Dynamics play a huge role when it comes to picking an IPL XI. While fitness and form are the main deciding factors, team combination, matchups and tactics play a huge role in dishing out a playing XI. Therefore, a few players, despite their good skill sets, do not get a chance in the playing XI due to various reasons. On that note, here, we take a look at two players who have been surprisingly benched in IPL 2023 so far.
1) Shivam Mavi – Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans spent big money to bring Shivam Mavi to the team at IPL 2023 Auctions. However, he is yet to get a game till now, while veteran Mohit Sharma, whom no one expected to get a match, has cemented a place in the playing XI for the defending champions. This is due to what Mavi brings to the table.
The Uttar Pradesh pacer is mostly good in the powerplay. He has his issues in the death overs and he cannot be used as an enforcer in the middle overs. Since Hardik Pandya himself can take care of this task, Mavi is yet to make his debut for the team.
2) Vishnu Vinod – Mumbai Indians
Vishnu Vinod is one of the players who have been surprisingly benched in IPL 2023 so far. An exciting batter from Kerala, Vishnu Vinod is yet to play a game in IPL 2023. This is despite some struggled with the bat for MI at the start of the season.
The player can operate as a finisher although he started out his career more in the top order. He is also a wicket-keeper and has plenty of experience at the domestic level. In recent seasons, he has also started bowling, although the team need not be dependent on this. Considering these many factors, it is surprising that MI is yet to make use of his services in the ongoing campaign.
