3 IPL teams that will be least affected by unavailability of players

IPL 2019 is going to be different in a lot of ways. Firstly, the venue of the tournament is still undecided and this is proving to be a huge roadblock for the teams to kick-start their preparations. Secondly and most importantly, because of the World Cup that is scheduled immediately after the IPL, most of the overseas players might not be available for the entire season this time around. The departure of players affects the team combination and momentum of the team and it becomes difficult for their replacements to get going straight away.

The effect of this was seen at the auction too as a lot of players whose availability was under scanner went unsold. Some of the teams were very smart and bought players who are sure to play the entire season. Also, some teams bought some strong backup players who can fill in for players who are unavailable.

We will look at 3 teams that will be least affected by the absence of international players in IPL 2019.

#3 Kings XI Punjab

Andrew Tye was exceptional for the Kings in IPL 2018

International players available for the entire season - Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Moises Henriques, Hardus Viljoen

International players whose availability is doubtful - David Miller, Andrew Tye, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sam Curran

Kings XI Punjab were one of the most active teams at the auction. The franchise made sure that they bought a large number of players.

While the Kings spent huge bucks on domestic players like Varun Chakravarthy and Prabhsimran Singh, they also bought some useful overseas players in Sam Curran, Nicholas Pooran, and Hardus Viljoen. Out of the overseas players in the Kings' camp, David Miller, Andrew Tye, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Sam Curran are players whose availability is under question.

However, Sam Curran does not look like he is going to be in contention for a spot in England's World Cup squad while Andrew Tye was not included in Australia's squad for the series against India which makes it difficult for him to find a place in Australia's World Cup squad.

Also, even though Afghanistan is slated to play an ODI series against Scotland in the second week of May, the Afghanistan Cricket Board might allow Mujeeb to play in the last two weeks of the IPL. Thus, Kings might lose only David Miller, for whom they have enough backup.

#2 Delhi Capitals

Boult was sensational for Delhi last season

International players who are available for the entire season - Colin Munro, Colin Ingram, Sherfane Rutherford, Sandeep Lamichhane, Trent Boult, Keemo Paul

International players whose availability is doubtful - Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada

Delhi Capitals had a huge purse coming into the auction and they did not hold themselves back from spending it.

Apart from getting in big names, the Delhi Capitals made a conscious effort of building a strong bench strength to deal with injuries and player unavailability. The only two players who might not be available in the last two weeks of the season is the South African pair of Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris.

While these two players are crucial to Delhi Capitals' chances this season, they seem to have enough options to replace them. Trent Boult was their highest wicket-taker last season and has been in tremendous form of late, while they also have Keemo Paul, Avesh Khan, Nathu Singh, and Ishant Sharma to add depth to their bowling department. Thus, the Capitals might not be affected by these players' unavailability.

#1 Kolkata Knight Riders

Most of the players will be available for the entire season for the Knight Riders

International players who are available for the entire season - Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Sunil Narine, Harry Gurney, Lockie Ferguson, Anrich Nortje

International players whose availability is doubtful Players - Chris Lynn, Joe Denly

Kolkata Knight Riders made it to the playoffs last season due to some strong performances from their Indian contingent. They also rely on the likes of Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, both of whom will be available for the entire season. Also, new recruits Carlos Brathwaite, Anrich Nortje, and Lockie Ferguson are expected to play the entire length of the tournament.

The only two players who might not be available in the latter half of the tournament are Joe Denly and Chris Lynn. However, Chris Lynn was dropped from the Australian ODI side for the series against India and in case he misses out on Australia's World Cup squad, he might be available.