5 Test specialists who failed to impress in the IPL

4. Ishant Sharma – Kolkata Knight Riders, Deccan Chargers, Rising Pune Supergiants, Sunrisers Hyderabad

The lanky 6’4″ tall pacer from India, Ishant Sharma, largely failed to impress in the Indian Premier League. Currently, he is among the top preferred bowlers for the Indian side in the longest format of the game. His ability to bowl equally well with both new and the old ball speaks volumes about his talent. When he had made it to the international arena, he had tormented the Aussies and had made Ricky Ponting his bunny during the season.

His height was something that was commended by many pundits. However, he failed to convert his playing abilities in the shortest format of the game. Over the first 9 editions of the tournament, he played for 4 franchises. In the 2017 IPL auctions, he went unsold as the franchises felt he was a bowler of the longer formats. He had started off playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders and his last season was for the Rising Pune Supergiants.

In the 70 IPL matches that he played, he could pick just 58 wickets and averaged over 35 with the ball. His economy was of over 8 which is certainly unacceptable. His only heroic moment was against Kochi Tuskers Kerala when he bagged 5/12. On the contrary, he has staggering numbers in Tests. In 76 Tests, he has 217 wickets to his name as on March 14.