IPL 2020: Five Players Who Were Bought In The Trade Window But Will Warm The Bench

The most awaited cricket league in India, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just a couple of weeks away. However, the effects of Covid-19 coronavirus are being felt already. As per reports, the IPL Franchises have given a nod to games behind closed doors, as long as the foreign players are available to compete.

While the virus could play a spoilsport, the upcoming IPL 2020 season will nonetheless prove to be a memorable competition. The IPL auction was a starstudded affair where a lot of teams exchanged, bought and sold players.

Some players traded their old franchises to join new teams and while it gives a fresh start and new opportunities to players, some of them will continue to struggle to break into the playing XI.

Here are five players who were bought in the trade window, but they will most likely warm the bench for their new teams in IPL 2020:

5) Sherfane Rutherford

The West Indies all-rounder was a part of the Delhi Capitals (DC) squad last season, but in IPL 2020 he will be turning out for defending champion Mumbai Indians (MI) who signed Sherfane Rutheford in the trade window.

Although, it remains to be seen if Rutherford can force his way into the playing XI, because of the presence of world-class all-rounders such as Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, and his compatriot, Kieron Pollard.

In IPL, only four foreign players are allowed in the playing XI, so the 21-year-old could warm the bench for the Indians. Currently, he has been struggling to break into the national team as well, but an injury to any of the aforementioned players could open the passage for Rutherford.

4) Rahul Tewatia

Rahul Tewatia was roped in by Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the trade window, as part of an exchange deal involving Ajinkya Rahane who signed for Delhi Capitals. Tewatia was a fringe player for the Capitals but he expected to warm the bench for the Royals as well.

The Jaipur based franchise already have the likes of Shreyas Gopal and Riyan Parag, and they signed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mayank Markande in this season’s auction. In IPL 2020, Tewatia will have a hard time finding a place in the playing XI for the Royals.

Although the 26-year-old all-rounder from Haryana has been in a rich vein of form, he will have to fight hard for his place in the upcoming edition of the IPL.

3) Siddhesh Lad

Siddhesh Lad had been a part of the Mumbai Indians but now he has joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the trade window of IPL 2020. The 27-year-old got few opportunities to shine for Mumbai based franchise, and as a result, Lad saw fit to join the Knight Riders.

Although, the right-handed batsman is expected to face stiff competition for places in his new team as well, due to the presence of players such as Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Shubman Gill etc. Due to this reason, Lad may have to warm the bench this season.

Although, an injury to any of the aforementioned players could work in Lad’s favour’s and he has the potential to become a handy player, given he gets ample opportunities.

2) Jagadeesha Suchith

Having previously plied his trade for Delhi Capitals, Jagadeesha Suchith will lineup for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in the upcoming IPL season. He joined the Mohali based franchise, in the trade window, in exchange for Ravichandran Ashwin, who went the other way.

Suchith got plenty of experience under his belt playing for the Capitals, however, the tables have turned now. Kings XI Punjab already have a lot of talented players like Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ravi Bishnoi, and Krishnappa Gowtham, which means the 26-year-old will have to warm the bench for his new team.

The Kings have plenty of spin options, which means places in the playing XI will be keenly contested. Suchith though has the talent to be a handy player, although he’ll have to fight for his place.

1) Dhawal Kulkarni

Dhawal Kulkarni has traded the pink of Rajasthan Royals to don the blue of Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2020. He was a regular feature in the playing XI of the Jaipur based franchise, although, things will be a little different in Mumbai.

The defending champions have a whole bunch of pacers such as Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga, Trent Boult, Hardik Pandya, and Mitchell McClenaghan.

Due to the presence of so many experienced speedsters, Kulkarni will have to play second fiddle to the aforementioned players. Although the 31-year-old’s talent is such, that he deserves a place in the playing XI.