The unpredictable nature of the IPL can turn stars into duds while propelling obscure cricketers towards stardom.
The 2020 edition has been a first taste of the competition for several players ranging from experienced internationals to young rookies. Below, we rate how they have performed on their maiden tryst with the most high-profile T20 franchise league in the world.
Sheldon Cottrell (Kings XI Punjab)
Grade: B
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The seasoned West Indies pacer was picked up for a lucrative sum and it was easy to see why with his displays in Kings’ opening matches. Two wickets apiece for Cottrell against Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore indicated that it was money well spent.
However, the game has a knack of knocking you down right when you are at the very top, and the same applied to Cottrell on Sunday. The five sixes he conceded to Rahul Tewatia in the 18th over of Rajasthan Royals’ innings turned out to be the difference between victory and defeat for KXIP.
While there was no hiding place for any bowler on a belter of a batting track in Sharjah, the fact that Cottrell bowled six length deliveries in the over did him no favours. Being carted for 30 runs in an over by a batsman who was previously struggling could see the Windies man lose his place in the playing XI.
He does remain a potent wicket-taking option with the new ball in hand.
Ravi Bishnoi (Kings XI Punjab)
Grade: A
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While the experienced Cottrell might have let his side down in a key moment, young Ravi Bishnoi can hold his head high after three mature displays for Kings XI.
The 20-year-old displayed some jitters early on, though he has quickly regrouped and turned into a reliable option with his leg-spin. Four wickets in three appearances are excellent returns for a youngster in his debut campaign, but it is Bishnoi’s latest performance against Rajasthan Royals which is worthy of special recognition.
In a game where nearly 450 runs were plundered in total, Bishnoi’s figures of 0-34 from his four overs were nothing short of excellent.
He was the most economical bowler from either side in Sharjah on Sunday, with his googlies tying down Tewatia in knots. As a skiddy wrist spinner who can turn the ball both ways, Bishnoi is turning out to be an excellent pick up for Punjab.
Devdutt Padikkal (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Grade: B+
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Bangalore fans had been eagerly awaiting the debut of local prodigy Devdutt Padikkal, and the youngster showed the hype was justified with a fine half-century in his first IPL appearance.
The 20-year-old came into the competition on the back of some scorching displays for Karnataka and India A, and he took no time in translating that form to the IPL. His fluently crafted 56 against Sunrisers Hyderabad played a pivotal part in RCB’s win on what was not the easiest pitch to bat on.
That opening game salvo promised plenty from Padikkal, although it wasn’t repeated in the clash against Kings XI Punjab. In his second appearance, the left-hander perished for just one run to a desperate pull attempt. That will give him some reason to introspect before Monday’s clash against Mumbai Indians and he will hope the last outing does not become a repetitive occurrence.
The RCB set-up including Mike Hesson has placed plenty of faith in Padikkal for this year’s IPL and they will be desperate for the local Bangalore man to evolve into a star.
Josh Philippe (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Grade: C
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The young Australian wicketkeeper batsman would hardly have expected to get a game in his maiden IPL, but he has surprisingly been thrust into action in both RCB outings so far.
Two matches is a small sample size to judge the 23-year-old, especially as he has been given just one innings to make any sort of real impact. Unfortunately for Philippe, that innings ended in a three-ball duck against Kings XI Punjab after he was promoted to No3 in the batting order.
With Aaron Finch and Devdutt Padikkal in the side, the uncapped Australia player might find it tough to get a spot in his natural batting position as an opener. It would be cruel to drop him after just one failure, although that is well within the realms of possibility with AB de Villiers’ added ability to keep wickets.
Bangalore’s bowling woes means that they could turn towards all-rounder Moeen Ali in place of Philippe going forward.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals)
Grade: C
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The harsh realities of life at the top level have already started to dawn on Yashasvi Jaiswal as the highly rated India U19 international was axed from the playing XI after just one lean display.
The teenager is arguably the most talented young batsman in India and was bought by Rajasthan after some notable displays at the India U19 and domestic levels.
A labored six runs in his IPL debut against Chennai Super Kings proved to be his only outing in the Royals shirt so far, with the franchise dropping him for an extra bowler in the subsequent clash.
The talent is clearly there in abundance, and he should find more playing time in the remainder of the season. Rajasthan aren’t exactly brimming with a lot of options in their domestic batting roster and the left-hander is primed for a big future.
James Pattinson (Mumbai Indians)
Grade: A
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Few would have expected James Pattinson to be drafted in as a replacement after Lasith Malinga pulled out of the IPL this year. The Australia fast bowler is primarily a Test bowler and his limited-overs numbers are nothing to boast of.
Surprisingly, Pattinson has more than held his own in the two appearances for Mumbai Indians. He has claimed three wickets while going at an economy-rate of around six runs an over, and has forged a fine partnership with Jasprit Bumrah.
He has even managed to outperform fellow Mumbai pacer Trent Boult in the ongoing campaign, which is no mean feat. The conditions in Abu Dhabi have played to his strengths though, and there is a possibility he could struggle on the pitches in Sharjah and Dubai.
So far, so good though, for the Aussie and tougher examinations will come going forward.
Anrich Nortje (Delhi Capitals)
Grade: A
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Like Pattinson, Anrich Nortje has been given his maiden opportunity in the IPL as a late replacement. Delhi Capitals seem to have struck gold by bringing him in if his initial displays are anything to go by.
The South Africa pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Nortje is looking like a real threat for the franchise, with the latter showing he is the complete T20 package.
Nortje can bowl extremely fast, but he also has a clever change of pace to mix things up. The 26-year-old has bowled some tight lengths in his two appearances and has been difficult to get away for any batsman so far.
The South African opened his account with two wickets in the win over Chennai Super Kings, and looks hungry to prove himself further in the IPL.
Time will tell if Nortje can maintain this terrific start, yet the signs are really good for both him and Delhi Capitals right now.
