IPL 2020: 4 talented cricketers who might warm benches for the entire season

Indian Premier League is a dream-maker for cricketers but at the same time, it has also been harsh on many. We often witness quality players being left out due to the blend of players that can be a part of the starting XI. Unfortunately, these cricketers get brushed off without even getting an opportunity to unfurl their capabilities. Players like Sam Billings, Billy Stanlake, Murali Vijay, Sandeep Lamichhane, Joe Denly, Karun Nair are some of the recent examples who have missed out on most of the tournament due to the same reason. Here is a list of 4 players that might find themselves on the sidelines for the entire IPL 2020.

#4 Andrew Tye

The Australian T20 legend was picked by Rajasthan Royals at the auction at his base price of INR 1 crores after he was released by Kings XI Punjab. Tye already has an exceptional record in his short IPL career with a hat-trick on his debut of the cash-rich league. In 26 matches thus far, the 33-year-old has scalped 39 wickets at an impressive strike-rate of 15.23. In the 2018 edition, Tye led the bowling charts and won the purple cap while playing for KXIP.

In the upcoming edition, Tye found himself with a side that already has a packed overseas group with Steve Smith, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, and Jofra Archer expected to make it to the starting XI. The presence of an in-form Tom Curran means the Australian bowler might just remain on sidelines for the entire season.

#3 Lockie Ferguson

Lockie Ferguson missed most of the matches in IPL 2019

The fast-bowler from New Zealand made his IPL debut for Rising Pune Supergiants back in 2017 after an impressive show at the international level. Lockie Ferguson is known for fiery pace and his skiddy nature makes the batsmen uncomfortable at the crease.

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The 28-year old cricketer has been New Zealand's wicket-taking option in the middle overs in white-ball cricket. In 8 T20Is for the black caps, he has picked 14 wickets at an economy rate of just over 7. Ferguson is currently a part of Kolkata Knight Riders' squad in the IPL, where the presence of big names like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Pat Cummins, and Eoin Morgan could mean a cold-shoulder to the Kiwi cricketer on most matchdays.

#2 Nathan Coulter-Nile

Coulter-Nile missed the last two seasons due to injury

Nathan Coulter-Nile has been a part of IPL since 2013 and has played for several franchises along the way. In 26 matches in the T20 extravaganza, the Aussie seamer has managed to pick 36 wickets at an economy rate of 7.66. He can click mid 140s consistently and possesses the skills to bowl at the death. Mumbai Indians grabbed him at the IPL 2020 auction but the presence of Japsrit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga, Trent Boult, and Mitchell McClenaghan might keep him away from the XI for the entire season, unless an injury intervenes.

#1 Jason Roy

Can Jason Roy find a spot in the DC's playing XI?

The English free-flowing opening batsman marked his arrival, playing for Gujarat Lions, in the 2017 edition of IPL. Later next year, he gained the spotlight with a match-winning 91 for the Delhi-based franchise while he missed the 2019 edition due to personal reasons. Ahead of the 2020 edition, Delhi Capitals (DC) got hold of Jason Roy once again but a well-settled opening pair might keep him on the bench. Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan have been impressive for DC and the addition of a classy Indian opener, Ajinkya Rahane, to the mix would mean slim chances for Roy to be a part of the XI, unless some one sacrifices their opening slot or is punted down the order.