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IPL 2020 benchwarmers

Like we see in every IPL even in IPL 2020 , we have eight franchises that have a squad strength of about 20-30 players each. Ultimately, after all the chopping & changing, giving as many players the opportunity to ensure the team combinations get sorted, there will be at least 5-7 players in the IPL who are considered benchwarmers.

They are required in every franchise as backup options to the major players. Also a critical aspect is youngsters playing in a high profile league like the IPL could falter so there has to be other players in the squad who can fill up in case some players loose steam.

Also, Read – 5 cricketers that have surprised everyone in IPL 2020

But IPL 2020 is an unique phenomenon: It’s being played in a bio-secure bubble. So, that means the full squad would have to strictly remain in the bubble (hotel & ground) for a period of over 60 days.

And due to the circumstances we all are facing owing to COVID-19, a majority of the players didn’t bring their family members to the UAE for this year’s IPL. Just spare a thought for all those players (local Indian players or overseas buys) who haven’t played a game so far in this edition of the ‘toughest t20’.

So, who are the IPL 2020 benchwarmers?

Local Indian players who never made the cut this year for their respective franchise

Parthiv Patel is part of the IPL 2020 benchwarmers XI. — CARDIFF, WALES – SEPTEMBER 16: Parthiv Patel of India bats during the 5th Natwest One Day International Series match between England and India at the Swalec Stadium on September 16, 2011 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Despite not getting an opportunity to play for the franchise that acquired their services, many young, upcoming players would be loving the opportunity to share the same dressing room with the greats of the modern game and acquire all the information possible from them.

But one must feel extremely sad and anguished for all the Indian players who never played a single game or who have played couple of games before being benched by their side due to poor performances. A closer look at each squad will throw up a handful of names who have had to face this unfortunate predicament.

Some squads have a lot more players who have, at this year’s IPL been considered as benchwarmers. The Mumbai Indians have hardly used more players than they require and have stuck to a settled team.

The IPL 2020 benchwarmers

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 17: Varun Aaron of Leicestershire bowls during the Royal London One-Day Cup match between Northamptonshire and Leicestershire at The County Ground on May 17, 2018 in Northampton, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

KM Asif and K Sai Kishore from Chennai Super Kings(CSK), Avesh Khan, Mohit Sharma and Lalit Yadav from Delhi Capitals(DC), Parthiv Patel, Pavan Deshpande and Pawan Negi from Royal Challengers Bangalore(RCB) and Darshan Nalakande, Jagadeesha Suchith, Karun Nair and Ishan Porel from Kings XI Punjab(KXIP).

From the remaining franchises Mumbai Indians(MI), Rajasthan Royals(RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad(SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders(KKR), players such as Aditya Tare, Anukul Roy, Jayant Yadav, Prince Balwant Rai Singh, Rinku Singh, Sandeep Warrier, Siddesh Lad, Nikhil Naik, Manan Vohra, Mayank Markande, Varun Aaron, Yashaswi Jaiswal and Basil Thampi, Shreevats Goswami, Sanjay Yadav and Virat Singh come to mind.

Players such as Parthiv Patel and Pawan Negi have been superb in T20 Cricket and in the IPL in previous seasons. However, at this IPL they have both been benchwarmers.

More than just informing the readers about the local Indian players who haven’t played much or who have warmed the bench right through this IPL for various reasons(strategic and team combination point of view), it’s to empathise with them.

It’s extremely tough to be amongst many unknown players from different countries and different surroundings for such a long duration of time without playing any cricket.

The Remaining IPL 2020 Fixtures

HYDERABAD, INDIA – MAY 12: The Mumbai Indians celebrate after they defeated the Chennai Super Kings during the Indian Premier League Final match between the the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Hyderabad, India. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Mumbai Indians are the only team to have qualified in this year’s IPL so far. Considering that, teams will perhaps not want to tinker with their team too much. As a result, those fringe players may not get much playing time.

Also, Read – IPL 2020 best performers till date

Lets empathise and acknowledge these players and sit back and enjoy the remainder of IPL 2020- the most closely fought IPL ever. Its been fifty games, and we just have one team having qualified for the playoffs! We hope you enjoyed our article on IPL benchwarmers.

It is proving difficult to pick a winner in this year’s Dream 11 IPL 2020. Even teams who have little chance of making it are likely to play their best XI and not their fringe players or players that they consider secondary options.

Captaincy will decide winner at Dream 11 IPL 2020

We hope you enjoyed our IPL 2020 benchwarmers article.

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