A number of top teams disappointed in the World Cup 2019, and it had a lot to do with the failure of some marquee players, who were touted to have a major impact in the edition. Lack of temperament, form, and inconsistency engulfed a few stars, and we list the biggest disappointments from the edition.
Chris Gayle (West Indies):
Chris Gayle
The Jamaican came into the competition on the back of a good run of form in the IPL, but he floundered in the World Cup as he managed only 242 runs in 8 games at an average of just over 30 and a strike rate below 90. Known for his big-hitting skills, Gayle only managed 12 sixes and failed to bring out his best when his team needed it the most. He eventually ended with a high score of only 72, which highlights the below-par tournament that he had.
Martin Guptill (New Zealand):
Martin Guptill
From being the highest run-getter in the World Cup four years ago to having a tournament to forget with the bat this time, Guptill hit a new low as he scored only 186 runs at an average of 20.86. He was also dismissed for a golden duck twice in the edition. While he did start the tournament with an unbeaten 73 against the Sri Lankans, his form tapered off soon after, which increased the pressure on the likes of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor in the middle order.
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan):
Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan entered the World Cup as one of the top ten bowlers in ODI cricket, but he failed to create an impact. In nine games, the leggie only scalped six wickets at an average nearing 70. He bowled 431 balls during the World Cup, conceding 416 runs. In the end, his economy rate of 5.79 was the third worst among all Afghan bowlers.
Kuldeep Yadav (India):
Kuldeep Yadav
The chinaman bowler came in with high reputation, but walked away a pale shadow of his former self. Only six wickets in seven games at an average of 56.17 and a strike rate of 67 highlight the dismal campaign that he had. Yadav’s struggles had started from the IPL itself, where he was dropped for the last few games that Kolkata Knight Riders played. However, Kuldeep did bowl a peach of a delivery to Babar Azam against Pakistan, but that was the only highlight of his World Cup.
Kagiso Rabada (South Africa):
Kagiso Rabada
The fast bowler ended with only 11 wickets in 9 games, and he was a major reason for South Africa’s poor run in the World Cup. Rabada, who was the second highest wicket-taker in the IPL, had a lot of responsibilities entrusted upon him in the edition, with many believing that his searing pace along with helpful conditions could make life miserable for the batters. However, he failed to get going and ended up being the weak link in the side.
