IPL 2014: 5 players who faded away after a brilliant start to the tournament

IPL 7 is in the history books and it was undoubtedly one of the best seasons in terms of cricket.The recently concluded season saw players from across the world put in their best efforts to ensure their franchises success.For every Mohit Sharma there was one Mohammed Shami and for every Sanju Samson there was one Parthiv Patel.Then, there were players who started the season with a bang and slowly faded away as itprogressed.Here are 5 such players who failed to capitalise on their initial momentum during the later stages of the tournament:

#5 Dwayne Smith

This choice will put me under some storm but the Caribbean was not himself at the time Chennai were forced out in the playoffs. The Dwayne Smith that started this season was a name which frightened bowling attacks and saw Chennai nearly cruise through the league matches.

His slump in the final stages not only harmed his confidence but ensured that the Super Kings were not taking the cup home this time.

Last 6 performances (in runs): 9, 5, 47, 34, 24, 7

#4 Pravin Tambe

Once the biggest sensation this season, picking up a hat-trick against mighty KKR and holding the Purple Cap for a while, this 42-year-old was lost in the shuffle as many other names took care of the limelight.

He could only pick up 3 wickets in last 6 matches and that was one of the reasons for the talented side Rajasthan Royals to not qualify for the play-offs.

Last 6 performances (with the ball): 1/21, 1/38, 0/34, 1/24, 0/36, 0/25

#3 Yuzvendra Chahal

After being instrumental in many of RCB’s victory in the initial stages, Chahal totally lost his grip on the game.

His outings in second half of the season turned out to be very ordinary and he easily faded and forgotten in the light of his own below par performances. In the last few matches, he stayed wicketless while still going for costly overs. His failure was an important factor in a forgettable season for Virat Kohli led Bangalore.

Last 6 performances (with the ball): 1/24, 1/45, 0/27, 0/32, 0/50, 0/24

#2 James Faulkner

After initially failing in few matches, Faulkner turned out to be the biggest match winner for the Royals as the season progressed.

That didn’t last long either for this Tasmania starlet. One thing let to another and his bowling let his team down again and again. By the end of the qualifier against Mumbai, he had become an embarrassment for his side.

Last 6 performances (with the ball): 1/42, 1/37, 1/6, 0/47, 1/39, 0/54

#1 Glenn Maxwell

“Glenndeep Singh Maxwell” was the Orange Cap bearer and the best batsman of the season with most number of sixes. There was no stopping him.

Then something went wrong. There was a sudden slump in form and he could never quite recover from it till the very end.

Whether it was the questionable decision of the think tank to sit him out for Shaun Marsh for one match which distracted his momentum or something else, this champion batsman totally lost his midas touch by the conclusion of the series.

Last 6 performances (in runs): 14, 2, 0, 6, 13, 0