IPL: regional flavour goes bland

For the cricketers from this region, IPL has been rather subdued so far. Except for Haryana’s leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been outstanding for Royal Challengers Bangalore and is currently fourth on the top wicket-takers’ list, no batsman or bowler figures on the top-ten list. At the halfway stage, here’s a look at the performance, or the lack of it, of the region’s big guns.

Yuvraj Singh : Sunrisers Hyderabad

M R H

6 96 62

The newly-wed left-hander started off with a bang, smashing a 27-ball 62 against his former team Royal Challengers Bangalore in their opening game. The honeymoon phase didn’t last long as he tallied just 34 runs in his next five games. Besides, skipper David Warner hasn’t used his spin much — he’s been given only one over this season. The lack of runs from his willow has gone a little unnoticed as the team is doing quite well, having won four of eight matches.

Harbhajan Singh: Mumbai Indians

In a surprise move, Mumbai Indians dropped Harbhajan Singh for their opening game. In the next seven games, the feisty Sardar proved that it was a wrong move. While the wickets column shows just four wickets, his stingy economy rate of 5.88 has been a crucial factor in Mumbai’s successful run that has seen them win six of their eight games.

Mohit Sharma: Kings XI Punjab

The Haryana pacer, playing for Kings XI Punjab, made a reputation for himself during his years with Chennai Super Kings. His tight line and length and his use of the slower ball, especially in the death overs, made it difficult for the batsmen to score freely off him. This time, though, he has been leaking runs at close to nine per over, and the five wickets he’s picked up have cost over 45 runs each.

Sandeep Sharma: Kings XI Punjab

The Punjab pacer, too, has been quite expensive. His accuracy and the ability to swing the ball both ways generally keep the batsmen guessing, but he’s yet to make an impact this season. As the tournament progresses, he will hope to get his economy rate down to eight or thereabouts.

Manan Vohra: Kings XI Punjab

The Punjab batsman seems to have everything that’s required to succeed on this stage — he’s got the strokes and looks compact and stylish. He tends to play an awesome shot, raising everyone’s expectations, only to fall soon to generally a soft dismissal. He smashed a fine 95 against Hyderabad, a team with a good bowling attacks, to show his class but he needs a few more such knocks if KXIP are to make the knockout stage.

Yuzvendra Chahal: Royal Challengers Bangalore

The Haryana leg-spinner has been one of the few leading lights for the floundering Royal Challengers Bangalore. He has picked up wickets in every game except one, and has stemmed the flow of runs, too, with his accuracy and guile. He’s picked up two three-wicket hauls, and RCB would be happy with more of that.

Bipul Sharma: Sunrisers Hyderabad

The Himachal skipper, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, hasn’t got enough opportunities. But the all-rounder, who bowls left-arm spin, has made good use of whatever chances came his way. He has been quite economical with the ball and played a 21-run cameo in the only opportunity he got with the bat.

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A few others from the region who got limited chance: 

Mandeep Singh: Royal Challengers Bangalore 

Has played six innings in seven matches, with a best of 28 against KXIP. He'd be very keen to raise his game.

Rishi Dhawan: Kolkata Knight Riders

The Himachal Pradesh lad, who was signed up by KKR for Rs 55 lakh earlier this year, hasn’t got a game yet.

Manpreet Gony : Gujarat Lions

Played 1 match, against KKR, had bowling figures of 0/32 in 2 overs.

Gurkeerat Mann: Kings XI Punjab

Played one match, against Mumbai Indians, but did not get to bat or bowl.

Siddarth Kaul: Sunrisers Hyderabad

Has played three games, bowled 10.4 overs in all, and picked up two wickets. Has been quite expensive, giving away runs at 9.65 an over.

Barinder Sran: Sunrisers Hyderabad

The Sirsa-born paceman, who broke into the national team early last year, has played only one game and bowled only two overs, which cost his team 29 runs.