In the past, capped Indian cricketers used to be of utmost importance to an IPL franchise. Even if these players were not doing well, they were backed because these cricketers had already proven their credentials. However, the case is different now. It all comes down to the current form and the team combinations. Hence, we have recently seen capped cricketers go benched for an entire season. It could happen in IPL 2024, as well. On that note, here, we take a look at the list of five capped Indian cricketers who could warm the bench in IPL 2024.
1) Manish Pandey – Kolkata Knight Riders
Manish Pandey was one of the last-minute buys for KKR at IPL 2024 Auctions. It was clear that he would be the backup for the Indian batters at IPL 2024.
KKR already has a good core of Indian batters comprising the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana and Rinku Singh. Someone like KS Bharat could also play because he is a wicket-keeper. Hence, Manish might not get a lot of games.
2) Jayant Yadav – Gujarat Titans
Jayant Yadav is one of the capped Indian cricketers who could warm the bench in IPL 2024. In the last few years, Jayant Yadav has come into the playing XI only when there was a desired matchup.
At Gujarat Titans, there is hardly space for a third spinner. Now, Shahrukh Khan can also provide right-arm off-spin. Hence, Jayant Yadav might not get a single match to play.
3) Mayank Agarwal – Sunrisers Hyderabad
The arrival of Travis Head means that one of Mayank Agarwal or Rahul Tripathi could have to spend some time on the bench. Since Rahul Tripathi can play at No.3, Mayank might have to make way.
Last season, SRH did the mistake of playing Abhishek Sharma in the middle order. They might not do that again. Hence, the Top 3 could be Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi.
4) R Sai Kishore – Gujarat Titans
R Sai Kishore is also one of the capped Indian cricketers who could warm the bench in IPL 2024. It is so very unfortunate that a player of Sai’s calibre is not finding a lot of game time in IPL. He was excellent in IPL 2022 and yet, he did not get any games in IPL 2024.
Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed were excellent as a pair. They controlled the middle overs well. The strategy of the team is most likely the same for IPL 2024, as well. In that case, Sai Kishore might yet again not get a lot of games. It needs to be noted that he recently made his India debut at the Asian Games.
5) Ishant Sharma – Delhi Capitals
Ishant Sharma had a few good games in IPL 2023. Hence, he was deservedly retained. However, since then, Ishant has not been able to do well in domestic cricket. Therefore, he could remain mostly on the bench in IPL 2024.
Moreover, since the last year, Mukesh Kumar has grown in stature and confidence. He would be the leader of the pack when it comes to the Indian pacers. Khaleel Ahmed would occupy the other slot because he offers variety. Anrich Nortje will lead the attack and if he is not there, Lungi Ngidi would be the preferred choice.
