IPL 2019: Five players who can be dropped from their side

Week 1 of IPL 2019 is done and dusted and we have had some tremendous games with many game-changing moments on offer. The action doesn't stop as there are two doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday and the second week will certainly be more exciting and entertaining for those watching the league.

KKR sit at the top of the points table closely followed by CSK, both the sides with 2 wins each. RR and RCB are the only sides yet to win a game while the remaining 4 teams find themselves between these teams.

While there have been a couple of star performers for each side, there have been a couple of players or couple of performances which haven't come out good for the teams. Also, with Australian players set to return within the next 2 days, teams will be at their full strength and will want to make a few changes to their sides.

Let's take a look at 4 players who might be dropped from their respective sides.

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#5 Shimron Hetmyer (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Hetmyer miscues a shot of Jasprit Bumrah's bowling. (Image Courtesy: IPLT20)

Shimron Hetmyer was a prized buy for the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the auction and a lot was expected from the Caribbean sensation. The southpaw had a poor time in both his games and scored just 5 runs from both the matches put together.

RCB too have lost both their games until now and a couple of changes are expected from the side. While it might be too early to drop someone of Hetmyer's caliber, performances are required to stay in the team. Though it's likely that he will be given another opportunity to prove himself, he needs to use it properly in order to remain in the side.

There are players like Heinrich Klaasen and Marcus Stoinis who will be available from now and they could come in and replace the under-performing players.

#4 Sandeep Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Sandeep Sharma hasn't been too impressive with the ball. (Image Courtesy: IPLT20)

Sandeep Sharma has been one of the weak links of the SRH bowling attack which has failed considerably this season. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been the biggest disappointment, Sandeep Sharma too hasn't done anything great to retain his place in the side.

He lacks the pace to make too much impact and with Bhuvi there to open the bowling, there really is no need for Sandeep. He has taken 1 wicket from 2 games at an economy of 10.00 and players like Khaleel Ahmed, T Natarajan or Basil Thampi should be considered.

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#3 Shardul Thakur (Chennai Super Kings)

Thakur has been good on the field but it won't be enough to save his place. (Image Courtesy: IPLT20)

Shardul Thakur hasn't fired with the ball this season for CSK and has been far from his best. While he didn't get an opportunity in the first match, he was pretty poor with the ball and went wicketless in the second game. They play Rajasthan at home next and the need for a pacer like Thakur comes into question.

Mohit Sharma is a much more experienced player than Thakur and has been kept to the sidelines for the last couple of games. Though Dhoni doesn't believe in too many changes to the side, there seems to be no point in buying a player for ₹5 crore and keeping him on the bench. Mohit can thrive on slow wickets and should replace Thakur in the side.

#2 Colin de Grandhomme (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Colin De Grandhomme was expensive with the ball. (Image Courtesy: IPLT20)

Colin de Grandhomme has been a utility player for RCB but hasn't shone with both bat and ball with extensive opportunities to prove himself in both sides of the game. With players like Marcus Stoinis and Nathan Coulter-Nile set to be available for selection soon, de Grandhomme's days seem to be numbered.

De Grandhomme can be replaced by another spin bowling all-rounder like Pawan Negi or Washington Sundar to have the extra spinner in the side. They have enough pace bowling resources and hence they can also play an extra batsman instead of de Grandhomme. Whoever comes in, de Grandhomme is likely to be dropped.

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#1 Keemo Paul (Delhi Capitals)

Keemo Paul gets castled. (Image Courtesy: IPLT20)

Keemo Paul has been a fill-in overseas player for the Delhi Capitals and has done an average job for the Capitals. He has scored 3 runs and picked up a wicket in both the matches but with plenty of better options like Chris Morris and Trent Boult available, Paul is expected to make way.

He was never a permanent option and though he hasn't done too much wrong, he is just not good enough to be in the side ahead of Morris and is likely to be dropped. He has to be dropped to get the team balance right and the Capitals will look a better team without him.