IPL 2015: The Players Who Have Made an Impact so Far
A number of players have stepped up to the plate and delivered in the first two weeks of IPL season 8. A few though standout, thanks to their impact and consistency.
1. Ajinkya Rahane:
A quiet cricketer who goes about his business without any fuss, Rajasthan's Ajinkya Rahane is the current orange cap holder. The 26 year old has 231 runs so far in 5 matches. Despite falling for a duck once, Rahane is averaging almost 58, with two fifties. Opening the batting for the Royals, Rahane has played a key role in the 2008 champions winning 5 out of 5 so far.(IPL 2015: Full Coverage)
© BCCI
2. Brendon McCullum:
Chennai's Brendon McCullum will always be an impact player, regardless of the format. The Kiwi captain, who took his team to the World Cup final is the only centurion of this IPL season so far. McCullum smashed a 56 ball century vs the Sunrisers Hyderabad, a knock that included seven fours and nine sixes. He is among the top 5 batsmen of the season right now, having scored 162 runs in 4 games at an average of 54. He has already hit 17 fours and 11 sixes.
© BCCI
3. Imran Tahir:
Dean Jones believes that much like Test cricket, it's the bowlers who win T20 games as well. It's not a surprise then that Imran Tahir is proving to be a huge asset for the Delhi Daredevils. The South African leg spinner, who is playing his 2nd season of the IPL has been one of Delhi's best performers. The 36 year old is the highest wicket-taker of the season currently, with 9 wickets in 4 games.
© BCCI
4. Sandeep Sharma:
The National selectors have spotted new talent in the IPL before and young Sandeep Sharma will definitely be on their radar right now. The 21 year old from Patiala has been one of Kings XI Punjab's biggest impact players so far this season with the new ball. The medium fast bowler has taken 7 wickets in 4 games so far, at an incredible economy rate of 5.37. He single-handedly took out KKR's top order in Punjab's last match and finished with figures of 4/25 in the game.
© BCCI
5. Harbhajan Singh:
Old is gold. That is something that perhaps holds true for the Turbanator. Harbhajan Singh might not be part of the Indian team right now, but he is showing constant signs of good form with both ball and bat. He currently has 8 wickets from 4 matches. In their first home game Mumbai were down to 59/6 vs Punjab. Bhajji walked in and smashed 64 off 24, with 5 fours and 6 sixes to almost take Mumbai to a miracle win. He recently completed 100 games for the 2013 IPL champions and is giving it his all to try and catch the selectors' attention for an India comeback.