The eighth season is no different. Forget the Orange cap, in none of the seven seasons he's played, Yuvraj has never scored 400 runs in the IPL. If you put his record against someone like Suresh Raina -- who has gone past 400 runs in every IPL season with a career strike rate of 140 -- Yuvraj doesn't measure up as a threat in the IPL. Of course, he bats much lower down the order than Raina or Rohit Sharma but a career strike rate of 129.88 from India's one of the hardest hitters leaves much to be desired.
So, strictly following the numbers, Yuvraj should never have commanded a price tag that high. He did because the teams in the auction went for brand 'Yuvraj' instead of focussing on the numbers.
In India, emotions win over stats and Yuvraj surely touches the emotional chord of a nation. Delhi, a faltering IPL side, tried to revamp their side and reconnect with its fans by roping in one of the biggest box-office cricketer from India. They chose Yuvraj to lure back their fans but forgot that big names seldom win you trophies. In-form players do.
Throwing money at stars has never bore fruit in any sport - even the Galacticos won zilch! In terms of money, Delhi Daredevils ended up paying over Rs.8 lakh per run scored by him this season.
Buying players is an art. Building a team is like painting a picture - one needs to blend the broad strokes with the finer ones.
Yuvraj has been immensely successful at the biggest stage of the game. He has won India numerous games. There's been no doubting his skills as a cricketer, neither there's any denying his passion for the game. He's a treat for the eyes with the willow in hand, his on-field demeanor is worth savouring and his utility as an all-rounder is a prized possession for any side.
However, Yuvraj is not the same match-winner anymore, in fact he never was a match-winner in the IPL. All the franchises he's represented over IPL career have failed to go anywhere near the crown.
This IPL exposed him even more - his powers with the willow has waned and his gentle left-arm overs don't have the penetration anymore but what saddened every cricket fan during this year was his lackluster fielding efforts.
Yuvraj has been a fantastic limited overs cricketer for India but in the IPL, he has failed to live up to his name, almost every season.