Usman Khawaja IPL: The Australian opener who never flourished in the IPL

Published on: Mar 17, 2023 7:36 pm IST|Updated on: Mar 17, 2023 7:46 pm IST

Usman Khawaja IPL

Usman Khawaja is a talented Australian cricketer who has made a name for himself with his stylish batting technique and consistent performances. Though he has not played many matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL), his brief stint in the league has been impressive. In this article, we will delve into his IPL career and see how he fared during his time in the league.

IPL 2016: Replacement Player for Rising Pune Supergiant

Usman Khawaja’s IPL journey began in 2016 when he was signed up as a replacement player for South Africa’s Faf du Plessis by the Rising Pune Supergiant team. However, he did not get to play a single match for the team that season. Nevertheless, his selection was a testament to his reputation as a solid top-order batsman, and it paved the way for his entry into the IPL the following year.

IPL 2017: Rising Pune Supergiant

In 2017, Usman Khawaja was bought by the Rising Pune Supergiant for a hefty sum of ₹10,000,000. He was expected to provide stability to the top order and anchor the innings, and he did not disappoint in the few opportunities he got.

Usman Khawaja played six matches for the Rising Pune Supergiant, scoring 127 runs at an average of 21.16 and a strike rate of 127. He scored his runs at a steady pace, hitting 14 fours and three sixes in his innings. His highest score for the season was 30, which he scored against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Usman Khawaja IPL numbers,

Statistic Value
Matches 6
Runs 127
Highest Score 30
Fifties 0
Hundreds 0
Fours 14
Sixes 3
Strike Rate 127

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Despite not being able to convert his starts into big scores, Usman Khawaja’s contributions were crucial for the team’s success. He played a vital role in setting the foundation for the middle order to build upon, and his presence in the team added depth to the batting lineup.

Overall, Usman Khawaja’s IPL career may have been brief, but he made a significant impact during his time in the league. His performance for the Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017 showcased his abilities as a reliable top-order batsman, and his contributions were instrumental in the team’s success that season.

Usman Khawaja IPL Playing Style

Usman Khawaja is known for his elegant stroke-play and his ability to anchor the innings. He is a technically sound batsman and relies on his timing and placement rather than brute force to score runs. In the IPL, Khawaja played the role of an opener and was tasked with setting the tone for the team’s innings.

Khawaja’s approach in the IPL was similar to his approach in international cricket. He was patient and played each ball on its merit, waiting for the right opportunity to score runs. He was particularly good at playing spinners and used his feet to great effect to counter the turning ball.

One of the standout features of Khawaja’s batting in the IPL was his ability to score runs on the off-side. He played some exquisite cover drives and square cuts that left the opposition fielders gasping for breath. His footwork and hand-eye coordination were exceptional, allowing him to play shots with minimum risk.

Overall, Khawaja’s playing style in the IPL was a testament to his talent and temperament. He showed that he had the skill and the temperament to succeed in the tournament, even though his stint was short-lived.

Conclusion

Usman Khawaja’s IPL career may have been brief, but he left a lasting impression on fans and critics alike. His elegant stroke-play, solid technique, and ability to anchor the innings were on full display during his six matches in the tournament. Although he didn’t score a hundred or a fifty, he made valuable contributions to his team’s cause and showed that he had what it takes to succeed in the IPL.

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Khawaja’s stint in the IPL may have been short-lived, but it was a valuable learning experience for him. He got the opportunity to play against some of the best players in the world and test his skills in a high-pressure environment. His performances in the tournament showed that he had the talent and the temperament to succeed in T20 cricket, and he will be remembered as one of the talented Australian cricketers who graced the IPL.

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