The picture is getting clearer as the fifth week of IPL 2022 comes to an end. Few teams are inching closer to acquiring the play-off berths but for some, the ship has already sailed. Many teams are still battling it out to stay in the fray as the league is heading towards the deciding phase. This week was no different for the table-toppers- Gujarat Titans, as they won both their games while for KKR, it was yet another poor week with their losing streak only extending.

Some stellar batting performances were on the display from the likes of KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, and Riyan Parag. What made this week truly fascinating was the low-scoring games dominated by bowlers such as Kuldeep Yadav, Umran Malik, Rashid Khan, etc. This IPL has brought to light a bunch of talented Indian youngsters and they have certainly made their mark.

Still, some players didn’t get the opportunity they rightly deserved in the fifth week of the tournament. Here are the best XI players who warmed the bench this week but could have proved their place in the playing 11.

(Note: Matches from April 23 to April 29 are considered for Week 5)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-501012" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Finn-Allen..jpg" alt="Finn Allen" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-501012" class="wp-caption-text">Finn Allen. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

The 23-year-old Kiwi cricketer is an explosive top-order batsman. Finn Allen made his T20 debut in 2021 against Bangladesh and played an impressive knock of 71 runs in 29 balls in his 3rd game. In the 2020-21 T20 domestic season, he was the highest run-getter with 512 runs and a fantastic strike rate of 194. In his short international T20 career he has scored a total of 156 runs in 6 matches with a stunning strike rate of 190.24. He has got all the shots in the book and can clear the fence effortlessly. He is seen as the future of New Zealand Cricket.

Royal Challengers Bangalore bought Allen for Rs.80 lakh in the 2022 IPL auction. Till now he has been kept out from the playing 11. RCB has struggled to get a quick opening partnership and that has cost them in their recent games. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/and-they-blamed-anuj-rawat-twitter-disappointed-as-rcb-skipper-faf-du-plessis-scores-duck-against-gujarat-titans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Faf du Plessis</a> and in the middle order, Dinesh Kartik and Shahbaz Ahmed have led the batting so far but they need someone up front to give them those quick starts which will mitigate some pressure for the middle order. Finn Allen can provide that acceleration and help RCB get those extra 15-20 extra runs that are often the deciding factor of the game.

RCB are placed at the 5th position in the points table and this can hurt them ahead of the qualifying stage for the playoffs. Fin Allen can certainly add some value to their batting as his power-hitting approach will positively impact the results of their upcoming games. If RCB has to stay in the hunt, they need to win games with a positive net run rate and utilize the services of Finn Allen in the top order in doing so.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-601716" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Yash-Dhull-1.jpg" alt="Yash Dhull" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-601716" class="wp-caption-text">Yash Dhull. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)</figcaption>

Ever since he led India to the U19 World Cup title, there have been a lot of expectations from Yash Dhull. He capped his World Cup journey with centuries in both the innings of his Ranji Trophy debut. In the wake of his superlative run, Dhull was picked by the Delhi Capitals (DC). He spearheaded the Indian batting at the U19 World Cup and made a match-winning contribution in the final.

The Delhi Capitals have been facing some glitches in its middle order with Sarfaraz Khan, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ian-bishop-shares-a-touching-story-about-dc-batter-rovman-powell/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rovman Powell</a>, and Lalit Yadav struggling to make significant contributions. Dhull can come in as a handy replacement as Delhi look to tighten its screws ahead of the business end of this edition of the IPL. Yash Dhull is a complete package of finesse and power combined.

Dhull can rotate the strike in the middle order and allow Pant to play his natural game because it would amplify their team dynamics going ahead in the tournament. Delhi is expected to make some changes ahead of their next game which is against Lucknow Super Giants.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-631530" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/David-Warner-and-Sarfaraz-Khan.jpg" alt="David Warner and Sarfaraz Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-631530" class="wp-caption-text">David Warner and Sarfaraz Khan. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The Mumbai boy Sarfaraz Khan made some headlines before the 2022 IPL for his exceptional performances for his domestic side- Mumbai. He was then picked by the Delhi Capitals at his base price of Rs.20 lakh. The dashing middle-order batsman has been in the IPL scenario since he was 17 years of age. He has played some short, quick-fire knocks in his IPL career but has never made it huge and hasn’t delivered to his full potential. His fitness has been a matter of concern as well but has worked on it successfully.

Sarfaraz is someone who cannot be overlooked for too long. He has got all the talent to shine in the IPL. This year he has played only 4 games so far and scored a total of 49 runs in 3 innings. He has not fired this season, scoring with a subdued strike rate of 111.36. He can attack the opposition right from the start with an innovative shot-making style. He should be given more chances to showcase his batting capabilities in the DC middle-order.

Delhi Capitals are struggling to find the right combination in their batting line-up as the likes of Mitchell Marsh and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/if-rishabh-pant-is-ms-dhonis-fan-he-should-learn-how-to-finish-games-from-him-virender-sehwag/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rishabh Pant</a> are struggling to make any significant contributions. Sarfaraz is certainly someone who can solidify Delhi Capitals’ batting department. Their opening pair of David Warner and Prithvi Shaw has been a vital one but the rest of the batting has been underperforming so far. Sarfaraz Khan can end their middle-order batting woes and steady the innings by playing at the number 3 position in the crucial upcoming phase.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-213617" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mahipal-Lomror.jpg" alt="Mahipal Lomror" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-213617" class="wp-caption-text">Mahipal Lomror. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Mahipal Lomror has shown what he is capable of with the bat in the previous edition of the IPL. A fast-scoring left-hander who can hit it miles away and can bowl left-arm spin. The youngster has proved his worth while playing for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the previous editions of the IPL. The left-hander, who was part of the 2016 U19 World Cup squad, was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the auction earlier this year.

With the middle-order struggling to make significant contributions, Lomror could be inducted into the middle order to add some firepower. He can be handy with both bat and ball at the latter stage of the tournament. His inclusion will certainly solidify RCB’s playing XI, as he can add a new dimension with his left-arm spin.

The 22-year-old Mahipal Lomror will bring that much-needed overall well-roundedness to the RCB squad. The youngster has got that six-hitting ability and can maneuver the ball in all directions. He can access match situations and can improvise accordingly. Bangalore can surely utilize this resource to lift their much-awaited maiden IPL Trophy.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-625373" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Tim-David.jpg" alt="Tim David" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-625373" class="wp-caption-text">Tim David. (Photo Source: Tim David/Instagram)</figcaption>

The Singapore-born all-rounder Tim David played two games so far this season for Mumbai Indians (MI) but failed to make a mark. He has managed 14 runs so far at a strike rate of 100 with the highest score of 12. The 26-year-old cricketer, who fetched INR 8.25 crores at the mega auction earlier this year, has failed to justify the hefty price tag. Owing to his poor form, he was left out of Mumbai playing XI.

With the five-time champions struggling to find their first win after losing 8 matches on the trot, Mumbai should pick him in the upcoming games as it is getting next to impossible for qualifying in the play-offs and most importantly to return to winning ways. A T20 specialist, David has got the skill to deposit the ball a long way and is a pretty beneficial partnership breaker as well with his gentle medium pace. In his 89 T20 matches he has scored with an excellent average of 33.3 and an outstanding strike rate of 158.6.

With <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/surrey-frontrunner-to-sign-kieron-pollard-for-the-upcoming-t20-blast-season/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kieron Pollard</a> struggling for form as well, David can provide the much-needed firepower in the lower order alongside Suryakumar Yadav. If he manages to fire on all cylinders, Mumbai can certainly end their losing streak in their upcoming game.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-627007" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Abdul-Samad.jpg" alt="Abdul Samad" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-627007" class="wp-caption-text">Abdul Samad (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The Jammu &amp; Kashmir cricketer debuted in the 2020 IPL season and displayed his power-striking abilities. Abdul Samad has been with the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-match-46-predicted-chennai-super-kings-playing-xi-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunrisers Hyderabad</a> since his debut and has played 25 games scoring 226 runs with a healthy strike rate of 142.1. He plays with an aggressive approach in the middle order and is a handy wrist spinner. He played a few short, eventful knocks in the 2020 &amp; 2021 editions for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

He was bought again by his first franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 4 crore in the 2022 IPL. He hasn’t got enough opportunities as he has played only two games so far. Sunrisers Hyderabad is doing pretty well this season as they have won 5 out of their 8 games and are currently at 4th place in the points table. Their bowling has been their strength but the batting department can be bettered by including Abdul Samad to strengthen their lower-middle order.

Abdul Samad can give them that boost in the middle order and occasionally could be used as a floater to shift the momentum early on in the innings. As the tournament progresses, there will be some matches that can go down the wire, in such moments the services of Samad can turn out to be very fruitful.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-618860" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shahrukh-Khan.jpg" alt="Shahrukh Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-618860" class="wp-caption-text">Shahrukh Khan. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The Tamil Nadu Finisher is one of the emerging players and is considered one of the prospects of Indian Cricket. He was picked by the Punjab Kings ahead of the 2021 IPL season. He has been bought again by the Punjab Kings for a whopping INR 9 crores this season. He played 7 matches scoring a total of 98 runs this season. He has not performed as expected but leaving him out of the playing XI may cost Punjab Kings later in the tournament.

The overdependence on Liam Livingstone in the middle order and no proper partnerships in the middle phase of the innings have culminated in their downfall more than once. The ‘full-throttle attack’ approach has not worked for them in their recent outings. The starts from <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shikhar-dhawan-has-been-a-serious-player-ravi-shastri-lauds-the-senior-indian-batter-after-his-match-winning-knock-vs-csk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shikhar Dhawan</a> and Mayank Agrawal are not fully capitalized by the middle order. There also seems to be dearth of batting depth in their recent playing XIs.

Shahrukh has been a consistent contributor for his state side- Tamil Nadu. He can surely replicate that with the Punjab Kings but they need to give him a chance in the middle order and let him play his natural game. From now on, each game is of paramount importance for the Punjab Kings, and to exclude Shahrukh Khan from the playing 11 may not be the right tactic. If utilized properly, Shahrukh can turn out to be their gamechanger.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-623974" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Pat-Cummins3.jpg" alt="Pat Cummins" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-623974" class="wp-caption-text">Pat Cummins. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The Australian Test skipper has been kept out of the playing 11 in back to back matches by Kolkata Knight Riders and that has led to some obvious criticism. Pat Cummins is the best Test bowler in the world at the moment, yet his repeated exclusion has raised some eyebrows. Since his stint in 2022 began, he has been very expensive by leaking runs at the rate of 12 runs per over and has picked 4 wickets in the 4 matches he played. However, he played a sublime knock of 56 in just 15 balls which included four 4s and six 6s.

Glancing at his IPL career, he has done pretty well so far clinching 42 wickets in 41 matches with a decent economy of 8.62. In his international T20 ventures, he has taken 44 wickets in 39 matches with an excellent economy of 7.05. Due to his express pace and variation-deficient bowling, he has not been that productive for the Kolkata Knight Riders so far. Kolkata is struggling to find a win at the crucial stage of their campaign and excluding a world-class bowler like Pat Cummins is not helping either.

If Kolkata Knight Riders want to remain in the scheme of things, they need to pick their best XI. Their bowling is lacking that rigor that Pat Cummins’ pace would provide. Apart from Umesh Yadav, their bowling doesn’t seem to unsettle the opposition as such. They are lacking the spirit of bowling in a unit at the moment. Because their batting has severely underperformed, the bowlers have lacked the support and freedom of expressing themselves to their full potential. Pat Cummins with his leadership acumen can instil some confidence in the KKR camp.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-625281" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Basil-Thampi-1.jpg" alt="Basil Thampi" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-625281" class="wp-caption-text">Basil Thampi. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The misery continues for the five-time champions- Mumbai Indians. They are yet to find a win and their losing spree has gone up to eight games. Since the start of the IPL 2022, their batting has been a downright failure. Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, no bowler has led by example in the bowling department as well. Albeit, Basil Thampi has been a positive so far. He has played 5 matches and clinched 5 wickets with an economy on the higher side which is 9.50. He has been a consistent performer in the IPL. In his 25 games, he has taken 22 wickets. He was named the, “Emerging player of the seaso in 2017” when he played for Gujarat Lions.

If Mumbai Indians want to get back to winning ways, they need to stick with Basil Thampi as he has made some positive contributions this season amidst their overall poor display. Basil Thampi has got the knack for bowling quickly and has often used the short ball to good effect. Their over-reliance on <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-left-arm-jasprit-bumrah-hits-bulls-eye-during-mis-practice-session/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jasprit Bumrah</a> made their bowling look weak from the start of the tournament. Their constant changing in the bowling line-up has not helped them either.

Mumbai Indians fans are desperate to see their team win in this edition so far. Mumbai Indians may or may not win their upcoming games but to exclude a player like Basil Thampi is not the way to go. He has been one of their few positives this season and to keep him aside from the playing XI may backfire. He has got all the abilities that a fast bowler should possess. He’s well built, he has got the height and he is quick. So Mumbai Indians should induct him in the rest of their matches.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-243996" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mayank-Markande-5.jpg" alt="Mayank Markande" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-243996" class="wp-caption-text">Mayank Markande. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Mumbai Indians are in desperate need of resurrection. All their plans have failed miserably till this stage of their campaign. Their overdependence on Jasprit Bumrah is making life tough for them. The eight-match losing streak has made their journey almost impossible for the playoffs. They need to make some changes as soon as possible if they want to bow out of the tournament on a high.

Mayank Markande, the leg-spinner, was picked by the Mumbai Indians team in the 2018 season. He clinched three scalps on his IPL debut. His contribution was a major factor that helped Mumbai Indians to reach the finals. His IPL record speaks for itself, he has bagged 16 wickets in 18 matches with an amazing economy of 8.54. In the 2018-19 Ranji Tournament, he was the leading wicket-taker for his domestic side- Punjab, with 29 wickets in six matches. In this 2022 IPL, he has been benched by the Mumbai Indians until now.

Mumbai’s bowling department has been under the radar for the whole first half of this season. The attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, is failing match after match with no significant contributions coming from the batsmen as well. The likes of Jaydev Unadkat, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bowling-at-the-death-is-a-lot-about-the-mindset-i-enjoy-doing-that-mi-pacer-tymal-mills/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tymal Mills</a>, and Murugan Ashwin are under-performing and not delivering the wickets upfront in the innings. Mayank has that wicket-taking knack that can be used in both the powerplay as well as in the middle phase of the innings.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-301037" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Varun-Aaron.jpg" alt="Varun Aaron" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-301037" class="wp-caption-text">Varun Aaron. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The Gujarat Titans are flying high in their debut season by sitting at the top of the points table by winning 7 out of their 8 games by the end of week five. The Hardik Pandya-led side has surprised everyone with their winning spree as many raised concerns about their squad being bowling heavy and less potent in the batting department ahead of this season. Bowling has surely been their area of strength as players like Mohammad Shami, Rashid Khan, Lockie Ferguson, etc. have made match-winning efforts right from the start of the season.

Being a pace-dominated bowling line-up, it is difficult to stick with the same bowling group as fatigue kicks in and it becomes essential to use those resources in a calculated manner. Varun Aaron is the right choice to include in the playing XI as the likes of Shami and Ferguson will be rested for some games ahead of the important playoff stage. Varun Aaron has played 2 games and took 2 wickets so far. He can be someone who can go for runs in the powerplay phase but is a wicket-taking option for sure.

In his IPL career, he has bagged 44 wickets in 52 matches with an economy of 8.94. He has got the experience as he has been in the IPL circuit since 2011. He is a quick, well-rounded fast bowler who can provide those crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay. If used shrewdly, he can benefit Gujarat Titans in the absence of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-mohammed-shami-congratulates-virat-kohli-after-scoring-his-first-fifty-of-the-season/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mohammed Shami</a> and Lockie Ferguson. It seems quite obvious that he will get an opportunity in the games to come as the likes of Shami and Ferguson might be rested.

These players deserved the chances to play.

IPL 2022: Best Benched XI from the fifth week of the season

Here is the best XI among the benched players for the fifth week of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season

IPL 2022: Best Benched XI from the fifth week of the season

These players deserved the chances to play.

3. Sarfaraz Khan