Like every season, IPL 2020 was also intriguing from one point of view. There were a few players who failed to get the adequate openings that they merited. Be it the team combination or the players’ form, some players hardly got an occasion to manifest themselves in UAE.
Many of these cricketers might even get released before next season. If they do not get the pink-slip too, their stakes would still remain the same for their respective franchises in IPL 2021. Moreover, with the likely destination for next season to be India, we could see these players make a mark next season.
In this article, we talk about five players who were under-utilized in 2020, but could make a make with their displays in the forthcoming campaign.
1. Moeen Ali
RCB could not afford to have Moeen Ali in many of their games. With the team preferring to have two overseas pacers, the English all-rounder could not make it to the XI in most games. However, as we witnessed in 2019, Moeen can be a very successful player in IPL. His big-hitting is well known, and his bowling is also a useful asset. Moeen also boasts of plenty of experience in this format. With so many attributes, it may not be a surprise if the player can shift the tide in 2021. Be it in RCB or any other franchise, if he can get a run, Moeen can come out thriving in the tournament.
2. Ajinkya Rahane
Even before the tournament started, many were surprised that Delhi Capitals had hired the services of Ajinkya Rahane. With Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw already in the squad, Rahane was anyways going to find it difficult to find a place in the XI. However, owing to the latter’s dismal form, the Mumbaikar did get a few games in IPL 2020. He was bad in a few of them, and in one match, he made a half-century. That said, with the kind of batting form that he is in, if he gets to play 14 games next season, Rahane could well make a difference.
3. Prasidh Krishna
Owing to the presence of Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi, Prasidh Krishna got very few chances in IPL 2020. The Karnataka lad was the team’s best domestic pacer for a few years and him not playing much was a surprise. Actually, it wouldn’t be a wonderment if KKR does release the youngster before next season. It could be a blessing in disguise for Prasidh. He has skills to excel elsewhere and might be a good addition to teams like KXIP or Delhi Capitals.
4. David Miller
David Miller was one of the steals of IPL 2020 auctions. He was purchased at a very low amount, and many thought RR had pulled off a coup on the auction table. However, the South African could not earn himself a lot of games in IPL 2020. He was made to warm the bench in almost every game of the competition. It’s a drastic downfall for the cricketer considering KXIP had retained him couple of years ago. That said, with the pressure of performance reduced, Miller can still do well in the upcoming editions.
5. Chris Lynn
Now, who would change a combination that is so very successful in the competition? MI did not choose to tinker with their top-order, and hence, Chris Lynn ended IPL 2020 without playing a game. However, being the explosive batsman that he is, Lynn could do well next season if opportunities come his way. We don’t think that can happen in the MI camp, and hence, Lynn would want to be part of the upcoming auctions. At teams like CSK or RCB, where a new opener would be welcome, the Australian opener can indeed make a difference.
