Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a platform for cricketing excellence since its formation in 2008.Although marquee players tend to make the headlines, there are several players who have been giving consistently strong performances without getting their rightful share of recognition.This article throws the spotlight on eight such unsung heroes whose efforts have been instrumental to their team's success. Most Underrated Players in IPL History – Unsung Heroes Player Matches Played Runs Scored Wickets Taken Notable Achievements Rahul Tripathi 98 2,266 – Consistent top-order performer across multiple teams Axar Patel 154 1,711 123 Reliable all-rounder with economical bowling Harshal Patel 110 269 139 2021 Purple Cap winner with 32 wickets Krunal Pandya 132 1,670 83 Key all-rounder with match-winning contributions Avesh Khan 67 43 77 Emerging fast bowler with impressive strike rate Shahrukh Khan 45 604 – Noted for finishing games under pressure Tushar Deshpande 40 27 47 Effective death-over specialist Priyam Garg 23 273 – Young talent with leadership experience Most Underrated Players in IPL History Detailed Analysis Rahul Tripathi Image Source : BCCI Rahul Tripathi has been a consistent performer in the IPL, known for his adaptability and aggressive batting style.Whether opening the innings or stabilizing the middle order, Tripathi's contributions have been crucial for teams like Rising Pune Supergiant, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate and play match-defining innings often goes underappreciated. Despite not being a regular feature in the national team, his domestic performances and IPL consistency make him a valuable asset. Also Read | Top 10 IPL Fielder : Greatest Fielding Performances Axar Patel Image Source : BCCI Axar Patel's contribution as a consistent all-rounder has been vital for franchises such as Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals.His left-arm orthodox spin is defined by tight lengths and lines, and he is a bowler of choice in the middle overs.Axar has played some vital cameos with the bat, saving his team from desperate situations time and again.His fielding skills add to his worth, and he is one of the most well-rounded yet underappreciated players in the league. Harshal Patel Image Source : BCCI Harshal Patel's transformation into a death-over specialist has been remarkable. His breakthrough season came in 2021 with Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he won the Purple Cap by picking 32 wickets. Harshal has the ability to break the partnership and restrict runs in the last overs with his deceptive slower balls and yorkers. Although he has done so well, he tends to get overshadowed by other more flamboyant bowlers. Krunal Pandya Image Source : BCCI Krunal Pandya has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians' side, both with the bat and ball. His left-arm spin offers control in the middle overs, and his attacking batting makes it possible to score quick runs in key situations.Krunal's pressure game and fielding skills make him a crucial but underappreciated player in the IPL. Avesh Khan Image Source : BCCI Avesh Khan has emerged as one of the promising fast bowlers in the IPL, playing for teams such as Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. His speed and ability to get bounce are responsible for making him a tough player for the batsmen. Avesh's ability to pick up early wickets and perform in the death overs has proved instrumental in his teams' victories. Though he has been consistently performing, he is still not in the limelight among other pacers. Shahrukh Khan Image Source : Associated Press Shahrukh Khan has established himself as a consistent finisher in the IPL. He plays for Punjab Kings, and his capability of clearing boundaries and staying calm during pressure situations has won numerous games for his side. His power-hitting ability, particularly in death overs, makes him an asset. But he rarely gets credit for his match-winning performances. Tushar Deshpande Image Source : Getty Images Tushar Deshpande is a steady performer in the home circuit and has been promising for the IPL.Speaking of Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, his precision to deliver good yorkers and keep tight lines makes him dangerous, particularly death overs.Along with all that he possesses, Tushar's performance never gets any highlight due to the presence of some more popular bowlers. Priyam Garg Image Source : BCCI Priyam Garg, a past captain of India U-19, has revealed a glimpse of what he is capable of in the IPL. Plying for Sunrisers Hyderabad, his technique and temperament were visible in whatever little opportunity that came his way. Garg's skillset to stabilize an innings and ability to cope in various game scenarios speaks of better days ahead. Still, he is among the untapped talents of the league. Also Read | Most Runs in IPL at No. 5: Top Scorers Ranked Conclusion The IPL is full of players whose steady play gets lost in the shadow of the league's bigger stars.These eight players are examples of hard work, talent, and grit, turning matches around their teams without much notice often. Identifying and acknowledging such unnoticed stalwarts adds to our understanding of the game's richness and the numerous contributions that make the IPL a cricketing festival.