In a game of such small margins, teams often have to make unconventional choices. In case of the IPL, it is particularly true, due to the cap on the number of overseas players a team can play in an eleven. Hence, experiments and quirky moves are par for the course.
However, the opener’s slot is something that teams are loathed to experiment with for obvious reasons. It is the launch pad that teams need but IPL team have sent in opening batsmen that seemed unlikely at the time.
5. Praveen Kumar
Considering the fact that Delhi had made 191, it was a bold move. Kumar hit one boundary and lasted five deliveries before being dismissed by Glenn McGrath. He made 6 runs, and although, RCB tried gamely, they ended up losing by 10 runs.
4. Rahul Tripathi
However, Tripathi’s promotion proved to be a masterstroke, as he became one of the most consistent players in the IPL last season and helped the team reach the final. In the 2018 auction, he was picked up by Rajasthan Royals for Rs.3.4 crores (Pune had paid Rs.10 lakhs for him).
3. Sunil Narine
It did not end up being an exact disaster, but no one quite expected him to open the innings for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. After all, the KKR squad had openers like Robin Uthappa, captain Gautam Gambhir, and Chris Lynn.
2. R Ashwin
MS Dhoni is known for unconventional steps, and in a game at the Eden Gardens against the KKR in 2012, he promoted the off-spinner to the opening slot. He made 11 in 13 balls and hit 2 boundaries. The Chennai Super Kings chased the target down but, Ashwin was never seen in that slot again.
1. James Franklin
The left-hander tucked into the Kings XI bowling and hit 79 runs off 51 deliveries, to help Mumbai score 163. He hit 6 fours and 4 sixes. However, Kings XI managed to chase it down comfortably in the end, thanks to an unbeaten 68 from Shaun Marsh.
