IPL 2019: 5 players who are likely to miss the start of the tournament

#3 Nathan Coulter-Nile

RCB fans will have to wait a little longer to see NCN in red and black

It looks like the Royal Challengers Bangalore team will be the most severely affected by the initial unavailability of Australian players.

Even after missing the entire last season due to injury, the RCB management trusted and retained Nathan Coulter-Nile. But their wait continues as his arrival will be delayed due to national duties.

Coulter-Nile has taken 36 wickets in IPL at an economy of 7.66 His recent batting exploits would be an added advantage to RCB, which is already filled with several big hitters.

#4 Ashton Turner

India v Australia - ODI Series: Game 4

Ashton Turner became an overnight sensation after his match-winning innings against India in the fourth ODI, where he scored 84 runs of 43 balls which included 6 sixes. He looked at ease both against spinners and fast bowlers, providing the much-needed boost to the Australian lower middle order.

Only after this knock did people get to know that Rajasthan Royals bought him in the auction. At this point, it looks like a smart buy from RR, but one innings may be too little to judge the capabilities of a player.

Turner is part of the Australian squad for the Pakistan series as well, and will join the Royals in April.

#5 Jason Behrendorff

Behrendorff will play a key role for Mumbai Indians

Jason Behrendorff came into the limelight after he troubled the Indian batsmen in the T20s when Australia toured India the last time around. That also fetched an IPL contract for the 2018 season. Unfortunately though, he missed the entire season due to a back injury.

Mumbai Indians have backed him by retaining him for this season. A tall left-arm quick is what every franchise looks for to add some variety to the bowling attack, which is exactly what Behrendorff brings to the table.

Like other Australian internationals, his services will also be missed in the March leg. Australia are set to play five ODIs against Pakistan in the UAE starting on 22nd March, and the series will conclude on 31st March.