3 Pakistan Super League (PSL) stars who couldn’t make it big at Royal Challengers Bangalore

Royal Challengers Bangalore have been unlucky not to have won the IPL title so far despite coming close on three occasions having finished as the runners-up in 2009, 2011 and 2016. Considered as the batting powerhouse of IPL, RCB currently holds the record for the highest team total in the league’s history (263-5)- the feat they achieved against the now-defunct Pune Warriors India during 2013 IPL.

While the current squad comprises top stars like skipper Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn, several legendary domestic as well overseas players like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Wasim Jaffer, Jacques Kallis, Kevin Pietersen and Ross Taylor have donned the jersey over the years. One notable player though has been Universe Boss Chris Gayle who despite coming in as a replacement signing during 2011 IPL went on to establish himself as one of the vital cogs in the RCB XI.

But there are players who have had forgettable outing during their stints with the Bangalore-based outfit over the years. These players, despite proving their credentials in various T20 Leagues across the globe failed to create much of an impact during their stints with the three-time runners-up.

On that note, let us look at three top Pakistan Super League (PSL) stars who couldn’t make it big at Royal Challengers Bangalore:

1. Rilee Rossouw

Rossouw who began his PSL career in 2017 has been a consistent performer with the willow in the league having amassed 939 runs in 38 matches. The 30-year-old who played three seasons for Quetta Gladiators (2017-2019) moved to Multan Sultans ahead of season five. In one of the league games against his former franchise Quetta Gladiators, Rossouw registered the fastest century in the history of PSL having reached the three-figure mark off just 43 balls.

Scored at an astonishing strike-rate of 227.27, his record-breaking knock included ten fours and six sixes. The Bloemfontein-born batsman who has also played in Bangladesh Premier League and the Vitality T20 Blast has made a mark with his impressive batting in those T20 league as well. But he failed to make it big during his stint in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Rossouw who came in as a replacement to the injured Aussie batsman Nic Maddinson during 2014 IPL played two seasons for RCB (2014 and 2015). It did not turn out to be a memorable outing for him as he managed just 53 runs in five appearances across those two editions. Despite proving his credentials in other T20 leagues, the explosive southpaw is yet to return to the IPL having found no buyers at the auctions.

2. Darren Sammy

One of the most prominent players in the history of PSL, Sammy has been a part of the league since its inception. The two-time T20 World Cup-winning skipper who led his beloved franchise Peshawar Zalmi to their first-ever title back in season two (2017) has scored 691 runs in 49 PSL matches. In a major mid-season reshuffle during the fifth edition, it was announced that Sammy would take over as Peshawar’s head coach after Wahab Riaz was appointed as the full-time skipper.

Over the years, the inspirational all-rounder has become an iconic figure in the PSL given his connect with the fans and the franchise. Though he played few matches for Peshawar this season, it might not be the case hereafter as he will be assisting the side off-the-field. The vastly experienced campaigner who has 308 T20 appearances though, did not have a memorable IPL career.

The 36-year-old who began his IPL stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2013 moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of season eight. During his two-year stint (2015, 2016) with Virat Kohli’s men, Sammy managed just two appearances in which he scored 13 runs. Though he had a moderate outing with the Sunrisers during 2013 and 2014 IPL, his two-year stint with RCB remains to a forgettable one.

3. Tymal Mills

The England pacer who has represented Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi turned out for Quetta Gladiators in season five. Mills who has 28 PSL wickets to his name, has played in various T20 leagues across the globe and has proved his bowling credentials. Unfortunately, he couldn’t make an impact in the IPL as his stint with RCB turned out to be a disappointing one.

The 27-year-old grabbed the headlines when Royal Challengers Bangalore bought him for whopping INR 12 crore at 2017 IPL auction. But he failed to justify the astronomical price tag as he managed just five wickets in as many appearances for his side at an economy of 8.57. Eventually, Mills was released by the Royal Challengers ahead of 2018 IPL auction.

With death bowling being the major Achilles heel for RCB, it was expected that the left-arm fast bowler who is known for his excellent variations might strengthen its beleaguered pace attack. Unfortunately, Dewsbury-born pacer who failed to deliver the goods for RCB in season ten is yet to return to the IPL as he hasn’t found any buyers at the IPL auctions since then.