3 fringe Indian T20I players who might be out of the squad by the end of IPL 2023
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has recently been playing a hugely important role in the selection of the national T20I side. In fact, rather unfortunately, it has even been playing a massive role in the selection of the teams for the other two formats.
Nevertheless, unwarranted format-mixing aside, it's safe to say that the IPL rightly serves as the yardstick for national T20I selection. The most high-profile players in the world feature in the league, and uncapped names get the chance to test their skills against some of the best.
Given these facts, a bad IPL seriously can seriously affect a player's case to be picked in Team India's T20I team. The ongoing campaign has sadly seen a few players who have already made their international debuts fail to make an impression. They might not be able to nail down their places.
Here are three players who are currently on the fringes of the Indian T20I side but might be out of the picture by the end of IPL 2023.
#3 Shivam Mavi | GT
Shivam Mavi was the Gujarat Titans' (GT) biggest acquisition at the IPL 2023 auction. All the signs pointed towards him being used to bridge the gap between the batting and bowling departments at No. 8.
However, we are almost at the end of the league stage, and Mavi hasn't turned out for the defending champions yet. The impact player rule has lessened the need for a bowling all-rounder, and the youngster has also been sidelined by the excellent performances of Mohit Sharma.
Mavi made his international debut only a few weeks before the IPL and even made a couple of important contributions for the Men in Blue. While he's bound to be in their long-term plans, he might not be part of the squads that are put out immediately after the tournament concludes.
#2 Avesh Khan | LSG
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have had an inconsistent season so far. Injuries and tactical mistakes have hampered their case to make the playoffs for the second year running.
Avesh Khan, who was their biggest signing in the Indian pace department at the IPL 2022 mega-auction, had a promising campaign last year. This time around, however, the fast bowler just hasn't shown up.
Avesh hasn't appeared to be at full fitness, with both his pace and accuracy being much lower than usual. In eight matches, he has scalped just seven wickets at an economy rate of 9.37. At one point, the 26-year-old even lost his place in the side.
Avesh has played 15 T20Is for India, and his numbers don't make for great reading. After his middling IPL campaign, his chances of turning out for the Men in Blue might be even lower.
#1 Deepak Hooda | LSG
Another LSG player who has failed to deliver in IPL 2023, Deepak Hooda is having quite arguably the worst possible individual season.
In 10 matches for the Super Giants, Hooda has amassed a paltry 64 runs at an average of 7.11 and a strike rate of 91.42. Having faced 70 balls, he has hit just three fours and a six. His highest score this year has been 17.
Hooda made his international debut last year and immediately made an impression, even notching up a hundred. His part-time off-spin was a major factor in his favor, but it's worth noting that he has bowled just six balls in the tournament so far.
Having completely lost his form with the bat too, Hooda isn't likely to be anywhere near the Indian T20I side in the near future.