of matches for Rajasthan Royals. As an under 19 he was unlucky to get his eye injured and then it was his determination and hard work which brought him back to cricketing arena. He followed up his 120* with a 75 and 4/29 and since then he has been a regular star for Punjab Kings XI. IPL 2011 has proved to be the stage for Paul to make a name for himself and get a big break into the Indian team.

Paul Valthaty of Kings XI has so far the rising star who has captured headlines the most

2. Rahul Sharma – As I write this, he has just finished a marvelous spell of 4-0-7-2, figures any bowler would be proud of. This leg break bowler from Jalandhar has been the best bowler for Pune Warriors conceding runs at a miserly economy rate of 5.27. In 9 matches he has picked 11 wickets. Though his first class career has not been great, he has age on his side and the skill to take him places. Surprisingly he has a first class highest score of 95.

Rahul Sharma's stint has been all smiles

3. Sunny Sohal – This lad hailing from Mohali has proved to be a steady opener for Deccan Chargers. He has scored 195 runs from seven outings at a good strike rate of 140. He was a member of India under 19 and currently plays for Punjab. Deccan will be looking forward to more runs at the top from him.

Sunny Sohal: Leading the Deccan Charge

4. Manoj Tiwary – Though not a player new to the circuit, his contribution to a star studded Kolkata Knight Riders has been immense. He has emerged as the finisher for them in a team which already boasts of top quality lower order batsmen like Yusuf Pathan and Eoin Morgan. Averaging 87 from 9 games, Tiwary has shown what a capable youngster he is. Certainly a name to watch out for in the future.

Manoj Tiwari: Knight in shining armour

5. Ambati Rayadu – After the Little Master Sachin Tendulkar, Rayudu has been Mumbai’s next highest run getter with 290 runs from 9 outings. Probably he has benefited from batting in the company of the legendary master. Rayudu’s career has been a see-saw ride. After making waves as a youngster, he lost his form and also ended up in problems with administration. After a stint at ICL, everything seemed lost when MI picked him. He has repaid them with some fine innings. The second season has shown that he is mature player.

Ambati Rayudu: Benefiting from the company of the Little Master

BIG NAME FLOPS

1. Irfan Pathan – I frankly don’t know what Delhi Daredevils thought when they bought Irfan Pathan for $1900000. He was neither in the national ODI or test team but still found huge valuation in the auction – a mystery I wonder if I will ever solve. His contribution to the Daredevils has been a paltry 68 runs in 9 outings and 6 wickets at an economy of 7.62. Pretty ordinary or below expectation from a player who held huge promise to Indian swing bowling at a time. A player clearly on the downfall, Irfan Pathan has done little to improve his chances.

Frustrating times these are for Irfan Pathan

2. Saurabh Tiwary – After making name with Mumbai Indians, Tiwary was there in the auction as a hit machine. A player who relies on his power, he was bought at a staggering $1600000 by RCB – a valuation not really out of the world. So far his contribution to RCB has been 95 runs in 7 outings. His big hitting has not seemed to work this time around and he has failed to live up the expectations he built during his time with Mumbai.

Saurabh Tiwary: False start to his RCB career

3. Cameron White – After a bad World Cup by his high standards, the IPL was his ticket to prove he is a player who can leave behind a bad patch and rise from the ashes. But things haven’t gone right for White. His 5 outings for DC has fetched only 89 runs and more agonizingly at a strike rate of 91.75. It’s a big disappointment for a player of his caliber. He may be just one knock away from regaining his touch.

Cameron White's woes from the World Cup continue in the IPL

4. Muttiah Muralitharan – “If Warne could do it why not Murali” would have been Kochi’s thoughts when they bought Murali for $1100000. Not only has he lacked his wicket taking instinct but also his stringent bowling line which has been associated with low economy. In 4 matches he has got 2 wickets at an economy rate of 7.66. This must be a new realm for Murali to be in, after all he is used to consistent success. Maybe it is time Mr.800 got away from cricket.

Mr. 800 has failed to click for Kochi so far

5. Dinesh Karthik – For me, Dinesh Karthik has always been unlucky to an extent and also an under achiever to an extent. When he was drafted into Kings XI which lacked big names, many expected him to rise up to the occasion – yet another of the many chances he has got. 94 runs from 7 innings is not worthy by any standards. He should try and try to be the stabilizing factor in Punjab’s middle order. Hope to see more runs from his blade.

Fading from focus

The above are some of the names I felt have made/not made an impact this IPL. Zak may be one name many would want to be included in the second list. But I have tried to look into the best among the not so known and the worst among the known. Let us hope IPL 2011 unearths more heroes.