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6 Indian stars with a point to prove at IPL 7
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Abhijit Masih from Dubai begins this new series with his feature: Six Indian stars who must use this IPL season to show that the flame still burns in them.
For the love of the game, or the money?
The debate skews towards the point that no player wants to let down the team, the fans, the country and, more importantly, himself.
We have seen it in the past that most individuals suddenly find form while donning IPL team colours while their performance is often wanting when turning out for the country.
With the IPL7 underway in the UAE, we sit on the edge of the seat, hoping that our fallen heroes resurrect themselves.
Sure, no one wants them to fail.
We all loved the infuriating smile get wiped off Stuart Broad's face, or the massacre at Multan, or the sensational moustache-twirling debut innings at Mohali against the mighty Australians.
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6 Indian stars with a point to prove at IPL 7
Yuvraj Singh
A hero. no doubt, both on and off the field, though the limited-overs specialist and key component of the two major World Cups India won is a distant reflection of his former self.
The confidence is so low that the once star fielder, who surveyed the point region like a hawk, is finding easy-in-the-air catches difficult to grab.
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6 Indian stars with a point to prove at IPL 7
Shikhar Dhawan
A marauder of the bowling attack right at the top of the innings. Never one to think twice before charging towards the quickest of bowlers, he somehow hasn't been seen twirling his moustache of late.
Nor have we seen the outstretched arms acknowledging the dressing room and crowd on completing a milestone.
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6 Indian stars with a point to prove at IPL 7
Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja's T20 and IPL stats indicate that he is much more successful in the latter. Consider this: His T20 batting average is 9.62 as against his IPL average of 23.51.
The bowling stats are similar, with a strike rate of 31.69 in T20 compared to 22.41 in the IPL.
In the T20 World Cup, he either did not get to bat, and even when he did, did not reach double figures. But we all know he is a gifted player and one of the best all-rounders we have.
Will 'Sir Jadeja' make us tip our hats?
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6 Indian stars with a point to prove at IPL 7
Yusuf Pathan
The one person everyone has the same opinion of; the one who still hasn't consistently matched performance with potential.
The defence always given by his captains and coaches is that he comes in way down the batting order and, hence, is always in a hit out or get out situation.
Even if that is considered, the ratio between success and failure is skewed.
If you have that slot, you know you need to fire from the word go, and prepare and practice accordingly.
Another stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders, and we will watch, 'cause when he gets going, the gum-chewing bat heaver is fantastic to watch.
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6 Indian stars with a point to prove at IPL 7
Gautam Gambhir
Gambhir is one of the most passionate players to have played for India; that is before Virat Kohli came along.
Our memories are short-lived and tend to move on to the next sensation by the next series or the next match even.
Off late, he is roughing it out in the domestic circuit, with a highest score of 75 against Haryana in a T20 match.
Donning the Indian Blues again is doubtful. If he shines, he will compel fans to give him the salute he richly deserves!
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6 Indian stars with a point to prove at IPL 7
Virendra Sehwag
We may not have seen much of him due to his omission from the Indian team, but his enormous fan following tracks his every innings in the domestic circuit.
The Ranji Trophy matches may have been disappointing for him, but we all know what Sehwag is capable of. Ask Pakistan.
He seems to be in good form, and was amongst the runs in the last four matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament.
Every cricket-loving fan would love to see the 'Superhero', as David Miller, his teammate at Kings XI Punjab, calls him, bring back memories of his glory days.