IPL 2024 has started, with all 10 teams competing in the last three days. The combinations and strategies of the 10 teams is clear now after their respective first matches in the tournament. As always, some teams have surprised the fans with their thinking and tactics.
One of the biggest reasons why IPL is so popular is that the league attracts the best Indian and overseas cricketers from different parts of the world. However, not all players get a chance to play the matches in the league. Here’s a list of the five popular foreign players who might have to warm the benches for the whole season in IPL 2024.
1. Fazalhaq Farooqi might not get a game in IPL 2024
Sunrisers Hyderabad have two quality left-arm pacers in Marco Jansen and T Natarajan. They also have Pat Cummins as captain, who will take up one overseas position in all matches. Thus, it looks unlikely that Afghanistan’s left-arm fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi will get a game this season.
2. Mitchell Santner might not get a game in IPL 2024
Mitchell Santner has been with the Chennai Super Kings for a long time, but he has rarely received chances to play. With Rachin Ravindra and Ravindra Jadeja present in the squad as left-arm spinners, Santner will have to watch the season from outside this season.
3. Ashton Turner
Lucknow Super Giants raised many eyebrows when they signed Australia’s forgotten star Ashton Turner at the auction. LSG already have Nicholas Pooran and Marcus Stoinis as overseas finishers, which will make it difficult for the team management to fit Turner in the playing XI.
4. Nathan Ellis
Another Australian cricketer to feature on the list is Punjab Kings’ Nathan Ellis. PBKS have two exceptional overseas right-arm quicks in Chris Woakes and Kagiso Rabada. They might not prefer Ellis over them.
5. Tom Curran
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will always pick Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green in their playing XI. The fourth overseas player will likely be Will Jacks, Lockie Ferguson or Alzarri Joseph. Tom Curran is unlikely to play any matches in IPL this year.
