Photo Gallery: 5 Retained players who need to prove their worth in IPL 2019
Kieron Pollard has been one of Mumbai's best players throughout the IPL and has helped them win countless games. He is known for his fielding, bowling and explosive batting. However in 2018, Pollard lost his place as a regular for Mumbai Indians after he played only 9 matches and scored 133 runs with a poor average of 19 and a strike rate of 128 which is far lower considering a player like Pollard. He was a strong contender for being released but was surprisingly retained by the Mumbai Indians. Despite his weak performances in IPL 2018, he must return the favour by delivering better performances for his team otherwise he won't be as lucky next time. The West Indies team management and the selectors also need to figure out how to get the best out of Pollard considering his poor performances in the recently concluded T20 series against India. (Image Credits: PTI)
Ben Stokes was the most expensive player in the auction last year. He was bought by the Rajasthan Royals for a sum of 12.5 crore INR. The all rounder enjoyed an amazing international season for England before signing up for the IPL. In 13 matches, he picked 8 wickets at an economy rate of 8.28. His batting was not up to the mark as well, with Stokes managing to score just 196 runs in 13 matches at a poor average of 16.33. Rajasthan Royals could have released him and added some money to their purse but they have chosen to keep him for the next season. Stokes must justify this decision and perform according to his exceptional abilities.
(Image Credits: bcci)
Manish Pandey was retained by the Sunrisers Hyderabad despite failing to impress in his first season with the franchise. He was bought by the Hyderabad based franchise for a massive sum of 11 crore INR. Pandey maanged to score just 280 runs in 15 matches at an average of 23.84. He has demonstrated that he is a good player in the past while representing the KKR and must justify the price tag as well as the team's choice by playing well next season. (Image Credits: PTI)
Harbhajan Singh was retained by the Chennai Super Kings, despite his weak performance in IPL 2018. He played 13 matches for CSK and only managed to take 7 wickets at an economy rate of 8.88. The 38-year-old is one of the successful bowlers in the history of IPL with regard to wickets taken, trailing behind Lasith Malinga and Amit Mishra. However, critics have expressed their reservations about the decision to retain him considering his performances last season and growing age. Singh will be looking to make his presence felt in IPL 2019. (Image Credits: PTI)
Yusuf Pathan's performance in IPL 2018 was certainly better than his performance in IPL 2017. In 15 matches, he managed to score only 143 runs at an average of 17.87 while in 2018 he scored 260 runs at an average of 28.88 in 15 matches . His ability to clear the boundary at ease makes him a dangerous customer for the opposition. However, in the last couple of years the cricketer has been in constant decline with ever-increasing inconsistency. Pathan will be looking to step up in IPL 2019 and register a power-packed performance. (Image Credits: PTI)
