IPL 2013: Shakib, Tamim and du Plessis the notable players who didn’t play this season
Shakib Al Hasan, who was one of the stars of Kolkata Knight Riders’ title triumph last season, was unavailable for selection this season as he went on to play for Bangladesh in Zimbabwe © IANS
By Nishad Pai Vaidya
With franchises allowed to field only four overseas stars in the eleven for an Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter, some serious international quality is benched. These players are stars in their own right, but the opportunity evades them. Some miss out because of national duty, while others simply don’t make the cut.
Here is a list of international stars who were conspicuous by their absence at the IPL 2013:
Shakib Al Hasan
The Bangladesh all-rounder was a key player for the Kolkata Knight Riders during their title triumph in 2012. In a tough season this year, Kolkata clearly missed his quality. Shakib had an injury that had kept him out in the months leading up to the IPL. His recovery was great news for Bangladesh as they embarked upon their tour to Zimbabwe — a sojourn that clashed with the IPL 2013. As a result, Shakib could play no part this year.
Tamim Iqbal
Pune Warriors India had another tumultuous season. They tried as many as 26 players during their campaign and could have handed Tamim an opportunity had he been available. The aggressive Bangladesh opener has been a part of this franchise since last season, but is yet to make his debut. This year, he was summoned for the tour to Zimbabwe. Prior to that tour, an injury ended his hopes of playing any part in the IPL.
Faf du Plessis
The middle-order batsman injured himself towards the end of the South African international season and was ruled out of Chennai Super Kings’ initial games. By the time he arrived in India, Michael Hussey had firmly grabbed his spot at the top. Du Plessis had a good run as an opener for Chennai in 2012, but didn’t get a look in this year.
Brad Haddin
The Australian wicket-keeper went through a rough phase in 2012, but has returned to international cricket. However, the skilful stumper couldn’t break into the Kolkata line-up. They preferred Manvinder Bisla, the hero of the 2012 final, to do the job as that allowed them to field a foreigner with a different skill set. Brendon McCullum’s presence also made it tougher for Haddin to get a game.
Fidel Edwards
Rajasthan Royals strengthened their pace attack with the inclusion of Edwards. The slingy West Indian pacer is a genuine wicket-taker and was a part of the Deccan Chargers unit that lifted the title in 2009. Shaun Tait was the preferred overseas seamer and as the season progressed, Rajasthan found their settled unit. As a result, Edwards warmed the bench during his stay in India.
Daniel Vettori
The Kiwi left-arm spinner was Royal Challengers Bangalore’s captain until the last season. The responsibility was handed to Virat Kohli this year to allow more flexibility in selection. With Muttiah Muralitharan in the side, Vettori couldn’t make it as the spinner in the eleven. Later in the season, he left to join his national team in England. However, he is out injured and yet to feature in a game there.
Phil Hughes
The aggressive left-hander was picked by the Mumbai Indians at this year’s auction as they hoped to have an opening option. That spot has caused them a few problems in the previous seasons and they were more settled this time around. Hughes didn’t get the opportunity though as Ricky Ponting opened the batting early in the tournament. Once the Australian great failed, Dwayne Smith came in and did well. Hughes may have to wait another year for his chance at the IPL.
James Franklin
A man who was an integral part of the Mumbai setup for two seasons didn’t feature in their plans any more. Franklin has been a dependable batsman for them and a floater in the batting order. He has opened the batting and has also played the role of the finisher. His stable medium-pace also provides them more options in the middle. That wasn’t enough this year as Kieron Pollard came into his own and Glenn Maxwell was the other preferred overseas all-rounder.
Nathan McCullum
Sunrisers Hyderabad were the surprise package this season and had a more or less settled combination as far as the four overseas players are concerned. Kumar Sangakkara’s failures allowed Darren Sammy to come in. Thisara Perera cemented his place in the side as the all-rounder. As a result, Nathan McCullum only watched the games from the sidelines.
Clint McKay
McKay has made a name for himself as a very effective limited overs bowler. However, his skills weren’t enough for him to be a part of the tournament’s strongest bowling attack. Dale Steyn led a pack comprising Perera and Ishant Sharma — a combination they maintained throughout.
Note: Players like Jean-Paul Duminy, Kevin Pietersen, Michael Clarke and Jesse Ryder missed the whole season due to injuries. Others such as Brendon McCullum and Jacob Oram featured in only one game each.
(Nishad Pai Vaidya is Correspondent with cricketcountry.com and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_44)