IPL 2020 has gone down in history as one of the most remarkable tournaments, especially for the features accommodated by the tournament, with the absence of the crowd being the most noteworthy one. Mumbai Indians emerged as the victors of the tournament after thoroughly dominating the games, thanks to the collective brilliance that was dovetailed in perfect proportions by their management.
Delhi Capitals played their first final of the tournament while Sunrisers Hyderabad finished third followed by Royal Challengers Bangalore who was tamed by the Orange Army in the eliminator.
Rajasthan Royals became the first team to chronicle an improbable and ludicrous record that saw them notching up the championship and finishing the 2020 edition of the fray in the last position. No other champion of the tournament has ever finished their campaign in the rock-bottom of the table.
Despite a few questionable performances from the regulars, the franchises decided to axe a few of their star players in order to accommodate others. We will look at five-star cricketers who were not picked for a solitary game throughout the tournament despite bragging about glittering antiquity.
- Mayank Markande – Rajasthan Royals
Indian leg-spinner, Mayank Markande became the first cricketer in the history of IPL to swap two teams in a single transfer window as he was first bagged by Delhi Capitals who bought him from Mumbai Indians. Now this move was followed by another transfer of this leggie and Delhi gave him to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Ajinkya Rahane. Despite winning a price tag of Rs 2 crores, Markande didn’t notch up a single playing opportunity throughout the season.
- Parthiv Patel – Royal Challengers Bangalore
One of the most experienced campaigners of the fray, Parthiv Patel, was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore. Haplessly, he couldn’t beat the likes of AB De Villiers and Josh Phillipe to crack through to the starting eleven. Bangalore produced a royal flop in the eliminator and Kohli came out to open in that game. Had he thought about this diminutive yet rebellious batsman in their ranks, the story could have very well been different? Patel went home with a bill of Rs 1.7 crores without playing a single game.
The Australian openers who have been extremely successful in IPL, playing for the likes of Kolkata Knightriders was bought by the defending champions in the auction. Unfortunately, the duo of Quinton De Kock and Rohit Sharma who was later replaced by Ishan Kishan after being sidelined with an injury was extremely superior to any other batsmen. Also, the foreigner’s quota was filled to the rafters with Boult, De Kock and Pollard fixed. That one place that needed a filling was not for Lynn. He went home with Rs 2 crores without playing a single game.
- Sherfane Rutherford – Mumbai Indians
An extremely talented match-winning all-rounder, Sherfane Rutherford was neglected by Mumbai Indians throughout the tournament. Once again, unless injured, Pollard was never replaced, considering the impact that he had on the tournament for the Men in Blue. Not only was he a great batsman, but an equally adept bowler and fielder. Rutherford’s presence became minimal in front of his national team-mate. He left India with a cheque of Rs 2 crores.
- Virat Singh – Sunrisers Hyderabad
One of the most talked-about batsmen throughout the tournament, Virat Singh was expected to play games for Sunrisers Hyderabad, considering their ambitions of harnessing raw talent. Unfortunately, he couldn’t find himself a slot in the team, thanks to some inspiring showdowns from other youngsters in the form of Abdul Samad, Natarajan, Abhishek Sharma and Priyam Garg. He left the tournament with a price tag of Rs 1.9 crores.
