Why do some players perform better in IPL than international cricket?


IPL 2023 Winner

the classic “IPL monster, international ghost” debate 👻🔥
There are quite a few players who absolutely light up the IPL—power-hitters, clutch bowlers, death-over assassins—but don’t quite replicate that impact in international cricket.

Here’s why that happens 👇

🧠 1. Role Clarity in IPL vs Fluid Roles Internationally

  • In the IPL, players are given defined roles with crystal-clear expectations:

    • "You’re our No. 5 finisher"

    • "Bowl the 6th and death overs only"

  • In international cricket, roles often change based on format or team balance.

🔹 Example: Shivam Dube’s power-hitting is elite for CSK, but in T20Is he’s floated up/down the order.

🏠 2. Environment & Comfort Zone

  • IPL franchises create supportive, relaxed atmospheres—custom training, mental coaches, tight-knit squads.

  • Many players feel less pressure compared to carrying national hopes.

🔹 Think: Nitish Rana or Rahul Tewatia—thriving in IPL systems, but not as smooth in India colors.

🧢 3. Franchise Trust & Longer Rope

  • Franchises invest in players and give them more chances to fail and bounce back.

  • International teams often rotate or drop after 1–2 poor games due to bench depth or pressure.

🧬 4. Match-Ups & Tactical Shielding

  • In the IPL, players are used in optimized situations:

    • Only bowl against favorable batters

    • Only bat when pace is on

  • International cricket = less tailoring. You face whoever’s next, whether you like it or not.

🌍 5. Opposition Quality & Variety

  • IPL has the world’s best, sure—but international cricket brings more unpredictability:

    • Unfamiliar pitches

    • Unknown domestic bowlers (in bilaterals)

    • National teams with wildcards and spinners you haven’t faced

🔹 Example: A player may feast on known IPL bowlers but struggle in ODIs in Bangladesh or Tests in SA.

🎯 6. Shorter Format = Specialization

  • Some players are T20 specialists, tailor-made for IPL-style cricket.

  • Explosive hitters or mystery bowlers may not have the game for Tests or ODIs.

📊 Examples:

Player IPL Form 💥 International Impact 😐
Suryakumar Yadav Untouchable in T20s, 360 hitter Struggled in ODIs until recently
Varun Chakravarthy X-factor for KKR Inconsistent in India colors
Tewatia Death-overs beast, finisher Yet to crack into national side
Sam Curran (2020) Star all-rounder for CSK Less consistent in England XI
Glenn Maxwell RCB dynamo, match-winner Patchy for Aus outside T20s

🧠 Final Take:

“IPL rewards specialists, match-up masters, and role clarity. International cricket tests versatility, adaptability, and mental steel.”

Both arenas are elite—but success in one doesn’t guarantee success in the other.

Want a breakdown of top IPL players vs their international records, or a list of players who’ve done the reverse (better for country than club)? I got you 💪📊