The business end of the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is coming close with each passing match with all the eight teams pretty much in the battle for a place to reach the playoffs. Although there were some concerns raised over the excitement towards the tournament before it began, it has become very evident that the buzz from the World Cup couldn’t restrict the fans from thoroughly enjoying the grandiose T20 event.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has reached the playoffs, with a brilliant win over the 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Delhi Capitals (DC) are just two points away from getting into a safe position, with SRH, Mumbai Indians (MI), Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KXIP) fighting for the remaining two positions. Although RCB and RR are mathematically alive, it’d take a miracle for them to reach the playoffs.
ALSO READ: Yuzvendra Chahal wants to play for RCB in IPL all his life
Some bad news coming for all of these teams is the unavailability of a few players. While the players of the England team have already left, some of the Australian and South African cricketers will also be leaving soon, leaving a huge void in their respective teams. Only the New Zealand and Afghanistan players, along with the cricketers from other countries who are retired or not in the World Cup squad, will be available for the entire tournament.
Since the Windies board is yet to announced their World Cup squad, there’s uncertainty over the availability of their country players. These players clearly add more glamor to the tournament with their presence and if they are to leave midway, it would be a huge loss for the tournament. The Windies board will announce their squad on 24th April.
WATCH – How Jovially MS Dhoni Denies Revealing CSK’s Success Mantra
Here’s the list of players who will not be available for the remainder of the tournament.
- Chennai Super Kings – Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir
- Delhi Capitals – Kagiso Rabada
- Mumbai Indians – Jason Behrendorff, Quinton de Kock
- Sunrisers Hyderabad – David Warner, Jonny Bairstow, Shakib Al Hasan
- Kings XI Punjab – David Miller
- Kolkata Knight Riders – Joe Denly
- Royal Challengers Bangalore – Dale Steyn, Moeen Ali, Marcus Stoinis
- Rajasthan Royals – Jos Buttler, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer