IPL 2019: Best benched XI of the season so far

In the school of IPL, there is always a lot to learn. The veterans are the teachers and the young players look to extract as much they can from these knowledge banks. This school also allows any student of any age to learn from the mistakes and become better. That is why students across the world want to enroll themselves in 1 of the 8 classes. The only thing that the students do not like about it is the lack of opportunities to showcase what they have learned.

In this school, there are so many talented lads, that it is not possible for captain-cum-teachers to choose between two. IPL 2019 has also seen many such talents, who are still waiting for their due and are just being made to warm the bench. Let us take a look at an IPL XI, which is still waiting outside.

1. Murali Vijay (c)

Murali Vijay is one of the seniormost and vital cogs in the Indian Test team. His performance was satisfactory in IPL 2015. After CSK got banned, he became a part of KXIP and scored 453 runs in the 2016 season to emerge as the highest run-getter for his team in that season. After a breakthrough season, he has to pull out from IPL 2017 due to a wrist injury

When CSK returned in IPL 2018, they bought him at his base price of 2 crores. Neither did he play much in that season, nor has he played any games this season. The reason for his exclusion from CSK has been the presence of multiple match winners. Due to his international and IPL experience, he is the captain of the team.

2. Evin Lewis

It is a practical experience that the contention for a spot in IPL is so immense, that many a time, even the most talented players are seen warming the bench. Evin Lewis’ performance in IPL 2018 was a marvel for all the MI fans. With 382 runs in 13 matches, the West Indian southpaw set an example in his debut season.

However, MI bought in South African wicketkeeper Quinton De Kock in their squad for the IPL 2019, which meant that Lewis, who was the second top scorer for the team in 2018, had to face the axe. And due to the clinical performance from Kock, Lewis hasn’t been roped into the squad till now.

3. Manjot Kalra

Manjot Kalra was one of the finds from the 2018 Under-19 World Cup. His stunning outing, especially a century in the final against Australia attracted the attraction of Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), who bought him for 20 lakhs. However, he was made to warm the bench throughout the season.

There would have been a sigh of relief when DC decided to retain the youngster for IPL 2019 as well. However, there was no change in his fortunes, as injury hampered his chances of making into the XI. The IPL would have been a source of knowledge for him, but not being able to debut since the past two years is enough to frustrate anyone. Therefore, the southpaw plays as No.3 batsman in this unutilized XI.

4. Dhruv Shorey

Dhruv Shorey has shown immense promise in the domestic cricket since his debut in 2015-16. But it seems beyond understanding that why has he failed to make it to CSK Playing XI this year. His stunning domestic performances made CSK invest in him, but he has played just a single match across the two seasons, that too in 2018.

The main reason for this has been the presence of numerous match winners in the CSK squad, and that is why MS Dhoni has not felt the need to chop the squad very often. He would have learned a lot from the likes of many experienced campaigners, but one would expect him to get some match time as well.

5. Manan Vohra

Since 2013, Manan Vohra has been a handy player for whichever franchise that he has played for. However, the past two seasons have seen him remaining unutilized. He was bought by RR for IPL 2019 at his base price of 20 lakhs, but he hasn’t got to play any game yet.

The reason for this has been the presence of multiple star-studded players in the batting lineup, which has kept him away from getting an opportunity. Once Jos Buttler and Steve Smith leave, he might get his due. He will have to make the most of those chances, as the last two seasons haven’t been good for him.

6. Wriddhiman Saha (wk)

Since the injury that Saha had suffered in 2018, his life has changed to a large extent. Firstly, his Test spot was overtaken by Rishabh Pant, who went on to consolidate and seal it. And then, he has failed to get any chance in IPL due to the likes of Jonny Bairstow.

Saha did not have a good outing in IPL 2018, and he could manage just 122 runs in 11 matches. He was retained by the team for this season as well. Once Jonny Bairstow and David Warner leave, he might be roped in the squad. He will have to make the most of those chances, in order to make a statement.

7. Barinder Sran

Barinder Sran was one of the primary picks of the Mumbai Indians in this year’s auction. He was bought at 3.4 crores. But the presence of numerous bowling options in the MI camp (Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga, Alzarri Joseph, McClenaghan and Jason Behrendorff) meant that he had to warm the bench and wait for his chances.

Barinder Sran has never enjoyed a good record in IPL. He has only 18 scalps in the 22 match career. However, he has improved a lot and that has been evident in the domestic circuit. He can still expect some chances, as most of these players are in the WC teams, and might be rested for a few games.

8. Washington Sundar

Washington was phenomenal in IPL 2017, where he took 8 wickets in 11 matches. He gave away just 6.16 runs per over, and that too in the powerplay, where the batsmen look to go after the bowlers. Once RPS became defunct, he was bought by RCB.

He did not enjoy much success with his new franchise and could manage only 4 wickets in the 7 matches. Surprisingly, he was retained by the team for IPL 2019 as well. Yet again, bowling has been a big concern for the team, but they haven’t given him any chances till now. He is high on talent and can be the solution for RCB’s woes.

9. Anukul Roy

Anukul Roy was another find of ICC Under-19 World Cup 2018. He was the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 14 wickets from 6 games and played a key role in guiding India to victory in most of the matches. He was bought by MI for IPL 2018, but he was made to warm the bench.

Again, he was retained by the team for IPL 2019, but there was no change in his fortunes. He is a left-arm spinner, and that is a big advantage for him. He is definitely a player with a bright future, but it will be interesting to see how the ‘Blue Brigade’ utilizes him.

10. Oshane Thomas

Oshane Thomos was bought by Rajasthan Royals at a sum of 1.1 crores. It was anticipated that Oshane, who had a dream outing against India, would become a vital cog for the struggling RR. Shockingly, he hasn’t even played a match till now.

The West Indian has got tremendous pace (150 kmph) and potential, but due to the limitations of four foreigners in the squad, it has been difficult for him to make it in the team. However, one can expect this youngster to be chipped in once Jos Buttler, Steve Smith and Ben Stokes leave for WC preparations.

11. Billy Stanlake

With the height of 6’8, Billy Stanlake can trouble any batsman with the awkward bounce that he generates. He has been with SRH since 2018, but he hasn’t been properly utilized by the franchise. Injury has also played a spoilsport in his journey.

In the 4 matches that he played in IPL 2018, he had 5 scalps against his name. Apart from this, he was pretty economical as well and conceded only 8.12 runs per over. However, he could not get a chance due to the presence of four strong foreign pillars. Once they leave, SRH might rope him in the squad.

~Written by Ayuj Aryan

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