IPL 2018: 4 foreign players who have been given way too many chances

The competition for a spot in the playoffs is getting stiff as all the teams have started to put their best foot forward. As we move to the business end of the tournament, it becomes extremely vital for each and every team to have a settled playing XI. Apart from this, the form of all the players becomes crucial, especially the overseas players. A lot is expected from the overseas players as they come with a lot of international experience.

If the foreign players shine for the franchise then their chances of having a fruitful season increases. At the same time, if they fail to perform, then it becomes difficult for the team to do well. This year, a lot of overseas players have let their teams down. While many of these players are replaced in the playing XI, there are still some who have been given ample chances but have had a dismal time. We will look at 4 such overseas players who don't deserve a place in the playing XI.

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#4 Kieron Pollard

Pollard has looked completely out of sorts

Kieron Pollard has been one of the most famous Mumbai Indians players. He has won many matches for the franchise single-handedly over the years. It was a no-brainer when it came to retaining the Trinidadian at the auction. But this season has been nothing less than a nightmare for

Pollard. In the 6 matches that the West Indies all-rounder has played this season, he has scored a meagre 63 runs. His strike-rate has been a low 110.52, which shows his inability to score quick runs. Mumbai Indians eventually dropped Pollard in their last match against Chennai Super Kings but Rohit Sharma did not rule out Pollard's comeback. Keeping in mind his poor run of form, does Pollard deserve more chances?

#3 Mitchell Johnson

Johnson has been ineffective for KKR

To the surprise of many, Kolkata Knight Riders bought Mitchell Johnson at the auction at his base price of 2 crores. After Mitchell Starc's injury, the responsibility of leading the pace-attack was handed over to Mitchell Johnson, but unfortunately he has failed to live up to them. The Australian pacer has taken just 2 wickets in 4 matches, while giving away runs at a high economy of 10 runs per over.

Owing to his poor form, he has been in and out of the playing XI. KKR has juggled Johnson and England pacer, Tom Curran, in the playing XI. But none of these pacers have been able to create much of an impact. KKR can go back to Curran or give Javon Searles a chance to prove his worth.

#2 Jos Buttler

Buttler has struggled to get going, especially against spin

Rajasthan Royals had suffered a major blow ahead of the IPL, when Steven Smith was banned from participating in IPL 2018. The onus of providing stability to the untested Rajasthan Royals batting line-up came on the shoulders of Jos Buttler. The wicket-keeper batsman has years of T20 experience behind him and was expected to be the mainstay of the Royals' batting.

However, things did not go as expected. While Buttler's average of 20 isn't the worst, but his inability of converting starts into big ones has cost the team dearly. Batting at number 4, Buttler has scored 120 runs in 7 matches this season, with a highest score of 29. The England limited overs vice-captain can be replaced by Henry Klaasen, who was dropped from the playing XI only after a few matches.

#1 Aaron Finch

Is time running out for Aaron Finch ?

Kings XI Punjab has exceeded the expectations of many and have been a force to reckon with in this IPL. Even though KL Rahul and Chris Gayle have decimated bowling-attacks, other batsmen have fizzled out, and amongst them is Aaron Finch. The Australian opener is one of the best T20 batsmen in the world, but has failed to live up to the expectations.

In the 6 matches that Finch has played this season, he has been able to score a paltry 24 runs with an average of 6. Even though Finch has come to the crease at a stage where he has to go for the big ones from ball one, such poor returns are inexcusable. With proven IPL performers like David Miller and Marcus Stoinis breathing down his neck, it will be interesting to see for how long Finch will be able to hold his place in the playing XI.