IPL 2020 culminated on Tuesday evening with the Mumbai Indians successfully retaining their IPL title. They became the second team after the Chennai Super Kings to keep hold of the trophy for two consecutive seasons. MI have a chance to make history by completing a hat-trick of wins next year.
The reason why MI succeeded in winning the IPL trophy for the fifth time is because they have a solid core group of players. They generally retain the core and try to improve the overall strength of the squad by signing other talents. Their scouting team has done a phenomenal job.
While MI benched a few talented players just like the other franchises, there were a few benched players who could have solved a lot of problems for the others. Here’s a look at the one benched player from each side who could done well for the other team.
CSK – KM Asif could have been useful to RR
The Rajasthan Royals had big hitters, multi-talented players, and a stacked overseas contingent. Still, they finished at the last position in IPL 2020. The main reason behind that was the failure of their Indian fast bowlers.
None of the Indian pacers had a memorable IPL 2020 season. Thus, someone like KM Asif, who was benched at CSK, could have been helpful to them.
DC – Keemo Paul could have been useful to KXIP
The Kings XI Punjab had a brilliant batting lineup. However, when it came to finishing the games off, the lower middle order could not deliver the goods there. Jimmy Neesham and Glenn Maxwell had a forgettable outing in the United Arab Emirates.
Caribbean all-rounder Keemo Paul could have been a great all-rounder for them in this season.
KXIP – J Suchith could have been useful to RCB
The Kings XI Punjab had signed J Suchith in the trade window from the Delhi Capitals. The fans expected the all-rounder to play a huge role at the Anil Kumble-coached franchise.
However, he was majorly spotted fielding as a substitute this year. RCB needed a solid Indian all-rounder and Suchith could have been a great option.
KKR – Siddhesh Lad could have been useful to CSK
The Chennai Super Kings needed a solid Indian batsman who could bat well in the middle overs in the absence of Suresh Raina. Ruturaj Gaikwad contracted COVID-19 unfortunately, and there was no other option left with them.
Siddhesh Lad might have been a great addition to the CSK lineup. He and Gaikwad could have solved many issues for the MS Dhoni-led franchise.
MI – Chris Lynn could have been useful to KKR
KKR took a surprising decision when they released Chris Lynn from their squad before IPL 2020. MI signed Lynn at his base price, but they did not give him a single game.
On the other side, KKR changed their opening combination regularly. If Lynn would have been a part of the team, they could have had a much more stable lineup as Lynn majorly opens the innings.
RR – Manan Vohra could have been useful to SRH
The Sunrisers Hyderabad had a pretty inexperienced middle order this year. The likes of Abdul Samad and Priyam Garg possess enormous talent, but it would have been great if another experienced name was present in the SRH batting lineup.
Manan Vohra would have been a solid option for them. The batting lineup would have looked extremely stronger if Vohra, Manish Pandey, and Kane Williamson formed the core.
RCB – Parthiv Patel could have been useful to CSK
Before Ruturaj Gaikwad came into the spotlight, the Super Kings used Sam Curran as an opening batsman in a few matches. A specialist opening batsman could have helped CSK in that situation.
RCB benched Parthiv Patel for the entire season, but CSK could have used him properly.
SRH – Billy Stanlake could have been useful to KXIP
The Sunrisers Hyderabad had Billy Stanlake as one of their foreign fast bowlers. However, the overseas limit did not allow them to include him in their playing XI.
KXIP rotated between Chris Jordan and Sheldon Cottrell to often. A bowler like Stanlake could have been a great partner for Mohammed Shami.
