IPL 2018: 5 most unlikely openers seen in the IPL
In a game of such small margins, teams often have to make unconventional choices. In case of the IPL, it is particularly true, due to the cap on the number of overseas players a team can play in an eleven. Hence, experiments and quirky moves are par for the course.
However, the opener’s slot is something that teams are loathed to experiment with for obvious reasons. It is the launch pad that teams need but IPL team have sent in opening batsmen that seemed unlikely at the time.
Some of them turned out to be successes and even turned into regular openers. On the other hand, some were temporary in nature. Here is a look at 5 of those openers.
#5 Praveen Kumar
The Indian fast bowler can hold his own with the bat when he is required to bat but, no one quite expected Praveen Kumar to open the innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore, back in the first edition of the IPL in 2008.
It was perhaps a testament to the horror season they ended up having that year.
Due to the injuries suffered by some of the batsmen, RCB had no other option but to send in their fast bowler Praveen Kumar to open the innings with Wasim Jaffer in the game against the Delhi Daredevils.
Considering the fact that Delhi had made 191, it was a bold move. Kumar hit one boundary and lasted five deliveries before being dismissed by Glenn McGrath. He made 6 runs, and although, RCB tried gamely, they ended up losing by 10 runs.