Unsung heroes for each team in the league stages of the IPL

Indian Premier League (IPL) is heading towards its business end and the playoffs battle between the teams was intense as expected. This season there have been exceptional performances from both Indian as well as overseas players. The future of India Rahul Tripathi, Rishabh Pant, Basil Thampi, Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Rana and so many youngsters have lit up the tenth season of this extravaganza with some amazing consistency.

Also, International players like Ben Stokes, David Warner, Kieron Pollard and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have proved once again why they are hailed so much when it comes to the shortest format of the game, albeit they are even better in the other formats. Teams have benefited with some extraordinary cricket by their key players this year but every team has that one player who has contributed in almost every game in every aspect.

These players seldom get the credit for what they have done. Their performances have always been under the shadow of the other players’ magical knock or spell. But there are some players who need to be credited for the consistency and professionalism they have shown throughout the season and have been a team player. Here we look at the unsung hero of every team who has been exceptional for his side but has gone unnoticed most of the times.

Harbhajan Singh (Mumbai Indians)

Harbhajan Singh, the off-spinner, has been a vital cog of the Mumbai Indians side from the inception of the tournament. He was dropped from the side for the first game this season which was termed as ‘tactical’ by Rohit Sharma. But he had to include him in the playing XI from the next game as you cannot keep a player of Bhajji’s experience out from the team.

Mumbai, this year, had so many exceptional performances from their players but Harbhajan has been the silent warrior. He has quietly gone through his spells without conceding too many runs and has stifled the opposition, be it in the powerplays or in the middle overs. This year his economy has been 6.48 which was 5.81 before the game against Kings XI. 

Though the southpaw has taken only 8 wickets, his wily off spin bowling has kept the batsmen quiet which has resulted in fall of wickets. Mumbai Indians will require Harbhajan’s experience in the playoffs and he would be keen to make a mark in coming matches as well.