IPL 2022: One prominent player from each team who may miss out
The 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to be a grand affair with two new teams – Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants – coming into the picture. Hence, for the very first time since 2011, IPL will be a 10-team event. Meanwhile, all squads were finalized at the mega auction on February 12 and 13. While all squads are star-studded, there are few names who might warm the benches throughout the season.
Let’s look at one prominent player from each team who might warm the benches throughout IPL 2022:
Maheesh Theekshana – Chennai Super Kings
The mystery spinner from Sri Lanka has been making a lot of noise in the international arena. However, he might not get a chance in IPL 2022 amid the presence of Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali and Mitchell Santner in the CSK squad.
Riley Meredith – Mumbai Indians
Meredith can set the speed gun on fire and has also represented Australia at the highest level. However, he might not get a chance this season as only four foreign players are allowed in a playing XI. Moreover, MI have the services of Tymal Mills and Daniel Sams.
Tim Seifert – Delhi Capitals
The Kiwi wicketkeeper-batter can be a great asset in T20 cricket. However, Rishabh Pant’s presence meant DC don’t need a wicketkeeper. Moreover, the likes of David Warner, Mitchell Marsh and Rovman Powell will be considered ahead of Seifert.
Jason Behrendorff – Royal Challengers Bangalore
Bowling has been a problem for RCB over the years and Behrendorff would want to do well for the franchise. However, the Australian left-arm pacer is unlikely to get a chance with Josh Hazlewood and David Willey being in contention.
Tim Southee – Kolkata Knight Riders
The second-highest wicket-taker in T20I cricket, Tim Southee isn’t likely to feature in KKR’s first-choice line-up. While Pat Cummins will be the preferred overseas pacers, the other overseas slots will be occupied by batters and all-rounders.
Marco Jansen – Sunrisers Hyderabad
Jansen impressed one and all during the home series against India earlier this year. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad have acquired services of some quality Indian pacers in the auction. Hence, batters would largely occupy the overseas slots in their line-up.
Nathan Ellis – Punjab Kings
The Australian pacer burst onto the scenes with a hat-trick on T20I debut. However, the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Odean Smith are likely to keep Ellis in the benches throughout the season.
Nathan Coulter-Nile – Rajasthan Royals
Rajsthan Royals were among the most impressive franchises at the auction table this year. Although they secured Nathan Coulter-Nile’s services as well, the Aussie pacer is likely to take the field.
Kyle Mayers – Lucknow Super Giants
With big guns like KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock and Evin Lewis starring in Lucknow Super Giants’ top-order, it will be difficult for Mayers to get a chance this season.
Alzarri Joseph – Gujarat Titans
Another West Indies star who might not get a chance in IPL 2022 is Alzarri Joseph. This is majorly because Gujarat Titans have Rashid Khan and Lockie Ferguson in the ranks.
