IPL 8, RR vs KXIP: Only foreign cricketers in times of trouble?

Mumbai: It may be the brainchild of India but foreign players seem to be ruling the roost in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During the Super Over between Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab on Tuesday, no Indian batsman or bowler was seen in the middle. Are the captains and coaches not confident enough of the national and domestic players?

IPL 8 RR vs KXIP: Super Punjab end Rajasthan's Royal run

With scores tied at 191, Kings XI Punjab captain Virender Sehwag – himself being a terrific striker – sent David Miller (South Africa) and Shaun Marsh (Australia) to have a go at the Rajasthan bowlers. When Miller was dismissed, Glenn Maxwell (Australia) joined Marsh.

Not only that, it was another fellow South African, Chris Morris, steaming in for the Rahul Dravid-coached team.

Punjab scored 15 in their Super Over and when it was Rajasthan’s turn, all eyes turned to Ajinkya Rahane, Karun Nair and Deepak Hooda. These three hit the ball well during the Rajasthan innings.

Rahane scored a 54-ball 74, Hooda (with a strike rate of 211) smashed 19 off nine deliveries.

Nair (with a 13-ball 25) guided the team to a competitive total.

But it was captain Shane Watson and all-rounder James Faulkner who padded up to chase 16.

Watson at least found some runs (45 off 35) during the 20-over innings but choosing Faulkner – dismissed for one – over the in-form Indian players hurls a trust and confidence question.

On the other hand, Sandeep Sharma – even with a better economy rate than Mitchell Johnson – could not rise to the occasion. The ball was thrown at the Aussie, the World Cup winner.

(Photo: Twitter)

Though Johnson had the last laugh but the future of Indian cricketers in the T20 league seem to be on the verge of extinction.