One-time wonders of IPL History

The Indian Premier League has served as the perfect launchpad for many aspiring cricketers over the past years. The league has witnessed several players who have impressed in the odd seasons. Shining into the limelight with their performances many players have already made it into their respective national teams.

However, there is also a bunch of players who shined surprisingly bright on the big stage, only to disappear just as suddenly. Here is the list of five such one-time wonders in the IPL history

1. Paul Chandrashekar Valthaty- Kings XI Punjab

Paul Valthaty was the new batting sensation of the formerly called Kings XI Punjab in 2011. He amassed 463 runs that season at an average of 35.61. His dream run included a high score of 120 unbeaten against Chennai making him the only non-international player to score an IPL century. Apart from that Valthaty hammered two fifties as well and became the 6th highest run-scorer that season.

He failed to carry the same momentum in the next season, playing just 6 matches in 2012. Adding to the misery he was dismissed at single digits six times in a row in 2013. Following two poor seasons, he fell out of favor and his last match was in 2013 where he scored just 6 runs.

2. Rahul Sharma- Deccan Chargers

Rahul Sharma made headlines after dismissing Sachin Tendulkar in his debut season in 2010. He went on to pick 14 wickets in 16 games that season. He shifted to Pune Warriors India and was later selected for the national team, where he played four ODIs and two T20Is.

The leg-spinner from Punjab soon became a household name and earned great recognization. But his career went downhill after he was detained at a drug bust at a rave party in Mumbai. Sharma alongside South African cricketer Wayne Parnell and other celebrities tested positive for narcotics leading to an end to his distinguished career.

3. Manpreet Gony- CSK

The tall seamer from Punjab made an immediate impact in 2008, playing for CSK. In his debut season, he picked up 17 wickets at an economy rate of 7.38. His brilliant performance in IPL earned him a spot in the national team but he had a poor run in the first two games against Hong Kong and Bangladesh. Gony bagged 2 wickets in 2 ODI.

In 2013, he was picked by Kings XI Punjab but again the lack of impact saw his career decline. Gony played just one notable knock in 2013, where he quick-fired 42 off 18 against KKR. In 2019, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, except for short-format leagues played overseas. He entered the Canada T20 League alongside Yuvraj Singh the same year.

4. Manvinder Bisla- KKR

Bisla debuted for Deccan Chargers in 2009 as a wicket-keeper batsman but his best performances came during his time in Kolkata Knight Riders from 2011-14. In 39 matches he mustered 798 runs. Bisla shot to fame when he powered Kolkata Knight Riders to their maiden IPL title in 2012. He proved to be the game-changer in the final against CSK where his 89 off 48 balls earned him the man of the match.

However, his innings with KKR then came to an abrupt end. In 2015, he was bought by RCB, but was benched after two matches and remained unsold in 2016 and 2017. Like Gony, Bisla also offered his services to T10 and T20 franchises around the world but did not find his way with any teams.

5. Sohail Tanvir- Rajastan Royals

Tanvir was amongst the handful of Pakistan players who received a chance to feature in the Indian Premier League. He represented Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural edition of IPL and created history by claiming the first-ever purple cap. Tanvir played a crucial role bagging 22 Wickets in 11 games as Rajasthan became the first franchise to lift the elite trophy in 2008.

He produced the best bowling figures of IPL, 6 for 14, after knocking over Chennai Super Kings for a paltry 109. A record that stood for years until Alzarri Joseph broke it in 2019. Rajasthan went on to win the same match by eight wickets. 2008 was the only year Sohail featured in IPL and became the last Pakistani cricketer to play in India.

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