The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the biggest cricketing events in the world, known for its glitz and glamour, and its star-studded lineup of players. Every year, fans are treated to some incredible performances by some of the biggest names in the sport. However, there are always a few players who play a crucial role in their team’s success but often go unnoticed. In this article, we take a look at 5 such unsung heroes of IPL.
Deepak Chahar (Chennai Super Kings)
Deepak Chahar has been a vital cog in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowling attack over the years. Despite not having the same star power as some of his teammates, Chahar has consistently delivered for the team. In the 2018 IPL season, he took 10 wickets in 12 matches with an economy rate of just 7.28. He followed it up with an even better performance in the 2019 season, taking 22 wickets in 17 matches and helping CSK reach the final. Chahar’s ability to swing the ball and take wickets in the powerplay overs has been crucial for CSK’s success.
Rahul Tewatia (Rajasthan Royals)
Rahul Tewatia shot to fame in the 2020 IPL season when he played a match-winning knock for the Rajasthan Royals against the Kings XI Punjab. However, his contributions to the team go beyond that one innings. Tewatia is a handy all-rounder who can bowl tight spells and score quick runs lower down the order. In the 2020 season, he scored 255 runs and took 10 wickets in 14 matches. Tewatia’s ability to contribute in multiple areas makes him a valuable asset for the Royals.
Rashid Khan (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Rashid Khan is widely regarded as one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, but his performances often go unnoticed due to the lack of hype surrounding him. Rashid has been a consistent performer for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) since his debut in 2017. In the 2020 season, he took 20 wickets in 16 matches with an economy rate of just 5.37. Rashid’s ability to bowl tight spells in the middle overs and take wickets has been crucial for SRH’s success.
Trent Boult (Mumbai Indians)
Trent Boult was one of the key players in Mumbai Indians’ title-winning campaign in the 2020 IPL season. Boult formed a lethal bowling partnership with Jasprit Bumrah, taking 25 wickets in 15 matches with an economy rate of just 7.97. While Bumrah received most of the plaudits, Boult’s performances were equally important in Mumbai’s success. Boult’s ability to swing the ball and take early wickets has been a huge asset for Mumbai.
Washington Sundar (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Washington Sundar has been a consistent performer for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) over the years, but his contributions often go unnoticed. Sundar is a handy off-spinner who can bowl tight spells in the powerplay overs and also score quick runs lower down the order. In the 2020 season, he took 8 wickets in 15 matches with an economy rate of just 5.96. Sundar’s ability to keep things tight with the ball and chip in with crucial runs has been crucial for RCB’s success.
While the IPL is known for its star-studded lineup of players, there are always a few unsung heroes who play a crucial role in their
team’s success. These players may not have the same level of hype surrounding them as their more famous teammates, but they are just as important to the team’s success. Deepak Chahar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Trent Boult, and Washington Sundar are just a few examples of such unsung heroes in the IPL.
It is important to acknowledge the contributions of these players as they often go unnoticed in the midst of all the glamour and hype surrounding the IPL. They may not always grab the headlines, but their contributions are just as vital to their team’s success as the performances of the more well-known players.
The IPL has always been a platform for young and upcoming talent to showcase their skills, and the success of these unsung heroes is a testament to the depth of talent in the league. While it is important to celebrate the achievements of the big-name players, it is equally important to acknowledge the contributions of these unsung heroes who play a crucial role in the success of their teams.
