The IPL 2022 was expected to be a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup this year. International cricketers couldn’t have asked for a better competitive environment than the IPL. The pressure of franchise cricket peaks at the IPL. Here in this article, we have discussed IPL Flops But Key Players In T20 World Cup.
Players who have had IPL experience always vouch for its excellence. But the IPL at times can be an unforgiving place. The best of the players can find it hard to ace the tournament. But despite their failings in the IPL, they continue to remain a vital asset for their national teams.
We look at a few such IPL Flops But Key Players In T20 World Cup:
#3 Pat Cummins
He was one of the big ticket signings for KKR in the mega auctions. Pat Cummins was looked at as one of the captaincy candidates for the franchise. He was coming off a successful home summer as Australian captain. But Cummins had a forgettable tournament at best. He played just five games picking 7 wickets in all.
His best surprisingly came through his batting blade. He smashed a record-equalling fifty of 14 balls against MI. But KKR expected better returns from their star player. Cummins though remains a vital asset for the Australian side. He is a certainty in the playing XI in the T20 World Cup squad.
#2 Jimmy Neesham
He was selected to play for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2022 season. Despite his all-round qualities, he failed to grab more than two games in the tournament. Jimmy Neesham had an ordinary couple of outings bowling just three overs while scoring 31 runs at a strike rate of 114.81.
It can be argued that the Royals didn’t utilize his potential to the fullest in the IPL. As Neesham’s numbers in international cricket tell a completely different story. His numbers as a striker are second to just Suryakumar Yadav among full-member nations. He will be key to New Zealand’s plans for the T20 World Cup 2022.
#1 Matthew Wade
He cut a sorry figure in the IPL playing for the Gujarat Titans. Despite the Titans winning the title, Matthew Wade’s contribution counted for little. All he could accumulate was 157 runs in 10 games at a strike rate of 113.77. It was a showing that Wade himself admitted to not being proud of. But he continues his strong showing in Australian colours. He will be expected to play the finisher’s role with aplomb come the T20 World Cup.