IPL 2021: 5 benched foreigners who deserve a place in the playing XI
When it comes to utility, they can add a lot of value to their teams.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is widely considered one of the best leagues in the world. It’s because the quality of cricket being played is top-notch and it provides a platform for the youngsters to rub shoulders with the best in business. The IPL has given us brilliant talents like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Devdutt Padikkal, David Warner, and several others.
It has also helped in re-building the careers of quite a few as players like Shane Watson, Chris Morris, and Shaun Marsh as they have gone on to do well for their respective IPL as well as national teams.
But there is also a downside to it as due to team combinations, conditions and owing to only four foreign players being allowed, a lot of times players miss out from the eleven. No matter how good they may be, sometimes they don’t find a place in the team.
Even a few legends of the game like Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne, Chris Gayle, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid have gone on to warm the benches during their IPL career.
During this edition of the IPL a number of utility cricketers have got limited opportunities for their respective franchises. And things might not change during the remainder of the UAE leg of the IPL although they deserve a place owing to their terrific T20 numbers.
Here are some benched foreign players who deserve a place in the playing XI
1. Ben Cutting- Kolkata Knight Riders
The Australian all-rounder has done exceedingly well for his state team and in the other franchise T20 leagues across the world. Cutting also was the hero for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final of IPL 2016 against RCB. His sensational cameo and superb bowling enabled SRH to win their first title. After representing SRH and MI, Cutting was snapped by KKR.
Cutting is a utility player and provides the team with batting and bowling depth. KKR are currently placed at fifth in the points table and can think of including Cutting. Also, with Pat Cummins unavailable for the UAE leg of IPL, Cutting at least deserves a game or two to show his all-round prowess.
The burly Australian all-rounder also has some experience in playing the UAE conditions and knows a thing about how to play. Also, KKR can think of using him as a finisher along with Andre Russell in the team.
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