There are a lot of dynamics involved when it comes to picking an IPL XI. While a player might have a reputation coming into the tournament, form, team combination and other factors could play a role when it comes to getting chances in the league. In the first half of IPL 2023, many popular cricketers did not get a game. Here, we take a look at the best benched XI of the first half of IPL 2023.
Openers: Quinton de Kock (C& WK) (LSG) and KS Bharat (GT)
Quinton de Kock will lead this best benched XI of the first half of IPL 2023. The biggest name on this list is Quinton de Kock. Due to the form that Kyle Mayers is in, LSG has not been able to get the experienced player on the squad.
KS Bharat has also been waiting on the bench. This is mainly because Wriddhiman Saha is fulfilling the role that he has been given. Also, since Hardik Pandya is at No.3, Bharat is not getting a chance as a batter, too.
Middle-Order: Joe Root (RR), Dewald Brevis (MI), Vishnu Vinod (MI) and Matthew Wade (GT)
Joe Root and Dewald Brevis form the heart of this middle-order. Both these players are warming the bench mainly due to the overseas combination of their respective squads.
Vishnu Vinod was expected to get a chance but he is yet to find a place in the Mumbai Indians XI. The same goes for Matthew Wade, who could end the tournament without a game.
All-Rounders: Shivam Mavi (GT) and R Sai Kishore (GT)
Bowling all-rounders Shivam Mavi and Sai Kishore form a part of this best benched XI of the first half of IPL 2023. It is surprising both of these talented players are yet to get a game. It could be due to the success of the team with the existing combination.
While Mohit Sharma has been preferred over Mavi, GT is playing Noor Ahmed as the second spinner and hence, Sai is yet to get a game.
Bowlers: Kartik Tyagi (SRH), Sandeep Warrier (MI) and Navdeep Saini (RR)
Kartik Tyagi is one of the talented names in this best benched XI of the first half of IPL 2023. Kartik Tyagi was expected to warm the bench and at times, he is not even getting a spot on the Impact Player list.
Sandeep Warrier and Navdeep Saini are both India players. However, uncapped cricketers are getting a chance in their respective players ahead of these two players.
