IPL 2019: 8 players who could skip next season to prepare for the World Cup, thus harming their team's chances

There is a lot of uncertainty around the next season of the Indian Premier League.

The main concern is that the ICC World Cup 2019 is scheduled to start only a few days after the usual close of the IPL season. That could put a few players at risk of being less than 100% fit for the ICC's showpiece event, and thus could prompt them to skip all or part of the IPL.

If that does happen, the teams could be in for some real trouble. Let us have a look at the most valuable player for each team, who could seriously harm their side's fortunes if they decide to miss part of IPL 2019:.

Royal Challengers Bangalore - Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has been the face of not only his IPL side but also the country in the recent past. The absence of Kohli would be a loss for any team he is a part of, and RCB will have to face the brunt of it if the Indian captain skips the IPL to keep himself fit for the World Cup.

RCB do not have any domestic batsmen to replace him, which could mean they will have to endure yet another disappointing season next year. However, India's chances in England would increase if Kohli goes ahead with this decision.

Mumbai Indians - Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah is Mumbai Indian's lead bowler

Jasprit Bumrah has been the backbone of Mumbai Indians' bowling attack for some time now. However, the fast bowler from Gujarat has had a few injuries, and his fitness is of extreme importance to the Indian team.

If he decides to skip the IPL next year, MI have very few domestic bowlers to replace him, and this could affect the chances of the three-time champions. Also, if Rohit and Hardik are not available for some part of the tournament either, the team will have a very tough time next year indeed.

Chennai Super Kings - Faf Du Plessis

Faf du Plessis is an important player for South Africa

CSK's batting line-up will likely be fragile next year due to the mediocre recent form of MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina. Shane Watson, meanwhile, will have very little match practice coming into the league, and Kedar Jadhav is injury-prone. Only Ambati Rayudu and Faf du Plessis could offer some solace to this batting line-up.

Being the skipper for South Africa, Du Plessis could skip the event, which would necessitate an experienced middle-order batsman for CSK. There are very few options available in the market though, and that could affect CSK's prospects.

Rajasthan Royals - Jos Buttler

It will be a massive loss for RR if Buttler skips IPL next year

Jos Buttler was the best player for Rajasthan Royals last season as he helped the Jaipur-based team to reach the playoffs. His absence in the playoffs was felt big time by the Royals as they bowed out of the tournament.

Next year will be the best chance for England to win a 50-over World Cup, and Buttler will be the main batsman for them. He could skip the IPL to prepare for the World Cup, which could be a massive loss for RR.

Kings XI Punjab - Andrew Tye

Tye could miss a part of next year's IPL

It has been confirmed that the Australian team will not be available for the latter part of the IPL, which would mean Andrew Tye will not play for KXIP in the second half of the tournament.

Tye was one of the best bowlers for KXIP last year. Having released a number of fast bowlers, the team would be hoping that Tye will lead the bowling attack with the same kind of fervor as last year.

But if he is not available for even a portion of the tournament, it could be a repeat of last season's failure for KXIP.

Kolkata Knight Riders - Chris Lynn

Lynn could create a vacancy in KKR's middle-order

Chris Lynn could be set to miss a part of IPL in 2019 courtesy his World Cup commitments. He is highly injury-prone too, and could be a liability for KKR next season.

KKR's middle-order is shaky, and Lynn's absence could lead to the absence of a regular batsman who can attack the bowlers at the top. Very limited options are available in the auction, and KKR will sorely miss the services of Lynn if he skips the event.

Delhi Daredevils - Chris Morris

Morris renders balance to the Delhi Daredevils team

Chris Morris was one of the retained players for DD last year. Although he was not too impressive in the previous season, his attributes as a bowling all-rounder will be vital for any team.

Delhi have lost a few all-rounders as part of the trade, and hence they would certainly require the services of Morris next year. If Morris does not play the IPL, Delhi will find it very difficult to find a replacement for him.

Sunrisers Hyderabad - Billy Stanlake

Billy Stanlake gives an edge to the SRH bowling line-up

Billy Stanlake was used by SRH last year despite having a plethora of bowlers at their disposal. Although he got injured later, SRH were still able to make it through to the playoffs and they were helped by Stanlake's initial burst of wickets.

However, the situation will be different next year. Bhuvneshwar Kumar might be unavailable, which could put the onus on Kaul and Khaleel to perform. Both are relatively inexperienced and hence, SRH would need an overseas fast bowler to fill the gap.

In such a situation, if Stanlake also decides to skip a part of the tournament, it would be a great loss for SRH.