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IPL 8: Mega stars who will be missed in the 2015 edition
Some tried and tested big names of international cricket did not find a spot in any team of the Indian Premier League 2015.
Published: Feb 18, 2015, 04:49 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 18, 2015, 04:49 PM (IST)
The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction saw some of the young and unknown players become millionaires overnight. However, there were some tried and tested big names of international cricket, who did not find a spot in any team.
CricLife picks 11 such players.
1. Hashim Amla, South Africa
A batsman in the classical mould, Hashim Amla has shown that he can be a dominant force in limited-overs cricket. The South African Test captain is amongst the best players in the world, but is perhaps stereotyped as one for the longer versions. His inclusion may have added more class to the IPL.
2. Marlon Samuels, West Indies
Marlon Sameuls won the West Indies the ICC World T20 2012 final, An aggressive batsman and a containing bowler in the format, he has the habit of getting tied down at times and that may have worked against him.
3. Kevin O’Brien, Ireland
In an interview to CricketCountry in 2014, Kevin O’Brien had said that he would love to play the IPL. The Irish power-hitter has the ability to singlehandedly change games. Who can forget that century against England during the 2011 World Cup! It is sad that he was not considered.
4. Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka
Last year, Kumar Sangakkara and some of the other Sri Lankans were not picked as they had to tour England. However, with Sangakkara set to retire from One-Day Internationals (ODIs) after the World Cup, he could have been available for selection. Sangakkara is a class act and you cannot sum up his grace in words. He would have been a delight to watch in the IPL, having featured in the first six seasons.
5. Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan
Though in his late 30s, Azhar Mahmood is still a good all-rounder and is perfect for the T20 game. He is a floater in the batting order and can also be used as a power hitter. With the ball in hand, he is a wicket-taker. Having had years of experience in the T20 game around the globe, he could have been an automatic choice. Perhaps, age played against him.
6. Ross Taylor, New Zealand
Following his initial success with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Ross Taylor’s IPL career has tapered off. He has changed teams in each of the last four years. He was at the Rajasthan Royals, before moving to the Delhi Daredevils. He then went to the Pune Warriors India. Last year, he was picked by the Delhi Daredevils again. A power-hitter in the middle-order, Taylor would have added punch to any batting line-up. With experience behind him, he would have been a more effective player this year.
7. Brad Hodge, Australia
Despite his age, Brad Hodge remains one of the best T20 players in the world. He can bat up the order and setup matches or come low and finish games. He is one of the leading run-scorers in the format and could have been an asset to any team. It is quite surprising that no one picked him.
8. Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lanka
Here is another Sri Lankan great, a proven player in T20 cricket, who will be available after the World Cup. Mahela Jayawardene’s international career ends after the World Cup and he should have been picked. He is someone who adds touch and elegance in a game known for brutality and aggression.
9. David Hussey, Australia
During the IPL 2014, David Hussey was ushered into the Chennai Super Kings side after he was spending time in the commentary box. Hussey is a finisher and an experienced player in T20 cricket. He is also a good fielder.
10. Doug Bollinger, Australia
Doug Bollinger remains one of the most effective T20 bowlers. Upfront, he can be a problem for the batsmen with his bounce and he can also be a good bowler in the middle.
11. Tillakaratne Dilshan, Sri Lanka
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Tillakaratne Dilshan is an exciting batsman, a good fielder and an effective bowler. How could anyone ignore this all-in-one player with loads of experience? Although he has not called time on his international career, he could have been up for selection this time.