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-

<strong>1. Sourav Ganguly (Kolkata Knight Riders) (IPL-2008)</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Sourav-Ganguly-KKR-IPL.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-124258" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sourav-Ganguly-KKR-IPL.jpg" alt="Sourav Ganguly of KKR IPL" width="600" height="430" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-124258" class="wp-caption-text">Sourav Ganguly of Kolkata. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)</figcaption>

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.

<strong>2. Sanath Jayasuriya (Mumbai Indians- IPL 2008)</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Sanath-Jayasuriya-MI.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-124261" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sanath-Jayasuriya-MI.jpg" alt="Sanath Jayasuriya of Mumbai Indians" width="600" height="454" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-124261" class="wp-caption-text">Sanath Jayasuriya of Mumbai Indians. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The Sri Lankan legendary big-hitting all-rounder was swooped by the Mumbai Indians in the first season of the Indian Premier League expecting him to set the stage on fire. He did exactly that scoring a spectacular century in just 48 deliveries which sent the opposing bowlers scurrying for cover. His 17-ball 48 against the Kolkata Knight Riders did no harm to his reputation.

Jayasurya finished with 514 runs at the end of the season emerging as the leading run-scorer for MI. Sadly his heroics failed to earn a respectable spot for the Indians who finished 5th on the table.

<strong>3. Chris Morris (Delhi Daredevils- IPL 2016)</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Chris-Morris.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-67143" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Chris-Morris.jpg" alt="IPL 2016" width="600" height="416" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-67143" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Morris. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

Chris Morris first emerged into the limelight after his sensational performances for South African T20 franchise Highveld Lions in the Champions League in 2012. Chennai Super Kings opted to splurge USD 625,000 in the 2013 IPL Auction for his services which marked his first season in the Indian Premier League.

Morris was signed by the Delhi Daredevils in the 2016 season of the IPL after his spectacular performances for the Rajasthan Royals in the 2015 season. There were many who harbored doubts over his ability to adapt and shine at his new club.

195 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 178.89 and average of 65 with the willow was further complimented by 13 breakthroughs at an economy rate of just 7 which indicated his sublime performances for Delhi last season. Sadly the franchise again flattered to deceive finishing 6th at the end of the season.

<strong>4. Shaun Marsh (Kings XI Punjab IPL-2011)</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/04/Shaun-Marsh.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-62397" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shaun-Marsh.jpg" alt width="600" height="383" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-62397" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

The inaugural player&#8217;s auction of the Indian Premier League gave Marsh an opportunity to showcase his talent in front of a wide global audience on the big stage. He took that opportunity up with both hands earning the orange cap which earned him applause from fans and experts all around the world.

The 2011 season of the IPL gave us another glimpse of his superb stroke play and admirable reflexes when he smashed 504 runs emerging as the leading run scorer for the Punjab franchise. A 5th position finish can be deemed as nothing short of underwhelming.

<strong>5. Amit Mishra (Deccan Chargers &#8211; IPL 2011)</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Amit-Mishra-DC-e1490272198200.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-19733" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Amit-Mishra-DC-e1490272198200.jpg" alt="Amit Mishra DC" width="600" height="454" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-19733" class="wp-caption-text">Amit Mishra DC. (Photo Source: Associated Press)</figcaption>

The crafty spinner has been hailed as one of India’s top spinners in recent years. His ability to generate movement, variations with subtle changes in line and length according to the scenario makes him a wily opponent for any batsman.

The leg-spinner snapped up 19 wickets in just 14 games at an astounding economy rate of 6.71 and average of 18.84 in a disappointing campaign for the Deccan Chargers. A 7th place finish in spite of his incredible performances is quite surprising indeed.

<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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-</p>
<h4><strong>1. Sourav Ganguly (Kolkata Knight Riders) (IPL-2008)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_124258" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-124258" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Sourav-Ganguly-KKR-IPL.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-124258" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sourav-Ganguly-KKR-IPL.jpg" alt="Sourav Ganguly of KKR IPL" width="600" height="430" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-124258" class="wp-caption-text">Sourav Ganguly of Kolkata. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h4><strong>2. Sanath Jayasuriya (Mumbai Indians- IPL 2008)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_124261" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-124261" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Sanath-Jayasuriya-MI.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-124261" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sanath-Jayasuriya-MI.jpg" alt="Sanath Jayasuriya of Mumbai Indians" width="600" height="454" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-124261" class="wp-caption-text">Sanath Jayasuriya of Mumbai Indians. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Sri Lankan legendary big-hitting all-rounder was swooped by the Mumbai Indians in the first season of the Indian Premier League expecting him to set the stage on fire. He did exactly that scoring a spectacular century in just 48 deliveries which sent the opposing bowlers scurrying for cover. His 17-ball 48 against the Kolkata Knight Riders did no harm to his reputation.</p>
<p>Jayasurya finished with 514 runs at the end of the season emerging as the leading run-scorer for MI. Sadly his heroics failed to earn a respectable spot for the Indians who finished 5th on the table.</p>
<h4><strong>3. Chris Morris (Delhi Daredevils- IPL 2016)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_67143" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-67143" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Chris-Morris.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-67143" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Chris-Morris.jpg" alt="IPL 2016" width="600" height="416" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-67143" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Morris. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Chris Morris first emerged into the limelight after his sensational performances for South African T20 franchise Highveld Lions in the Champions League in 2012. Chennai Super Kings opted to splurge USD 625,000 in the 2013 IPL Auction for his services which marked his first season in the Indian Premier League.</p>
<p>Morris was signed by the Delhi Daredevils in the 2016 season of the IPL after his spectacular performances for the Rajasthan Royals in the 2015 season. There were many who harbored doubts over his ability to adapt and shine at his new club.</p>
<p>195 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 178.89 and average of 65 with the willow was further complimented by 13 breakthroughs at an economy rate of just 7 which indicated his sublime performances for Delhi last season. Sadly the franchise again flattered to deceive finishing 6th at the end of the season.</p>
<h4><strong>4. Shaun Marsh (Kings XI Punjab IPL-2011)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_62397" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-62397" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/04/Shaun-Marsh.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-62397" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shaun-Marsh.jpg" alt width="600" height="383" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-62397" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The inaugural player’s auction of the Indian Premier League gave Marsh an opportunity to showcase his talent in front of a wide global audience on the big stage. He took that opportunity up with both hands earning the orange cap which earned him applause from fans and experts all around the world.</p>
<p>The 2011 season of the IPL gave us another glimpse of his superb stroke play and admirable reflexes when he smashed 504 runs emerging as the leading run scorer for the Punjab franchise. A 5th position finish can be deemed as nothing short of underwhelming.</p>
<h4><strong>5. Amit Mishra (Deccan Chargers – IPL 2011)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_19733" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-19733" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Amit-Mishra-DC-e1490272198200.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-19733" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Amit-Mishra-DC-e1490272198200.jpg" alt="Amit Mishra DC" width="600" height="454" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-19733" class="wp-caption-text">Amit Mishra DC. (Photo Source: Associated Press)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The crafty spinner has been hailed as one of India’s top spinners in recent years. His ability to generate movement, variations with subtle changes in line and length according to the scenario makes him a wily opponent for any batsman.</p>
<p>The leg-spinner snapped up 19 wickets in just 14 games at an astounding economy rate of 6.71 and average of 18.84 in a disappointing campaign for the Deccan Chargers. A 7th place finish in spite of his incredible performances is quite surprising indeed.</p>

<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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-</p>
<h4><strong>1. Sourav Ganguly (Kolkata Knight Riders) (IPL-2008)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_124258" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-124258" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Sourav-Ganguly-KKR-IPL.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-124258" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sourav-Ganguly-KKR-IPL.jpg" alt="Sourav Ganguly of KKR IPL" width="600" height="430" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-124258" class="wp-caption-text">Sourav Ganguly of Kolkata. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h4><strong>2. Sanath Jayasuriya (Mumbai Indians- IPL 2008)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_124261" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-124261" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Sanath-Jayasuriya-MI.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-124261" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sanath-Jayasuriya-MI.jpg" alt="Sanath Jayasuriya of Mumbai Indians" width="600" height="454" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-124261" class="wp-caption-text">Sanath Jayasuriya of Mumbai Indians. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Sri Lankan legendary big-hitting all-rounder was swooped by the Mumbai Indians in the first season of the Indian Premier League expecting him to set the stage on fire. He did exactly that scoring a spectacular century in just 48 deliveries which sent the opposing bowlers scurrying for cover. His 17-ball 48 against the Kolkata Knight Riders did no harm to his reputation.</p>
<p>Jayasurya finished with 514 runs at the end of the season emerging as the leading run-scorer for MI. Sadly his heroics failed to earn a respectable spot for the Indians who finished 5th on the table.</p>
<h4><strong>3. Chris Morris (Delhi Daredevils- IPL 2016)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_67143" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-67143" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Chris-Morris.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-67143" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Chris-Morris.jpg" alt="IPL 2016" width="600" height="416" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-67143" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Morris. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Chris Morris first emerged into the limelight after his sensational performances for South African T20 franchise Highveld Lions in the Champions League in 2012. Chennai Super Kings opted to splurge USD 625,000 in the 2013 IPL Auction for his services which marked his first season in the Indian Premier League.</p>
<p>Morris was signed by the Delhi Daredevils in the 2016 season of the IPL after his spectacular performances for the Rajasthan Royals in the 2015 season. There were many who harbored doubts over his ability to adapt and shine at his new club.</p>
<p>195 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 178.89 and average of 65 with the willow was further complimented by 13 breakthroughs at an economy rate of just 7 which indicated his sublime performances for Delhi last season. Sadly the franchise again flattered to deceive finishing 6th at the end of the season.</p>
<h4><strong>4. Shaun Marsh (Kings XI Punjab IPL-2011)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_62397" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-62397" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/04/Shaun-Marsh.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-62397" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shaun-Marsh.jpg" alt width="600" height="383" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-62397" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The inaugural player&#8217;s auction of the Indian Premier League gave Marsh an opportunity to showcase his talent in front of a wide global audience on the big stage. He took that opportunity up with both hands earning the orange cap which earned him applause from fans and experts all around the world.</p>
<p>The 2011 season of the IPL gave us another glimpse of his superb stroke play and admirable reflexes when he smashed 504 runs emerging as the leading run scorer for the Punjab franchise. A 5th position finish can be deemed as nothing short of underwhelming.</p>
<h4><strong>5. Amit Mishra (Deccan Chargers &#8211; IPL 2011)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_19733" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-19733" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Amit-Mishra-DC-e1490272198200.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-19733" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Amit-Mishra-DC-e1490272198200.jpg" alt="Amit Mishra DC" width="600" height="454" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-19733" class="wp-caption-text">Amit Mishra DC. (Photo Source: Associated Press)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The crafty spinner has been hailed as one of India’s top spinners in recent years. His ability to generate movement, variations with subtle changes in line and length according to the scenario makes him a wily opponent for any batsman.</p>
<p>The leg-spinner snapped up 19 wickets in just 14 games at an astounding economy rate of 6.71 and average of 18.84 in a disappointing campaign for the Deccan Chargers. A 7th place finish in spite of his incredible performances is quite surprising indeed.</p>

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

There have been several instances where players enjoyed an excellent season on the field but their respective IPL franchises failed to record respectable