The Indian Premier League (IPL) is often seen as the ultimate stage for T20 greatness. However, not every player who shines internationally finds success in the high-pressure, franchise-driven environment of the IPL. Over the years, several cricketers have struggled in the league but gone on to achieve remarkable success on the global stage.
Here’s a look at 10 players who couldn’t crack the IPL but thrived internationally:
1. Cheteshwar Pujara
A modern-day Test specialist, Pujara has been India’s backbone in red-ball cricket. Despite his immense success in Tests, his slow scoring rate made him an awkward fit for the IPL, leading to limited opportunities.
2. Ajinkya Rahane
Rahane has had flashes of success in the IPL, but inconsistency kept him from becoming a franchise cornerstone. Internationally, however, he has been a dependable Test batter and even led India to a historic series win in Australia.
3. Joe Root
One of the finest Test batters of his generation, Root has rarely featured in the IPL and hasn’t made a significant impact. His international record, however, speaks volumes, especially in red-ball cricket.
4. Kane Williamson
Though he has had some good IPL seasons, Williamson hasn’t consistently dominated the league. Internationally, he is among the most respected captains and batters, leading New Zealand to major ICC finals.
5. Dimuth Karunaratne
Karunaratne is a prolific Test opener for Sri Lanka but has never been an IPL regular. His classical technique suits longer formats far better than T20 cricket.
6. Mitchell Starc
Starc has had brief IPL stints but hasn’t consistently featured due to workload management and availability. Internationally, he remains one of the most lethal fast bowlers, especially in ICC tournaments.
7. Josh Hazlewood
Hazlewood struggled to make a big mark in earlier IPL seasons. However, his disciplined bowling has made him a key figure for Australia across formats.
8. Trent Boult
While Boult has had decent IPL performances, he hasn’t always been as dominant as in international cricket, where he has been a consistent match-winner with the new ball.
9. Babar Azam
Due to geopolitical reasons, Babar has never played in the IPL. However, he has established himself as one of the best batters in world cricket across formats.
10. Marnus Labuschagne
Labuschagne has had minimal IPL exposure, but in Test cricket, he has been a run machine for Australia, consistently ranking among the top batters in the world.
