The Indian Premier League is the most popular cash-spent league in the world. The league has given many skilled players to the country. The league is an apt platform for emerging players as it gives them opportunities to showcase their talents. However, the league has not been a good fit for some players. Below are the most underrated players in the history of the Indian Premier League.
1. Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra, a seasoned leg-spinner who remained unsold at the IPL 2022 auction last month, is ranked No. 3 on the list of the tournament’s all-time most wicket-takers. He has taken 166 victims in 154 games for an average of 23.97 and a 7.35 economy rate. In the T20 league, Mishra has four four-wicket hauls and a fifer to his name. Despite such rich stats, Mishra went ignored.
2. Rahul Tewatia
Left-handed wrist spinner Rahul Tewatia has participated in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals. In the 2020 season, he rose to fame by hitting five sixes in a single over against Kings XI Punjab. Despite his records, he is still not regarded as one of the Indian premier league’s top all-rounders.
3. Ajinkya Rahane
Rahane who was one of the leading batsmen of the Indian cricket team had been facing a downfall in his career. Rahane only scored 113 runs in nine games in 2020 and 8 runs in two innings the previous year. Yet he has been among the most notable batters in the IPL’s history. The right-hander scored his second IPL century in the 2019 season against Delhi, smashing an unbeaten 105 off 63 balls. Considering his previous dismal performance, KKR selected him for 1 crore at the super auction.
4. Sandeep Sharma
Sandeep Sharma, a pacer, approaches his work in a rather unpretentious way. He simply enters, bowls, and then quietly exits after finishing his task. This is why his performances have received little attention despite the IPL’s gloss and glamour. The 28-year-old bowler has a stellar T20 league resume. He has 112 wickets at an average of 25.43 and an economy rate of 7.77 in 99 games. Hence the right-arm medium swinger is one of the most underrated players in the history of IPL.
5. Nitish Rana
Left-handed top-order batsman Nitish Rana represented Kolkata Knight Riders. He has consistently contributed to his squad, scoring more than 400 runs over the last two seasons. He has not been well-known in the IPL despite his steady performances. Although Rana gained the attention of the selectors through his wonderful performances, he has been snubbed.