5 instances when IPL teams relied on a single player
The Indian Premier League is one tournament which involves players from around the globe. The International players are the most prized asset to the teams as only four are allowed in the playing XI. In many editions, we have witnessed the importance of the overseas players who have had to single-handedly perform exceptionally well and help their team to qualify for the playoffs. It is their contribution which leads to the team’s success. Here are 5 players on whom their teams depended heavily over the years:
1. Shaun March (KXIP) (2008)
Back in 2008, Shaun Marsh arrived in the IPL as an unknown property and outshone some of the biggest names in World cricket. Playing for the Kings XI Punjab, he smashed 616 runs in 11 matches at a staggering average of 68.44 with one ton and five fifties. And with that, he was also the first winner of the Orange Cap in Indian Premier League (IPL) history.
He was the lone star for Kings with the bat in that season and he single-handedly ensured that the team made it to the playoffs. The next best that season for Punjab was Kumar Sangakkara with 320 runs and then came Yuvraj Singh who scored a total of 299 runs. Marsh is one of the few players who have stayed with the same franchise since the first season of the IPL.
2. Chris Gayle (RCB) (2011)
The most destructive batsman in the T20 format, Chris Gayle, had surprisingly remained unsold in the IPL auctions of 2011. He was devastated by the news and started preparing to resume international duties. Later he got a sudden call up from the Royal Challengers Bangalore team management as Australian bowler Dirk Nannes got injured during the IPL.
Gayle’s arrival was emphatic as he blasted the KKR bowlers at the Eden Gardens and scored 102 off just 55 balls changing the fortunes of RCB as they had lost the previous four games. RCB went on to win 9 out of their last 10 games they played in that season and it was all because of the big man, Gayle, who amassed 608 runs in 12 matches at an average of 67.5.