The Indian Premier League is packed with the biggest names in cricket. While many global superstars crush it in the tournament, cricket fans know that international success doesn’t always guarantee a smooth ride in the IPL.
Some legends who ruled the international stage just couldn’t crack the code in franchise cricket. Here are three famous T20I batters who had a surprisingly tough time making their mark in the IPL:
1. Aaron Finch
Aaron Finch is undoubtedly one of Australia’s greatest-ever T20 players. In international games, he hammered 3,120 runs in 103 innings at a solid average of 34.28.
He even holds the record for the highest individual score in men’s T20Is, blasting an incredible 172 off 76 balls against Zimbabwe in 2018.
The IPL Story: Despite his explosive reputation, Finch’s IPL journey was a bumpy ride. He bounced around across 9 different franchises over 11 seasons, scoring 2,091 runs in 90 innings. He never won the Orange Cap and struggled to lock down a permanent home in the league.
2. Martin Guptill
New Zealand legend Martin Guptill is an absolute titan in T20I cricket. With 3,531 runs in 118 innings, he sits among the top run-scorers in T20I history, boasting two centuries and a striking 135.70 strike rate.
The IPL Story: Sadly, his magic didn’t carry over to the IPL. Guptill only managed 270 runs across three seasons, averaging 22.50. Even though he was a feared hitter for the Black Caps, he never got a long, steady run to prove himself in India.
3. Colin Munro
Another hard-hitting New Zealand opener, Colin Munro, terrified bowlers worldwide with his fearless style. He racked up 1,724 runs in T20Is at a blistering strike rate of 156.44, alongside three stellar centuries.
The IPL Story: Munro’s IPL stint was short-lived and quiet. In 12 innings, he scored just 177 runs at a low average of 14.75. His big-hitting reputation just didn’t translate into consistent numbers in the league.
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Why Do International Stars Struggle in the IPL?
The IPL is arguably the toughest T20 league on the planet. High pressure, fierce competition for starting spots, shifting team dynamics, and limited chances can throw off even the best players.
Finch, Guptill, and Munro are legends of the game, but their stories prove that thriving on the international stage is a whole different ballgame compared to franchise cricket!
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