IPL 2017: Benched XI
IPL 2017 is nearing the playoff stages and the four teams who will go through are all but decided. There have been sublime performances in the tenth edition of the tournament, from Hashim Amla scoring two centuries to Andrew Tye and Samuel Badree taking a hat-trick on the same day.
There have also been some players, despite their impressive form in the lead-up to the tournament, who haven't managed to make an impact due to their lack of opportunities. So here are 11 players who haven't played a great deal so far but could make for an impressive outfit.
Here is the IPL 2017 Benched XI:
NOTE: The usual policy of seven Indian players and four foreigners hasn't been followed. And only players who've played four games or fewer have been considered.
Openers
Lendl Simmons
The promotion of Jos Buttler to open the innings coupled with its success meant that Mumbai Indians didn’t give Lendl Simmons a chance until qualification was all but secured. The 32-year-old has played just two matches for MI this season, despite being one of their most consistent performers. Although he got his chance late, the West Indian opener made the most of it in his opening game in which he scored 66 against Delhi Daredevils.
Usman Khawaja
Brought in as a replacement in IPL 2016, Usman Khawaja continued his brilliant BBL form and was retained by the Rising Pune Supergiant. But in IPL 2017, he hasn't played a single game as Steve Smith has opted to go for just one overseas batsman in the side.
With RPS having a settled line-up with Smith, Ben Stokes, Daniel Christian and Imran Tahir as the four foreigners, the Australian batsman is unlikely to feature going forward, unless they decide to experiment after securing a playoff spot.