IPL 2024: Season Review: Which players fell short of expectations this season?

The Indian Premier League 2024 has come to a close, marking a season filled with incredibly high scores and numerous records being broken. This year, the batters thrived on pitches that were perfect for scoring, leading to an astonishing total of 1260 sixes, the highest ever in a single IPL season. While many players, both international stars and domestic talents, performed exceptionally well, some experienced players surprisingly failed to make an impact despite the favorable conditions.

In a season where batters dominated and runs flowed freely, a few seasoned players did not meet the high expectations set by their previous performances and the pre-season excitement. These players struggled to find their form and could not capitalize on the batter-friendly pitches. Their inability to contribute significantly was in stark contrast to the overall trend of spectacular batting displays seen throughout the tournament.

As we reflect on IPL 2024, it’s clear that while many players enjoyed a standout season, others found themselves unable to deliver when it mattered most. Despite the numerous opportunities presented by the favorable conditions, these players were unable to help their teams in the quest for victory, highlighting a disappointing and unexpected aspect of this otherwise record-breaking season.

See Also: IPL 2024: CSK Review: What factors contributed to the Yellow Army’s inability to retain the IPL title?

Hardik Pandya – Mumbai Indians

Taking on the role of captain with great expectations, Hardik Pandya experienced a dismal season. Leading the Mumbai Indians, his performance with both bat and ball was disappointing. Over the course of 14 matches, Hardik scored just 216 runs, averaging a modest 18.00. Although his strike rate of 143.05 was decent, it couldn’t hide his failure to deliver big scores. With the ball, he took 11 wickets but struggled with his economy rate, conceding runs at 10.75 per over.

Hardik’s lackluster performance significantly contributed to the Mumbai Indians’ poor season, ending with them at the bottom of the table. Fans had hoped for much more from their captain, but his inability to consistently perform with either bat or ball was a major reason for the team’s last-place finish. This season, Hardik’s struggles were a glaring weakness in a team that otherwise had potential but couldn’t translate it into success.

Ajinkya Rahane – Chennai Super Kings

Ajinkya Rahane, expected to be a crucial player at the top of the order, struggled significantly this season. In 13 matches, he managed to score only 242 runs at an average of 20.16, with a strike rate of 123.46. These numbers fell well short of the expectations for a player of his calibre.

Rahane’s inability to provide a strong start contributed to frequent top-order collapses for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This inconsistency at the top was a major factor in CSK’s disappointing exit before the playoffs, as they failed to build the solid foundations needed for competitive totals.

Liam Livingstone – Punjab Kings

Liam Livingstone, once celebrated as Punjab Kings’ dynamic finisher, experienced a disappointing season. In 7 matches, he scored only 111 runs at an average of 22.20 and a strike rate of 142.31, a stark contrast to his usual IPL performance.

Livingstone’s slump in form significantly weakened PBKS’s lower-order firepower. His inability to provide effective finishing touches led to crucial losses in games that might have been won with better performances. This dip in his contributions was a key factor in the team’s struggles this season.

Rashid Khan – Gujarat Titans

Renowned for his magical spells, Rashid Khan had a season to forget. Across 12 matches, he managed to take only 10 wickets at an inflated average of 36.70 and an economy rate of 8.40. His inability to secure crucial middle-over wickets significantly contributed to the Gujarat Titans’ disappointing finish in eighth place.

After Hardik Pandya’s departure, much was expected from Rashid to lead the team’s bowling attack, but his lackluster performance left a void. His struggles were a major factor in the team’s poor showing, dashing their hopes and aspirations for the season.