Why is Sandeep Sharma the 'Most Underrated Bowler' in IPL History?

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In the realm of IPL cricket, where top-tier fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar often dominate the headlines for their performances, one name that has quietly but consistently made a telling impact is none other than Sandeep Sharma.

He is known for his deftness in delivering cutters, which made him a go-to bowler for his captains, especially when the game is on the line. Despite his terrific bowling spells over the years, Sandeep Sharma hasn't hogged the limelight but still remains one of the most underrated bowlers in IPL history.

Since the start of his IPL career, the Patiala-born has featured in 127 games. Overall. he has taken 137 wickets at an average of 27.07, including two four-wicket hauls and a five-wicket haul.

It is also worth noting that he has maintained an impressive economy rate of 7.89 in the IPL, which is the third-best among active Indian pacers, behind only Jasprit Bumrah (7.33) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (7.56). These stats go to show that the 31-year-old bowler truly deserves more recognition than he often receives.

The right-arm fast-medium bowler has played for multiple teams in the IPL, including the likes of Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Currently, he represents Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. He went unsold in the IPL 2023 auction but Prasidh Krishna's injury turned out to be a blessing in disguise as Sandeep was brought in as a replacement.

The paceman quickly proved his worth and rose through the ranks by raising his bar, taking 23 wickets in the last two seasons as the Royals immensely benefited from his work-rate. Notably, the IPL 2024 season went smoothly for Sandeep as he accounted for 13 dismissals in just 10 games with a bowling average of 23.92 and an economy of 8.18.

His match-winning spell against Mumbai Indians in Jaipur was the icing on the cake, where he took 5 wickets, giving away just 18 runs, in what was a career-defining performance that left everyone in awe. What really makes Sandeep Sharma truly unique is his potential to bowl with precision, particularly in the final overs.

Despite his consistent displays and game-changing spells, he often flies under the radar. But for those who have followed his journey, it is evident that he is one of the most valuable and underrated bowlers in IPL history.

His contributions may not always grab the headlines, but they have been quite significant to his teams' successes over the years. It is a reminder to the fans that in cricket, it is not always about stealing the spotlight but about delivering the goods when it matters most.