IPL 2023 is entering its business end now. The Rivalry Week of the competition has started, and almost every team has played 10 matches in the league stage. The 10 teams are scheduled to play 14 matches, so each team only has four to five games remaining in the league phase.
Some teams have sorted out their combinations, while others are still figuring it out. The top four teams in the IPL 2023 points table right now are the Gujarat Titans, the Chennai Super Kings, the Lucknow Super Giants and the Rajasthan Royals.
The bottom four teams in the standings are the Delhi Capitals, the Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Punjab Kings. While the top four teams have surplus resources, the bottom four teams need answers to their problems. Here’s a list of one benched player from each Top 4 team that can help a team from the bottom 4.
1. Quinton de Kock (LSG) can open the batting for KKR
Kolkata Knight Riders have tried out so many opening combinations in this season but nothing has worked for them. Someone like Quinton de Kock, who is warming the benches for the Lucknow Super Giants, can do that job for KKR.
2. Joe Root (RR) can bat in middle order for SRH
Sunrisers Hyderabad have struggled in the batting department. Their team needs someone who can play the anchor’s role and also bowl a few overs when needed. Joe Root perfectly fits the category.
3. Dasun Shanaka (GT) can solve some problems for DC
Delhi Capitals’ finishing department has been over-reliant on Axar Patel. If Axar had the support of someone like Dasun Shanaka, the Capitals could have been at a higher position.
4. Mitchell Santner (CSK) could be a great spin option for PBKS
Mitchell Santner played in the initial matches for CSK, but he has been benched now. The left-arm spinner from New Zealand could have been a handy spin option for the Punjab Kings.
