The IPL season has ended and we take stock of the hits and misses of the season. Here is the biggest disappointment of IPL 2018.

BIGGEST FLOP OF THE SEASON

Ben Stokes (Rajasthan Royals)

Stokes was highly disappointing with the bat. Image – BCCI.

The 11th edition’s biggest buy was also the biggest flop.

England all-rounder Stokes, who was bought by Rajasthan Royals for a whopping $1.95 million, failed to justify the price tag following a lacklustre display. In 13 matches, he could muster just 196 runs at a low average of 16.33 and an ordinary strike rate of 121.73.

He was not effective with the ball either with just eight wickets and a poor economy rate of 8.18.

His best performances – 45 off 37 balls against Chennai Super Kings and 3-15 against Kolkata Knight Riders – did little to inspire the team as Rajasthan lost both matches. It was surprising that the Rajasthan think-tank continued to persist with him despite his poor showing.

Every move to make the all-rounder tick, including at the top of the order, failed. Funnily, when he seemed to be hitting the straps, atleast with the ball, call of national duty ended his stint. After a stupendous 2017 IPL for the Rising Pune Supergiant, Stokes seems to have lost his touch and given a posisble unavailability next season due to the World Cup, looks like Stokes will be away from the IPL limelight.

WORTHY MENTIONS

Jaydev Unadkat (Rajasthan Royals)

Unadkat failed to fire after commanding a big fee. Image – BCCI.

Another big buy ($1.8m) that failed miserably as the left-arm pacer’s 11 wickets came at a high economy rate of 9.65.

Mumbai Indians

The defending champions had a horror start. Image – BCCI.

The defending champions failed to justify their billing with a horrible start – one win in six matches – derailing their chances and they ended up fifth.