When we predict the playing XI of teams before an IPL season, a few cricketers easily walk into the side. However, on the contrary, after the season starts, these players fail to find a chance in the playing XI. This is happening in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League, as well. On that note, here, we take a look at four players who have unexpectedly not found a place in the playing XI so far in IPL 2024.
1) Prithvi Shaw
Having been retained by DC before the auctions, it was clear that DC had decided to back the young cricketer. However, surprisingly, so far, he has not got a chance. In fact, Prithvi has not even found a spot on the list of substitutes.
He was one of the players who was retained by the team before the Mega Auctions. Hence, it is a shock that he is not getting chances. On the other hand, relatively new signings such as Ricky Bhui and Abishek Porel are getting opportunities in the playing XI.
2) Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar is one of the players who have unexpectedly not found a place in the playing XI so far in IPL 2024. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder is supposed to have been the leader of the spin attack. However, there is no news about him till now. It is Mayank Markhande and Shahbaz Ahmed who are forming the spin attack right now.
For Washi, it is important that he starts playing soon. At the moment, he has a very good chance of playing in the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, that firmly depends on his performance in the upcoming games in the IPL. If he does not feature altogether, he might not play for India at the mega-event.
3) Shardul Thakur
When CSK signed Shardul Thakur at the auctions, many felt that it was a smart move. He would be an instant upgrade for Tushar Deshpande and also, Shardul offered great value with the bat.
However, interestingly, Shardul is yet to touch the ball or the bat this season so far. The likes of Matheesha Pathirana and Mustafizur Rahman have done well as pacers. With Deepak Chahar certain and the management backing Tushar Deshpande, Shardul Thakur is yet to get a go in the tournament.
4) Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh Khan is one of the players who have unexpectedly not found a place in the playing XI so far in IPL 2024. Having acquired him for a top fee, Shahrukh Khan was expected to feature for Gujarat Titans right from the first game. Especially with Hardik Pandya not there, the team needed a good player in the middle-order. Plus, Shahrukh Khan also offered right-arm off-spin bowling.
However, Shahrukh Khan has failed to get a chance, so far. The management is backing Vijay Shankar, who is yet to fire. That said, it would not be long before Shahrukh Khan got a chance in the playing XI. In fact, even Kane Williamson is suffering the same fate and even he could get a chance soon.
