Ranji: Flop Show

TNIE takes a look at some of the top players who failed to impress during this Ranji season.

TNIE takes a look at some of the top players who failed to impress during this Ranji season.

Abhishek Nayar | Mat: 5 | Runs: 200 | Bat Avg: 22.22 | Wkts: 8

The all-rounder, who played a key role in Mumbai’s title-winning campaign last season, has found the going tough so far. Known for his flamboyant batting, he can also drop anchor if required and his medium pace comes in handy. He has rescued Mumbai − with both bat and ball − several times in the past. Nayar appeared close to earning a India recall at the start of the season as he was named captain of the India A side against New Zealand

Virender Sehwag | Mat: 5 | Runs: 169 | Avg: 21.12 | HS: 56

The Nawab of Najafgarh recently lost his BCCI central contract. In 10 innings, he has hit just one fifty. His only other fifty of the domestic season came in September in a Challenger Trophy one-day game. He played as a No 4 batsman in that match. His form has also hurt Delhi’s Ranji campaign. Some experts feel a change in technique, when one considers his slowing reflexes, is the need of the hour.

Manpreet Gony | Mat: 4 | Wkts: 7 | Avg: 46.14 | Best: 3/98

The medium pacer came into prominence with superb displays for Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural IPL in 2008, but inconsistency and injuries have plagued him since. The strapping lad has the ability to hit the deck and move the ball away from the right-handers. While he has been lacklustre this season, fellow pacers Vikram Singh and Sandeep Sharma have prospered for Punjab with 13 wickets and 27 wickets respectively. One hopes Gony regroups quickly and makes an impact in the later part of the season.

Unmukt Chand Mat: 5 | Runs: 213 | Avg: 26.62 | HS: 56

The young batsman, who led the Under-19 team to World Cup victory last year and became a household name, hasn’t been consistent this season. Barring a century against Mumbai, Chand has no fifty-plus scores. After smashing back-to-back hundreds in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tourney early this year, Chand struggled in the IPL before bouncing back with centuries in the Challenger and Duleep Trophy.

Murali Kartik Mat: 5 | Wkts: 1 | Avg: 103 | Best: 1/20

Kartik could hardly make an impact in international cricket since his career coincided with the Kumble-Harbhajan era. However, he has been prolific in domestic cricket and has taken 641 wickets at an average of 26.67. The left-arm spinner also made a mark in the County circuit, but has taken just one wicket this season, even though he has bowled 40 overs in five games.

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