IPL 2022 has now reached its business end with teams looking to book their place in the playoffs. Week 7 saw <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/gujarat-titans/?page=1">Gujarat Titans</a> seal a playoff spot while Lucknow is almost there too. Sunrisers and Royals started the week in the top four but needed victories as the table was massively cramped in the middle with a cluster of teams stuck at 10 and 12 points.

With six teams fighting for two remaining spots, here is a look at 11 Indian players who couldn’t deliver for their teams during the past week :

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-619739" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-3.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-619739" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Lucknow came into game week seven with 14 points and looking all set to make it to the top four of IPL 2022. They had two fixtures with different stakes and skipper KL Rahul was hoping to keep his good form going and close the gap with Jos Butler in the race for the Orange Cap.

LSG faced KKR at MCA Pune and Shreyas Iyer decided to bowl first on a flat pitch. Shortly after though, KL Rahul was left stranded as a horrible mix-up with Quinton De Kock combined with a direct hit at the non-striker’s end made sure the skipper went back without facing a single delivery. It hardly mattered as they went on to win the game comfortably by 75 runs.

Next up, team <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/lucknow-super-giants/">Lucknow</a> played table-toppers Gujarat in a crucial fixture that could have potentially decided the top two spots. Hardik opted to bat first this time and a strange innings saw GT post 144/4 with the game ideally set up for the Lucknow skipper to anchor a comfortable run chase. However, Shami had his number for the second time this season with a ball banged in short and a cross-batted hook straight up in the air saw the end of Rahul for a paltry 8 of 16 balls and a big defeat for LSG who still need a win to guarantee a playoff berth.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-636649" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-6.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-636649" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Team India and MI fans were desperately hoping that their hitman could find some form in what has been a miserable IPL 2022 both individually and collectively.

Mumbai faced KKR in a dead rubber game for them but a lot of pride at stake. Put into bat, KKR managed to score 165/9 in their 20 overs. With Suryakumar Yadav declared injured, the onus was on Rohit Sharma to guide his team home but that was not the case as he once again failed to get MI to a good start getting dismissed for just two runs. Mumbai went on to lose the game by 52 runs to make things even worse.

Next was the El Clasico at Wankhede as <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/mi-mumbai-indians/">Mumbai</a> looked to get one over the defending champions CSK in another battle for pride. Rohit won the toss and his new-ball bowlers obliged as they dismissed CSK for just 97 runs. It was an ideal opportunity for Rohit to find some rhythm but apart from some flashes of brilliance, it wasn’t the case. Hitman was dismissed for just 18 runs while MI managed to get across the line this time around with help from their player of the season Tilak Varma.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-632935" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-Dismissals.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli Dismissal" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-632935" class="wp-caption-text">Virat Kohli Dismissal. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

It has been a disastrous couple of years for the great Virat Kohli and the IPL 2022 season hasn’t changed his fortunes either. With the relinquishment of captaincy, much was expected from the maestro this season opening the batting for <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rcb-royal-challengers-bangalore/">RCB</a>.

Kohli was seen sweating it out before the game versus SRH looking to find some rhythm and lost form. Being an afternoon game, RCB were happy to bat first and set the tone under scorching conditions. Much to the dismay of everyone who had come to watch him bat, Virat Kohli was dismissed on the first ball trying to flick a ball to short mid-wicket.

Chasing a mammoth total of 210 against Punjab, Virat Kohli got off to a flyer and looked comfortable during his brief stay hitting two fours and a magnificent six. As luck would have it, a back-of-length ball from Rabada cramped him for room and flicked his inner gloves for an easy catch at short fine leg to Rahul Chahar. The runs seemed far too many as RCB crumbled to a huge defeat to set their season hanging with one game to go.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-614484" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shreyas-Iyer-4.jpg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-614484" class="wp-caption-text">Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: KKR)</figcaption>

It has been a topsy turvy season for Shreyas Iyer both with the bat and as the KKR skipper. It was a very important week of IPL 2022 for the franchise as they had to win all their games to stand any chance of making it to the playoffs.

KKR were chasing 177 against LSG and they got off to another poor start. Batting at no 3, the skipper would have wanted to set the tone but was rattled by a quick short pitch delivery from <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/gt-vs-lsg-dushmantha-chameeras-searing-yorker-cleans-vijay-shankar-all-ends-up/">Dushmantha Chameera</a> as he hit it straight to square leg. No batsman was able to keep them in the chase as KKR folded for just 101 with a massive 75-run defeat.

Kolkata had a much better outing against Mumbai despite Bumrah returning with man of the match figures of 5/10 in 4 overs. The struggles for the skipper continued though as he wasn’t able to consolidate on a good start from V Iyer, Rahane, and Nitish Rana. He was dismissed by Murugan Ashwin of a ripping leg break that had him edge to Ishan Kishan for just six runs. KKR went on to win to keep their thin playoff hopes intact for the time being.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-620890" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ayush-Badoni-2.jpg" alt="Ayush Badoni" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-620890" class="wp-caption-text">Ayush Badoni. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Ayush Badoni has been one of the finds of this year’s IPL and his early performances raised a lot of expectations. But he has struggled in recent outings as his leg-side predominant stroke-play has been exploited by some of the quality pacers.

Setting up a total against KKR, Badoni came into bat in the 13th over. He initially looked cautious against Narine but later struggled to find the ropes against Russell as he remained not out on 15 off 18 deliveries. Stoinis and Holder chipped in with some lusty blows to help LSG post a match-winning score.

Chasing 144 against the Gujarat Titans, team Lucknow were reduced to 47/4 with a lot of consolidation needed. Badoni found it difficult against the spin duo of Rashid Khan and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/just-listened-to-my-instincts-r-sai-kishore-on-his-dream-debut-for-the-gujarat-titans/">Sai Kishore</a>. After scoring 8 runs off 10 balls, the young man had enough of it as he danced down the track only to be bamboozled by the flight and turn of Sai Kishore for an easy stumping for Saha. Lucknow crumbled to a 62-run defeat.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-627331" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Robin-Uthappa2.jpg" alt="Robin Uthappa" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-627331" class="wp-caption-text">Robin Uthappa. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The veteran CSK batter has lost form lately batting at a new position with the introduction of Devon Conway. Like KKR, CSK also had their slim playoff hopes requiring them to win all their remaining encounters with a good NRR.

CSK faced DC and made a splendid start batting first courtesy Conway and Gaikwad who had a hundred-run partnership. This forced Chennai to push their power hitters up the order with Dube, Dhoni, and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ambati-rayudu-to-retire-from-ipl-after-ongoing-season-shares-heartfelt-note/">Rayudu</a> all promoted to use the long handle. Uthappa only got a chance to bat in the last over but couldn’t strike big as he was dismissed for a first-ball duck hitting straight to deep square leg fielder.

With a win against DC keeping their hopes alive, CSK were hoping they could get the better of Mumbai Indians for the second time in IPL 2022. Meanwhile, there was some controversy as a power cut at Wankhede ensured there was no DRS for the first half hour and Conway unfortunately was a victim of a poor umpiring decision. Back at number four this time, Robin made a cautious start with the ball swinging around for Daniel Sams. However, a quick delivery from Bumrah had him caught plumb in front for another low score of 1 from 6 balls. CSK went on to lose the game and are now out of the playoff race along with five time winners Mumbai Indians.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-637135" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Axar-Patel.jpg" alt="Axar Patel" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-637135" class="wp-caption-text">Axar Patel. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Delhi Capitals have had a disappointing IPL 2022 so far with inconsistent performances which were also not helped by Covid scares in their camp. In the absence of Prithvi Shaw with illness, much was expected from experienced all rounder Axar Patel to step up and contribute with both bat and ball.

Delhi forced CSK to bat first and Axar was subject to some quality batting from Conway who used his feet splendidly against the spinners. The left armer could not provide Delhi with any breakthroughs and returned with figures of 3-0-23-0. With the bat, he was dismissed off a beautiful inswinger from the impressive <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/never-thought-id-play-cricket-mukesh-choudhary-goes-down-memory-lane-after-match-winning-performance-against-mi/">Mukesh Choudhary</a> as CSK defeated Delhi by a huge margin to dent their NRR.

Delhi played a must win game against the Royals next and were bowling first. Apart from Ashwin and Padikkal who had a big partnership, nobody was able to score big as RR managed just 160 from their 20 overs. Axar though had another disappointing outing as he bowled only 2 overs with Padikkal well set and went for 25 runs. Delhi won comfortably and remained in the hunt for a qualifying spot.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-626153" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kuldeep-Yadav-2.jpg" alt="Kuldeep Yadav" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-626153" class="wp-caption-text">Kuldeep Yadav. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Kuldeep Yadav has recovered his mojo this season and has been contributing massively in some of Delhi’s wins. He remained in the hunt for the Purple Cap picking up 18 wickets in 10 games up until last week.

However, much similar to the fate of his spin bowling partner Axar had, the chinaman bowler was taken to the cleaners against CSK by Devon Conway in particular who smashed 18 runs of his first over and didn’t show any respite in his second over too hitting 16 runs. Conway used his feet to the fuller deliveries from Kuldeep while the wide ones were hit over covers. He returned with 43 runs off his 3 overs without picking any wickets.

Kuldeep had some respite compared to his outing against CSK when they faced RR next. However, he still looked ineffective and couldn’t provide any breakthroughs in the middle overs to break the partnership of R Ashwin and Devdutt Padikkal. Kuldeep would like to forget this week and will hope that his team can go deep in the tournament and pick more wickets that keeps him in the race for highest wicket taker along with Chahal and Rabada.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-635054" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Umran-Malik-3.jpg" alt="Umran Malik" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-635054" class="wp-caption-text">Umran Malik. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Umran Malik has been the talk of the town in IPL 2022 bowling consistently over speeds of 150kmph. His five wicket haul against Gujarat Titans showed he can bowl the right lengths and be a wicket taker as well.

However, Umran Malik hasn’t been able to curb the run scoring off late. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kkr-vs-srh-brian-lara-shakes-his-head-in-disappointment-after-kane-williamson-gets-out-playing-a-scoop-shot/">Williamson</a> has used him after the powerplay this season and despite more fielders outside the circle, the ball has flown off the blade from his deliveries. His line and length hasn’t helped either. Batsman have used the shorter boundary on most grounds along with the pace of the ball to score some quick runs off the Kashmir pacer.

Against RCB, Umran Malik was once again introduced in the 8th over after the powerplay was finished. Skipper Faf Du Plessis took a special liking to the pace of Umran Malik as he hit three fours and a six to make it 20 off his very first over. Williamson decided it was not his night and gave him only two overs which didn’t result in any wickets for the third consecutive match.

10. Mohammed Siraj

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-629358" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohammed-Siraj.jpg" alt="Mohammed Siraj" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-629358" class="wp-caption-text">Mohammed Siraj (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The RCB speedster has been the go to man for Virat Kohli in the past and much the same was expected of him in IPL 2022. Faf used Siraj in the powerplay along with Hazelwood and Maxwell most this season hoping for some quick wickets up top. But Siraj hasn’t had his best season with the ball so far this IPL with just eight wickets in 13 games.

RCB had a comfortable outing against the Sunrisers at Wankhede scoring 192 batting first. With a big score to defend, Hazelwood was able to provide breakthroughs and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/we-both-are-very-good-friends-wanindu-hasaranga-on-his-equation-with-yuzvendra-chahal/">Hasaranga</a> bamboozled the batters with his spin picking five scalps that ensured a victory for RCB in this important encounter. However, Siraj had another forgetful outing as he couldn’t pick any wickets in the three overs he bowled going for 27 runs despite SRH never being in the run chase.

Punjab were put into bat first by Faf and Bairstow gave them a splendid start. He took special liking to the bowling of Siraj as he smacked three sixes in one over to bring up his fifty and cap off a big powerplay for Punjab Kings. Faf didn’t bowl Siraj again and this meant that it was another outing without any wickets for the RCB speedster.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-626351" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kuldeep-Sen2.jpg" alt="Kuldeep Sen" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-626351" class="wp-caption-text">Kuldeep Sen. (Photo Source: Twitter/IPL)</figcaption>

Kuldeep Sen had an impressive outing against RCB where he took four wickets and has been playing ever since over Navdeep Saini and Obed McCoy for the Rajasthan Royals. Sanju Samson has been using the young pacer as a death bowler along with a first change bowler to Prasidh Krishna and Trent Boult.

Against Punjab, Kuldeep was ineffective in the start as he couldn’t pick any wickets after the powerplay. Jitesh Sharma took special liking to him though as he smashed two fours and a six off his last over to shift the momentum firmly towards the Kings. Kuldeep returned with figures of 4-0-42-0 as he couldn’t pick any wickets.

The Royals were defending a modest score of 160 against the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/dc-delhi-capitals/">Delhi Capitals</a> next and things didn’t seem to improve for the Madhya Pradesh born pacer. Mitchell Marsh was in red hot form as he smashed two sixes of his very first over. It was a forgetful outing for both the Royals and Kuldeep as they lost the match by 8 wickets and Kuldeep couldn’t provide any breakthroughs going at 10 runs per over once again.

Gujarat Titans seal a playoff spot while Lucknow Super Giants are still in the top two reckoning.

IPL 2022: Flop Indian XI from IPL Week 7

Here is a look at 11 Indian players who couldn’t deliver for their respective teams in week 7 of IPL 2022.

IPL 2022: Flop Indian XI from IPL Week 7

Gujarat Titans seal a playoff spot while Lucknow Super Giants are still in the top two reckoning.

7. Axar Patel