The league stage of IPL 2024 is now complete. Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have emerged as the top four teams in the tournament. One of these four teams will be crowned champions at the MA Chidambaram Stadium this Sunday (May 26).
The league phase of IPL 2024 comprised 70 matches. Six other teams, namely Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings, also competed for a place in the playoffs. However, they finished in the Bottom 6 of the IPL 2024 points table.
Overseas players have played a significant role in the success of the top four teams. While SRH and RCB are led by overseas players Pat Cummins and Faf du Plessis, respectively, Sunil Narine and Jos Buttler have been instrumental in KKR and RR’s respective journeys to the playoffs.
Narine, Buttler, Cummins, and du Plessis were regular fixtures in their teams’ match squads throughout IPL 2024. However, three foreign players did not get a chance to play a single game in the league stage.
#3 Kyle Mayers, Lucknow Super Giants
Kyle Mayers cemented his position as the preferred overseas opener for the Lucknow Super Giants during IPL 2023. The all-rounder from the Caribbean scored 379 runs in 13 innings at an impressive strike rate of 144.11, with a top score of 73.
Some fans went as far as comparing him to the ‘Chris Gayle of Lucknow Super Giants’. Additionally, he contributed with seven overs of medium pace, maintaining a respectable economy rate of 8.43.
Yet, Mayers never had the opportunity to take the field in IPL 2024. It’s possible that Lucknow could have given him a few matches instead of Quinton de Kock, who seemed to be out of form this season. Mayers was only seen during pre-match practice sessions and post-match discussions in IPL 2024.
#2 Chris Woakes, Punjab Kings
When Chris Woakes secured a ₹4.2 crore contract with the Punjab Kings, it seemed likely that he would share the new ball with Sam Curran or Arshdeep Singh. However, PBKS opted to keep him on the bench throughout the league stage. He was only unavailable for the last match against Sunrisers Hyderabad yesterday.
Woakes is a proven match-winner in international cricket. In addition to his right-arm pace, he can also make valuable contributions to the batting lineup. PBKS made an error by not giving Woakes a chance in any of the matches.
#1 Glenn Phillips, Sunrisers Hyderabad
Glenn Phillips is currently one of the most versatile players in international cricket. He possesses the ability to bat aggressively at any position in the batting order, take wickets with his spin bowling, display remarkable fielding skills with incredible dives, and also serve as a wicketkeeper.
Yet, Sunrisers Hyderabad have yet to find a way to include him in IPL 2024. Phillips has remained sidelined as Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen have been in top form.
Captain Pat Cummins occupies one of the foreign player slots, while the fourth spot is reserved for either Marco Jansen or Vijayakanth Viyaskanth.
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