IPL 2018: Four overseas players who never played for a single match for CSK

Known as one of the most successful IPL teams in the history of the league, Chennai Super Kings have been fortunate to be served by the best in the World cricket in the years gone by. The franchise has managed to clinch the title twice in the successive years in 2010 and 2011, to be the only team to successfully defend their title.

However, when many players have been blessed to be a part of the most love IPL franchise, some have been unlucky to warm the benches for the entire season despite being in the squad. In such a competitive environment, when teams follow the policy of ‘Horses for Courses’, it thus becomes difficult to make the cut.

We take a close look at some of those players who just came close to represent the yellow brigade but could never adorn the yellow jersey on the ground:

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#1 Akila Dananjaya

Sri Lanka has been known to produce unconventional spinner and to add to the list is their newest spin sensation in Akila Dananjaya, who rose to fame courtesy his spell of 6 for 54 against India in a losing cause.

Not many would know that the 24-year old has been a part of the IPL before, but didn’t get the opportunity to showcase his talent. It was in 2013 when he was a member of the Chennai Super Kings. This has been the story for Akila, who has struggled to make a mark with his consistent performances. His spell against India did help him earn an IPL contract with Mumbai Indians this year, but his failure on his debut ruled him out of the matches that followed.

#2 Matt Henry

The Kiwi pacer who has been a prominent figure in that New Zealand pace attack and known for his ability to bowl hardball burst onto the scene in early 2014. In the same year, he was bought in the auction by the Chennai Super Kings.

His first stint at the IPL was a forgetful journey as he didn’t manage to make it to the playing XI in any of the games. With his high arm action and the consistency to bowl at a quick pace, often saw a comparison being drawn with the Kiwi legend Shane Bond. Later, Henry was bought by the Kings XI Punjab in 2017 to represent in just two matches for the franchise.

#3 Kyle Abbott

The former SA pacer who was making some huge strides in the international cricket for his ability to swing the ball at a decent pace, Kyle Abbott was picked by the Chennai Super Kings in 2015. To add some pace to the armory, CSK roped in Abbott at the start of the new season.

But unfortunately, he didn’t get the opportunity to feature in any of the games. This was a season that saw a formidable and a settled CSK unit with no room for major changes as Abbott had to warm the benches for the entire season. The speedster was later picked up the Kings XI in the next year to make his debut in the cash-rich league.

#4 Andrew Tye

One of the best overseas death bowlers in recent times, Andrew Tye was picked by the yellow brigade in their last season before the ban. The tall fast bowler from Australia was denied any opportunity to represent CSK in the yellow colors in 2015.

Later, he was bought by Kings XI in this year’s IPL auction for a whopping 7.2 Crore. He has been a worthy but for the Kings with his good performance to bag nine wickets in the 8 games played so far. He has been instrumental in the death overs with his slower and knuckle deliveries, which are still a mystery for most of the batsmen. He has even been a prominent face in the Australian T20 setup.