IPL 2021: 3 Punjab Kings (PBKS) players who might be benched for most of the season

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have tried to attain a new avatar by renaming themselves from their previous name Kings XI Punjab. Well, they are another team that has failed to perform as per its caliber. This franchise from Punjab has tried almost every trick in the book to win the trophy. But, luck has not favored them.

Sometimes, their star players are out of form and sometimes they are unable to qualify due to umpiring errors. Last year, they failed to qualify because of an error from the square-leg umpire. However, it is time to move on from a relatively better campaign last year. This year, they are one of the strongest teams on paper. 

With some big names in their squad, it is almost certain that if they find the right combination, they can lift the trophy. Also with players like Chris Gayle, Dawid Malan, and Nicholas Pooran filling up the overseas slots, they should make it to the playoffs. Overall, it depends on the management how they function in this season. But, some players might be unable to get a chance this season.

Here are 3 PBKS players who might be benched for most of the IPL season:

1. Darshan Nalkande

Darshan Nalkande is one of the unknown faces in the squad. He is a skiddy young fast bowler from Vidarbha. With minimal experience, he has managed to get the attention of the selectors. During his U19 days, he evolved as a fine all-rounder. Later on, he was picked in the U19 team for the youth Asia cup.

However, he was unable to make it to the U19 squad. But that did not stop him. Darshan showed his abilities to the world with both bat and ball during the U23 CK Nayudu Trophy. He then grabbed the attention of the selectors. Because of his performances, he was picked for the Vijay Hazare squad. 

There too, he had a good debut as he picked 2/26 and scored a fine unbeaten 53 while chasing. But, this year, it is quite difficult for Darshan to make it to the playing eleven of the squad. He might get a chance if Punjab makes it to the playoffs early on. Another case arises if KL Rahul decides to sharpen the medium-pace bowling department. But surely, Darshan is the future for Punjab. 

2. Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan became a popular name when the RCB management decided to retain him over Chris Gayle. Well, it was a risky move and RCB failed. But, now, both Gayle and Khan are on the same team. Khan is an aggressive middle-order batsman who was a member of the U19 team during the 2014 world Cup. But, he has failed to live up to these expectations. 

Thanks to the IPL, we can see more of his batting. He still holds the record of the youngest to feature in an IPL game. He instantly shot to fame when he scored 45 off 21 balls. His inning was so brilliant that Virat Kohli bowed in front of him as he was walking back to the dressing room. But, fitness issues hampered his growth as a player. 

In 2018, he had a mediocre IPL, and hence, he was released by the franchise in 2019. As of now, he has played 38 IPL games. With only 441 runs, he is still unable to get into the playing XI regularly. A strike rate of 140.0 is impressive but fitness is his biggest concern. With a jam-packed Punjab squad, it is difficult for him to get into the playing eleven. 

3. Ishan Porel

Ishan Porel was a part of a deadly trio that decimated batting lineups during the U19 world cup in 2018. Although he was not quick as his partners, he worked on his line and lengths to find the edges. This factor helped Ishan to pick 4/17 against Pakistan during the semi-final of the U19 World Cup. It is no doubt that KL Rahul should pick him in the squad.

This is mostly because IPL is mainly for youngsters to shine. But, with an already packed bowling lineup, it is a bit difficult for Ishan to find a place in the squad. However, things can take a sharp turn if the management is looking at Ishan as the future. In the T20s, he bowled at an impressive economy rate of 6.46. 

If we look at the figures, he is in the same condition as Bumrah was in 2013. In 19 T20 games, he has picked 29 wickets which means he has a knack for picking up wickets. But for a bowler to replace already proven performers, he needs to have some luck on his side. But, without any doubt, if the management invests their trust, he can be a match-winner.