Every season, a few players spend the entire time on the bench. This happens due to various reasons. While it could be mainly due to form, it is also possible because of the combinations that the team wants to execute. On that note, here, we take a look at a strong benched XI of IPL 2024.
Openers: KS Bharat (WK) and Kyle Mayers
KS Bharat was expected to spend time on the bench, especially with the form of Phil Salt. Hence, there is no surprise for him. But for Kyle Mayers, it was a shocker. He did well last season and with the other struggling, he deserved an opportunity.
Middle-Order: Yash Dhull, Prerak Mankad, Glenn Phillips, Sherfane Rutherford
Yash Dhull is a part of this strong balanced benched XI of IPL 2024. The former India U19 captain deserved a chance because there was an Indian slot for the taking. It is a shock that Prerak Mankad, who is an all-rounder domestically, went without a game at LSG. He did well with the bat for LSG last season. Rutherford was anyway a backup signing. Hence, he did not find a place. Glenn Phillips is the most surprising of them all. When SRH was using some overseas spinners, they could have very well slotted in the Kiwi.
All-Rounders: Chris Woakes and Jayant Yadav
The English all-rounders will dominate this department. Chris Woakes could have been tried by PBKS. Jayant Yadav will be the spin-bowling all-rounder here.
Bowlers: Navdeep Saini, Rajvardhan Hangargekar and Kumar Kartikeya
Navdeep Saini is the capped Indian in this strong balanced benched XI of IPL 2024. It is a surprise that Saini did not get a single game in IPL 2024. This has to do with the performance of the others. Rajvardhan deserved an opportunity, especially after his impressive shows last season. Kumar Kartikey will lead the spin attack for this side.
