CT IPL Flashback: 5 Players who did well but the team failed to deliver

The importance of balance in any squad as a major factor in determining success can never be ignored. There have been several instances even in sports except for cricket where a single world class performer failed to get the squad across the line and deliver the ultimate trophy.

In the 2014-15 season of the English Premier League, Liverpool spearheaded by lethal striker Luis Suarez failed to win the league title because of a leaky defense which indicates the importance of overall contributions in a team. The Indian Premier League is no exception to this.

There have been several instances where players enjoyed an excellent season on the field but their respective IPL franchises failed to record respectable finishes at the end of the day. Let’s take a look at some of those lone warriors-

1. Sourav Ganguly (Kolkata Knight Riders) (IPL-2008)

The “Prince of Kolkata” Sourav Ganguly was named as the marquee player for the Kolkata-based franchise in the first season of the Indian Premier League. His ability to smash the ball to all parts of the ground at will and classical stroke play even while representing India earned a lot of expectations.

Dada took up the challenge with fresh gusto and finished as the highest run-scorer for the franchise with 349 and 493 runs respectively in the first and third season of the league. Sadly KKR managed to only finish sixth in the 3 seasons he was involved in which was a pity considering his spectacular performances with the willow.