CT IPL Flashback: Top IPL performers whose presence will surely be missed

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed the presence of many world class players over the years who have enthralled us with their gameplay and earned a spot in our hearts. The sheer splendor and magnificence of their contributions can never be ignored or even understated. Some of the legends of the game have enthralled fans and enriched the league with their game. While the IPL has seen the rise of some recognized players into T20 legends. With the tenth edition of the IPL kicking off in a couple of weeks let’s take a look at some of the top performers over the years whose absence will surely be felt- 1. Sachin Tendulkar (Photo Source: BCCI) Sachin Tendulkar has been hailed as arguably the greatest batsmen in modern cricketing history by experts and fans alike. His breath-taking gameplay and ability to score runs at an astounding rate earned him a lot of acclaim over the years. The Mumbai Indians opted to sign him up as their marquee player in the first season of the IPL and his performances were as spectacular as expected until the end which is an indication of his impact on the league. “The little Master” as he is fondly nicknamed will surely be missed. 2. Matthew Hayden Matthew Hayden. (© Julian Herbert-IPL 2010/IPL via Getty Images) The swashbuckling Australian batsman had the ability to gnaw away at the confidence of the bowlers by smashing them all over the ground and clearing the stands easily. His stint in the Indian Premier League with the Chennai Super Kings was no less impressive. Hayden finished as the highest run-scorer in the second season of the IPL in South Africa scoring 572 runs at an astounding strike rate. His decision to use the mongoose bat for the first time in history further complimented his image of being a hard hitter. Hayden was an entertainer from the core and his absence will surely be felt. 3. Adam Gilchrist (Photo Source: BCCI) Adam Gilchrist or “Gilly” as he is famously nicknamed was one of the few batsmen who dared to adopt an aggressive gameplay with sheer disregard for the “Wait and Watch” philosophy encouraged by the conservatives back then. His lethal opening partnerships with Matthew Hayden while representing Australia left bowlers dazzled and fielders demotivated. The Deccan Chargers rightly opted to splurge US$700,000 for acquiring his services in the inaugural season. Though the franchise finished in the hindmost position he set the stage on fire with the willow by cracking the second fastest century in the IPL off just 42 balls. His inspirational captaincy led the Chargers to a maiden league title in the second season of the league which was nothing short of a miracle considering their below par finish in the initial season. An entertainer and inspirational personality like him will always be missed. 4. Pragyan Ojha (Photo Source: Getty Images) Pragyan Ojha is one of the few players who could generate real turn and purchase even of a dead wicket. Ojha is the only spinner in Indian Premier League history who has been able to win the purple cap which is an indication of his abilities and effectiveness. His performance in all 6 editions of the league was exceptional, to say the least. Ojha’s deceptive deliveries ensnared a lot of batsmen who were left bemused after surrendering their wickets meekly. He has been able to maintain his spot on the list for the top wicket takers of the league in spite of not being a part in the last 3 editions which is an indication of his exceptional performances. Ojha’s presence in the IPL could surely have brightened up the league. 5. Albie Morkel Albie Morkel. (Photo Source: BCCI) Albie Morkel’s eye-catching performances while representing the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL can be described as one of the major factors behind their massive success under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. His effective and economical bowling performances, clinical gameplay and hard-hitting performances with the willow made the vital difference between a victory and a defeat in many a game. Morkel was hailed as Dhoni’s “Trump Card” by fans and experts alike which is an indication of how sublime his performances were. 85 wickets in 90 games at an economy rate of 8.16 indicates his impact.

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CT IPL Flashback: Top IPL performers whose presence will surely be missed

4. Pragyan Ojha

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