The Indian Premier League (IPL) is widely regarded as the biggest T20 competition in the world, and for good reason. It has produced several superstars who have gone on to shine in international cricket. However, not every successful IPL player has managed to carry the same form into international matches. Some players, often remembered as IPL stars who flopped on the international stage, dazzled fans in the IPL but failed to make a significant mark for their national teams.
These examples of IPL stars who flopped on the international stage remind us that while the league is a fantastic platform, international cricket brings tougher tests. Ultimately, the stories of IPL stars who flopped on the international stage prove that excelling in the IPL doesn’t always guarantee international success.
Here Are The Top 10 IPL Stars Who Flopped on the International Stage:
10. Jaydev Unadkat
Jaydev Unadkat’s career is the perfect example of how consistency in the IPL doesn’t always lead to international success. After struggling in the early years, he exploded in IPL 2017 for Rising Pune Supergiants, picking up 24 wickets in just 12 matches. He became one of the most talked-about Indian bowlers, earning a reputation for clever variations and match-winning spells. His rise saw him being purchased at hefty prices in subsequent auctions, but ultimately, he became one of the many IPL stars who flopped on the international stage.
But when it came to playing for India, Unadkat couldn’t replicate the same impact. Despite opportunities in both ODIs and T20Is, he struggled with line and length. In T20Is, his economy often touched 10, making him expensive and unreliable at the highest level. The hype of 2017 soon disappeared, and though he remains an IPL regular, Unadkat is often remembered as one of the IPL stars who flopped on the international stage.
| Player | Country | IPL Wickets | Intl. Matches | Intl. Wickets | Best Intl. Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaydev Unadkat | India | 91 | 22 | 19 | T20I |
9. Sohail Tanvir
When Sohail Tanvir burst into the IPL in 2008, he instantly became a household name. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, he finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets in just 11 games. His unusual action, deceptive slower balls, and deadly variations made him one of the first true IPL sensations. However, despite this success, he is also remembered as one of the IPL stars who flopped on the international stage.
However, his international career never quite hit the same heights. He played a handful of ODIs and T20Is for Pakistan but lacked the consistency required to cement a spot. Injuries and form dips further derailed his progress, and despite being considered a T20 specialist, he couldn’t replicate his IPL dominance for Pakistan. His story stands out as an example of IPL stars who flopped on the international stage despite a memorable start.
| Player | Country | IPL Wickets | Intl. Matches | Intl. Wickets | Best Intl. Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sohail Tanvir | Pakistan | 22 (2008) | 62 | 71 | T20I |
8. Parvinder Awana
Parvinder Awana’s entry into the IPL was a breath of fresh air for Kings XI Punjab. With his ability to bowl consistently above 140 kmph, he became a go-to strike bowler in IPL 2012, claiming 17 wickets in just 12 matches. His fiery spells gave hope that India had finally found another genuine fast bowler to complement their attack, but he eventually became one of the IPL stars who flopped on the international stage.
Unfortunately, his international career was extremely short-lived. He played just two T20Is against England in 2012, conceding 71 runs in 6 overs across both games. That performance dented his reputation, and he was never called back again. Despite performing in the IPL for a few more seasons, he remained one of the IPL stars who flopped on the international stage, unable to transition his domestic and IPL form into international success.
| Player | Country | IPL Wickets | Intl. Matches | Intl. Wickets | Best Intl. Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parvinder Awana | India | 39 | 2 | 0 | T20I |
7. Chris Lynn
Chris Lynn’s reputation as one of the most destructive openers in T20 cricket largely came from his exploits in the IPL, especially for Kolkata Knight Riders. His partnership with Sunil Narine at the top was a game-changer, and his fearless hitting earned him the nickname “Lynnsanity.” With multiple match-winning knocks, he became a franchise favorite, but despite this success, he ultimately joined the list of IPL stars who flopped on the international stage.
Yet, his international career with Australia was underwhelming. In 4 ODIs and 18 T20Is, he scored just over 350 runs, never really commanding a permanent place in the side. Injuries also hampered his progress, preventing him from delivering consistent performances at the highest level. While IPL fans fondly remember his six-hitting feats, he remains one of the most famous IPL stars who flopped on the international stage.
| Player | Country | IPL Runs | Intl. Matches | Intl. Runs | Best Intl. Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Lynn | Australia | 1329 | 22 | 366 | T20I |
6. Saurabh Tiwary
Saurabh Tiwary, with his left-handed batting style, reminded many fans of MS Dhoni due to his physique and aggression. His breakthrough came in IPL 2010 when he scored 419 runs in 14 matches for Mumbai Indians, winning the Under-23 Player of the Tournament award. His ability to stabilize innings and hit big shots at crucial times made him a player to watch, but he eventually became one of the IPL stars who flopped on the international stage.
However, his international career was brief. Playing only 3 ODIs in 2010, he managed just 49 runs in total. He couldn’t hold his place in the side, and injuries further affected his consistency in the IPL as well. Despite showing flashes of talent, he faded away quickly, leaving him among the IPL stars who flopped on the international stage, remembered more for his IPL 2010 exploits than his international career.
| Player | Country | IPL Runs | Intl. Matches | Intl. Runs | Best Intl. Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saurabh Tiwary | India | 1494 | 3 | 49 | ODI |
5. Albie Morkel
Albie Morkel was a household name in the IPL, especially with the Chennai Super Kings. Known for his finishing abilities with the bat and handy medium pace with the ball, he played a vital role in CSK’s early successes. His six-hitting ability, especially his famous 28 runs in an over against Virat Kohli’s bowling in 2012, remains iconic. Over his IPL career, he amassed over 900 runs and 85 wickets.
Yet, his international career for South Africa was relatively modest. Despite playing 109 matches across formats, he never cemented his place. With just 782 ODI runs and 50 wickets, he failed to replicate his IPL match-winning contributions. While he is celebrated as a CSK legend, he is also remembered as one of the IPL stars who flopped on the international stage in terms of international performance.
| Player | Country | IPL Runs | IPL Wickets | Intl. Matches | Intl. Runs | Intl. Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albie Morkel | S. Africa | 974 | 85 | 109 | 1412 | 77 |
4. Abhishek Nayar
Abhishek Nayar was seen as a potential all-rounder for India during his domestic and IPL performances. With Mumbai Indians in the early seasons, he showed promise as a lower-order finisher and handy bowler. His contributions in the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai also made him one of the most consistent domestic players.
But when he was picked for India, things didn’t go as planned. He played 3 ODIs in 2009 but didn’t get much of a chance with either bat or ball. His brief international career yielded no wickets and no significant batting contributions. Despite being a fighter and a consistent IPL performer, he became one of the IPL stars who flopped on the international stage, unable to replicate his domestic heroics.
| Player | Country | IPL Runs | IPL Wickets | Intl. Matches | Intl. Runs | Intl. Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Nayar | India | 672 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
3. Stuart Binny
Stuart Binny’s performances for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2013 turned him into a reliable all-rounder. Scoring 293 runs at a strike rate of 147 and bowling economically, he became an important part of the team. His IPL consistency earned him an India call-up across formats.
In international cricket, however, he couldn’t deliver regularly. Despite taking a memorable 6/4 against Bangladesh in ODIs, he failed to establish himself. In 6 Tests, he scored only 194 runs and took 3 wickets, while in T20Is he remained ineffective. His inability to consistently perform at the highest level made him one of the IPL stars who flopped on the international stage, remembered more for IPL success than his international stint.
| Player | Country | IPL Runs | IPL Wickets | Intl. Matches | Intl. Runs | Intl. Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stuart Binny | India | 880 | 22 | 23 | 459 | 24 |
2. Mandeep Singh
Mandeep Singh’s IPL career peaked in 2012 when he scored 432 runs for Kings XI Punjab, becoming the team’s highest run-scorer. His aggressive batting style and ability to anchor innings made him a standout performer, earning the “Rising Star of the Tournament” award.
However, his international stint was very brief. In 3 T20Is for India in 2016, he scored 87 runs, including one half-century. But he never got another chance to represent India. Despite being a reliable IPL performer for franchises like RCB and KKR, he couldn’t establish himself at the international level. His story highlights how even talented players can become IPL stars who flopped on the international stage.
| Player | Country | IPL Runs | Intl. Matches | Intl. Runs | Best Intl. Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandeep Singh | India | 1700+ | 3 | 87 | T20I |
1. Mohit Sharma
At the top of this list is Mohit Sharma, whose early IPL exploits made him a household name. Playing for Chennai Super Kings, he took 20 wickets in IPL 2013, followed by winning the Purple Cap in 2014 with 23 wickets. His slower deliveries and death-bowling skills made him one of the best IPL bowlers at the time.
This success earned him a place in India’s 2015 World Cup squad. But in international cricket, he couldn’t replicate the same level. In 26 ODIs and 8 T20Is, he took 37 wickets but often leaked runs and failed to deliver consistently. Within two years, he was dropped from the side. Despite his IPL heroics, Mohit remains one of the IPL stars who flopped on the international stage.
| Player | Country | IPL Wickets | Intl. Matches | Intl. Wickets | Best Intl. Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohit Sharma | India | 124 | 34 | 37 | ODI |
FAQs
Q1: Why do IPL stars who flopped on the international stage often struggle?
Because international cricket requires consistency, adaptability, and handling pressure, many IPL stars who flopped on the international stage fail to meet those higher demands.
Q2: Which Indian bowlers are the biggest IPL stars who flopped on the international stage?
Names like Jaydev Unadkat, Parvinder Awana, and Mohit Sharma are among the Indian IPL stars who flopped on the international stage despite early hype.
Q3: Can IPL stars who flopped on the international stage still be considered successful?
Yes, because IPL is a prestigious competition, even IPL stars who flopped on the international stage are celebrated for their franchise contributions and memorable performances.
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