Stuart Broad IPL Career: A Promising Start That Never Took Off

Stuart Broad is one of the most successful bowlers in English cricket history. He has taken over 500 international wickets across formats and has played a crucial role in many of England’s historic victories. However, when it comes to his IPL career, things haven’t quite gone according to plan. In this article, we will take a closer look at Stuart Broad’s IPL career, his brief stint with Kings XI Punjab, and why he hasn’t played much in the tournament.

Stuart Broad IPL Career: A Slow Start

Stuart Broad was first picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the inaugural IPL season in 2008. However, he never got a chance to play in the tournament due to England’s busy international schedule. It wasn’t until 2011 when Kings XI Punjab bought him for a whopping ₹1.84 crore that he finally got a chance to play in the IPL. However, his debut season was cut short due to a calf injury, and he could only play nine matches, taking eight wickets at an average of 27.25.

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The following year, Kings XI Punjab retained Broad for ₹2.1 crore, but he once again missed the entire season due to injury. Since then, Broad has not been picked by any IPL team, and he hasn’t played a single match in the tournament.

Why Hasn’t Stuart Broad Played in the IPL?

There are several reasons why Stuart Broad hasn’t played much in the IPL. One of the main reasons is his busy international schedule. Broad is a regular member of the England cricket team and is often playing for his country during the IPL season. The IPL is also a high-intensity tournament, and injuries are common. Broad has had his fair share of injuries throughout his career, and this has also played a role in his limited IPL appearances.

Another reason is the nature of the IPL auction. The IPL auction is a highly competitive and unpredictable event, and many talented players miss out on being picked by a team. In Broad’s case, his high base price may have been a deterrent for teams looking to save money and build a balanced squad. Teams are also often looking for players who can perform multiple roles, such as all-rounders or specialist T20 bowlers, and Broad’s lack of T20 experience may have worked against him.

Stuart Broad’s T20 Record

While Stuart Broad may not have played much in the IPL, he has a respectable T20 record overall. He has played 121 T20 matches and has taken 157 wickets at an average of 25.20 and an economy rate of 7.86. He has also scored over 700 runs in T20s at a strike rate of 136.99. Broad’s T20 record shows that he is more than capable of performing in the shortest format of the game, and it’s surprising that he hasn’t played more in the IPL.

What Could Have Been?

It’s hard not to wonder what could have been if Stuart Broad had been able to play more in the IPL. With his height, pace, and ability to swing the ball, Broad could have been a valuable asset to any team. He also has a good record in high-pressure situations, as evidenced by his performances in Ashes and World Cup matches. Had he been able to play in the IPL, he could have honed his skills further and become an even more formidable bowler.

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Conclusion

Stuart Broad IPL career may not have taken off as expected, but that doesn’t diminish his overall accomplishments as a cricketer. He is still one of the most successful bowlers in English cricket history and has contributed to many of England’s most memorable victories. While he may not have played much in the IPL, his T20 record shows that he is more than capable of performing in the shortest format of the game.