IPL 2014: 5 star Indian batsmen who have disappointed the most

The seventh edition of the Indian Premier League is almost halfway through and we’ve already witnessed numerous breathtaking moments – the best of the lot being yesterday’s AB de Villiers onslaught, closely followed by Chris Lynn's stunning catch to dismiss the former in a separate game. Nonetheless, over and all, the bowlers have been terrific this season as scores in excess of 180 have been far and few between. What has gone unnoticed, in the midst of so many colours, is the performance of Team India’s mainstays. While bowlers like R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have upped their game to a whole new level, Shami and Amit Mishra have put up decent shows. It is the batsmen who haven’t impressed. Apart from the CSK skipper MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane, none of the other batters have stepped up, which can never be good news from the national perspective. Here's a sideshow depicting the 5 Indian batsmen who haven't done justice to their reputation, at all, in the IPL, so far:

#1 Virat Kohli Avg. 21, SR 110.52

How often is Virat Kohli accused of ordinary displays? Virtually, never! Not too long ago, he was in the purple patch of his career, a purple patch which seemed indefinite. In red colours, however, he hasn't quite delivered with the bat, yet, much to the disappointment of passionate RCB fans and desperate fantasy league players.

Apart from the match-winning 49* in the first game against Delhi Daredevils, Kohli has put together a meager 56 runs in 5 matches; which is nowhere near acceptable for someone of his standard.

Being the captain of his side, his individual presentation as a batter is bound to have a profound impact on the players around him. This inevitability could be fathomed from the fact that only 2 RCB batsmen – one of them being a lusterless Yuvraj Singh, finds a place in the 20 leading run-getters so far.

Kohli’s defence has been gotten through once and his outside edge has been found thrice – far too much for his liking. He would be irresistibly eager to set things right and compile an innings which inspires confidence in his team, and more importantly, in himself.

#2 Rohit Sharma Avg. 20.50, SR 111.81

Until the last season of IPL, there was a popular notion that Rohit Sharma tends to do well for his IPL franchise, but doesn’t convert that form when in Indian colours. Well, this season, the case has been diametrically opposite. Coming into the IPL on the back of responsible performances in the World T20, one would have expected him to make most of the touch he was in.

It wasn’t to be as his good old nemesis of non-conversion of starts has emerged again. Although, the positive, which holds serious relevance, is that he hasn’t appeared lazy and reckless at the crease; which could, obviously, be attributed to the responsibility of captaincy.

The UAE leg was as poor as it could get for Rohit the captain and to an extent, Rohit the batter. Now that they have come back home and more significantly, won a match at Wankhede should help him rediscover his form.

#3 Shikhar Dhawan Avg. 20.33, SR 110.90

First things first. Shikhar Dhawan is not a captaincy material. Be it while his bowlers get carted, or while he is batting, or even in interviews, for that matter, Dhawan has looked jittery and uneasy. Perhaps influenced by Rohit Sharma’s success with Mumbvai Indians last year, his national team’s opening partner Dhawan was lent with Sunrisers’ skipper’s role.

Nonetheless, his poor batting form is highlighted by the fact that he hasn’t crossed the 50-run mark even once in the 6 innings he’s batted in. His method of dismissal is all the more troubling. Known for his expertise at caressing the ball through covers region, Dhawan has been out caught at point and cover-point on 3 occassions.

Dhawan’s form has seen a stark reversal in fortunes, in recent times, especially in limited overs cricket. The South African tour, in particular, seems to have made him doubt his game, which as a result, has curbed his aggressive play, a wee bit.

#4 Yuvraj Singh - Avg. 27.00, SR 112.50

A 14-crore price tag in the auction followed by a forgetful show in the World T20 final meant that all the attention would transfix on one Yuvraj Singh. The sorry figure cut by Yuvraj Singh in this tournament doesn’t come as a surprise to many, I guess.

The World T20 bluntly exposed Yuvi’s susceptibility to the short ball. Anticipating the half-tracker all the time, he was caught in two minds even to the full-pitched stuff. If that wasn’t enough, the mighty power in his shoulders, too, seems to have foregone as clearing the boundary, in itself, seems to have become a tough ask for his shoulders.

In a brief interview before a match, he was heard saying that he would be happy being 4th when competing with Kohli, Gayle and de Villiers to hit the longest six. Well, that is not the belligerent Yuvraj Singh we know.

He may have scored 135 runs, so far, at an average of 27, but the main concern has been his run-scoring rate – which stands at 112.50. If that wasn't enough, his head has constantly been at the receiving end of fast bouncers from Johnson, Shami and even, Ishant Sharma.

The future of Yuvraj Singh the cricketer seems bleak, yet I hope and pray I’m proved wrong.

#5 Suresh Raina Avg. 21.66, SR 120.37

While his showing as a fielder has been truly spectacular, Raina’s batting form has left a lot be desired. Raina’s nemesis in the tournament so far has been pathetic shot selection, more than anything else. On more than one occasion, he has found the fielder in the deep in a bid to up the ante.

It isn’t that he is struggling to find the middle of his bat; Raina’s timing has been sumptuous during his brief stays at the crease. With the CSK openers providing excellent platforms, almost every time, all the eyes are on the middle order to bring out the ‘slog’ early. Raina, rather, thrives on the idea of building an innings and subsequently teeing off.

Having said that, Raina is experienced and capable enough to produce much better than an average and strike rate combination of 21.66 and 120.37.