IPL 2018: 5 players who surprised us with their performance

The 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League is nearing the business end of the tournament. With the playoffs coming close, the race to make it is getting intense. For the fans, this has only translated into some more spectacular games at their disposal. Also, some of the players have come up with individual brilliance to make a mark for their sides in the recent week of the IPL 2018.

While the men in form and the big names have always been expected to call the shots, the way some other young guns have stepped to the occasion is unbelievable. They have not only bolstered the spirits of their respective sides but also made a serious name for themselves in the contest. As the season is about to come to an end, they have ensured that they are no longer just making the numbers.

Here we try to pick five such players who stunned the cricket world with their performances in the fifth week of the IPL. These players might not have ended up winning the Player of the Match awards or might have not even ended on the winning side, but they did leave an imprint on the game, and on the minds of the fans.

Here are the five players who surprised us with their performance:

1. Jos Buttler – Rajasthan Royals

Jos Buttler has been in a phenomenal striking form in the last couple of weeks. When the tournament had reached the half way stage, many believed that Buttler had been underperforming. But the wicketkeeper batsman has shut all critics ever since he has got his promotion in the top order.

In the last week or so, he has displayed exceptional hitting form in the powerplays. His four consecutive fifties has certainly surprised many. A lot of people feel that aggressive batting and consistency do not go hand in hand. But Jos Buttler has proven them wrong in the previous week with scores of 82 and 95*.