As far as the saying goes, 'Form and performance are temporary, but class is permanent.' This can only be related to a player's domestic or international career. Here at the Indian Premier League, along with with the cricketer's class, both form and performance must be permanent. But can anyone really keep himself so consistent and at his best at all times?
The latest edition of the ultra-rich Indian Premier League is all set to begin from Wednesday. And as most of the previous editions, this one too saw a humongous amount of money being spent.
Chandigarh boy, Yuvraj Singh broke his own record of being the most expensive player, when Delhi Daredevils acquired him for a staggering Rs 16 crore. They broke Royal Challengers Bangalore's record of Rs 14 crore for the left armed all-rounder, who bought him in 2014 edition.
But unlike Yuvraj Singh, not all 30 and above have the same fate. Many of them remain unsold at the auction, and even if they are picked by any franchise, find difficult to get a place in the playing XI.
This time a total of 151 players, from the 751 who were to be auctioned, remained unsold. And this list not only included small timers, but some 'big' names too. Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Ross Taylor, Hashim Amla are the ones to name.
Here's a look at 10 big players who remained unsold at the 2015 auction and will miss the action of the IPL's 8th edition.
(Brad Hodge in action for Australia)
1. Brad Hodge (aged 40)
One of the most explosive batsman in the T20 format, Brad Hodge missed out the opportunity to play in IPL 8 as he was unsold in the auction. A part of Rajasthan Royals squad, fellow countryman Shane Watson and Steve Smith were chosen ahead of him. Though he did well when given a chance, he has now turned towards coaching. Anyway he wasn't retained by the former champions.
(Murali Karthik celebrates a wicket for India)
2. Murali Karthik (aged 38)
Murali Karthik is one of those players who have had a glorious domestic record, but not so illustrious international career. He was a part of the Kings XI Punjab squad, chosen as a lead spinner, but lost his place when the youngster Axar Patel outperformed him and secured a place ahead of him in the squad.
Karthik chose to retire from all forms of cricket at the end of the season. He later tried his hand at doing commentary on the game.
(David Hussey is surprised by a bouncer while playing for Australia)
3. David Hussey (aged 37)
Unlike his elder brother, Micheal Husssey, who was picked up by the Chennai Super Kings for this edition; David remained unsold this time. Last season, he was chosen as a replacement for injured Dwyane Bravo, by CSK. He joins the list of players who have played for many franchises. Initially, David was a part of Kolkata Knight Riders. Later, he was part of the Kings XI Punjab squad. And finally ended up playing for the Chennai Super Kings last season.
(Kumar Sangakarra representing his national side)
4. Kumar Sangakkara (aged 37)
One of the most influential players of Sri Lanka, Kumar Sangakkara has had good stint since the inception of the the tournament. He began his career with Kings XI Punjab and was 2nd top scorer of the team. He later moved to the Deccan Chargers. After the re-christening of the team as Sunrisers Hyderabad, he led his side in their maiden campaign to fourth place. This time around, he remains unsold.
(Mahela Jayawardene is considered a Sri Lankan cricketing legend)
5. Mehela Jayawardene (aged 37)
Fellow countryman to Sangakkara, Mahela is regarded as one of the Sri Lankan cricketing legends. He too has had an equally illustrious career as Sangakkara or Muralitharan. Mahela played for Kochi Tuskers Kerala and the Delhi Daredevils in his IPL run. But like last time, he remained unsold this time too.
( Nathan McMullum with his younger sibling, Brendon, and Daniel Vettori)
6. Nathan McCullum (aged 34)
Elder brother to Kiwi skipper, Brendon McCullum, Nathan hasn't had such an outstanding IPL carrer. He was a part of the suspended team Pune Warriors India and of Sunrisers Hyderabad. His exclusion from any of the franchises this season was no surprise.
( Balaji is estatic after getting a wicket for KKR)
7. Laksmipathi Balaji (aged 33)
The Chennai man is one of the player to have had a brilliant IPL run. He was the first Indian to take a hat-trick in the IPL. Initially being a part of the Chennai Super Kings, Balaji has been notably consistent for the economy rate in all T20 matches in the IPL for his former side. In the fourth season he made a move to Kolkata Knight Riders and subsequently ended his run with Kings XI Punjab, previous season.
(Ross Taylor with fellow country man, Kane Williamson)
8. Ross Taylor (aged 31)
Member of the 2015 World Cup runner-up team, had a brilliant season with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first couple of IPL seasons. But then he went out of favour and played for numerous sides, which included Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors India and Rajasthan Royals. He was one of the hard hitting batsmen, but this time around, he found no takers.
(Munaf Patel celebrating a wicket in the ICC World Cup 2011. India went on to win the Cup.)
9. Munaf Patel (aged 31)
The Gujarati lad, was in the 2011 World Cup winning squad for Indians. He began his IPL career with Rajasthan Royals, winning the maiden season with them. He was subsequently signed on by the Mumbai Indians at the IPL Player auction 2011. Munaf, was left out of the squad due to prolonged periods in injuries. He too remained unsold this season.
(Ravi Rampaul taking a wicket for his side, RCB)
10. Ravi Rampaul (aged 30)
The West Indian cricketer too didn't have such a great IPL career. He played only one season with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, being the 2nd highest wicket taker, bagging 13 wickets for his side.
A long list ensues other than these players.
The IPL is deemed as a great platform for best talents, no matter the age. But sometimes, it is ruthless considering the fact that these players and many more aren't given a chance.
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