We haven’t even reached the halfway stage of IPL 2021, but a spate of players have already become unavailable for selection for the franchises. A mighty XI could be formed among these cricketers.

Let’s do just that.

The IPL 2021 unavailable XI

Shreyas Iyer (c) – Delhi Capitals

A big miss for DC this season is their regular skipper, who inspired them to the final of IPL 2020. While stand-in captain Rishabh Pant and head coach Ricky Ponting have done well to galvanise the side in his absence, Iyer would have added more stability to the batting order.

Liam Livingstone – Rajasthan Royals

While Livingstone hasn’t made an impact in the IPL yet, this could have been the breakthrough year for him, particularly with RR’s struggles at the top of the order. In 128 T20s, the England batsman has accumulated 3,133 runs at 27.48 with an explosive strike rate of 140.37.

Mitchell Marsh – Sunrisers Hyderabad

Mitchell Marsh had an impressive season for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League this year, scoring 315 runs at 39.37 and picking up four wickets at 18.75. The highest T20 score of his career came in January against Brisbane Heat, where he smashed 93 unbeaten runs in 41 deliveries. In 21 IPL games, he has 225 runs and 20 wickets.

Here’s the complete IPL 2021 schedule, along with TV and live streaming details.

Josh Philippe (wk) – Royal Challengers Bangalore

Like Livingstone, Philippe hasn’t impressed in IPL so far, scoring just 77 runs in five innings. However, he has an excellent overall T20 record, with 1,489 runs at 30.39 and a strike rate of 137.74. He is also a decent wicketkeeper, claiming 31 dismissals in the Big Bash League.

Rinku Singh – Kolkata Knight Riders

One of the more common faces in the Uttar Pradesh team in the last few years, Rinku Singh has been in the IPL since 2017. A part of the KKR squad this year, he could have finally had his chance this time around, with their middle order struggling considerably.

Ben Stokes – Rajasthan Royals

A crucial cog in the Rajasthan Royals wheel, Ben Stokes has been missed significantly by them this season. A powerful batsman, effective bowler and exceptional fielder, this all-rounder can add value and depth to any T20 side in the world.

R Ashwin – Delhi Capitals

Ashwin had claimed 28 wickets in his last two seasons at the IPL and with a strong season in 2021, could have had an outside chance of making it to India’s T20 World Cup squad. He has impressive numbers in the IPL – 139 wickets, 27.68 average and an excellent economy rate of 6.9.

Adam Zampa – Royal Challengers Bangalore

The No.7 bowler in the ICC T20I Rankings, Zampa could have been key for RCB this season. In 41 T20I internationals, he has maintained an economy rate under 7 and also averaged 22.7 with his leg spin.

Andrew Tye – Rajasthan Royals

An experienced and proven commodity in the IPL, Andrew Tye is a good player to have in any squad. The Australian fast bowler has claimed 218 wickets in 161 T20s, bowling at an excellent average of 21.69.

Jofra Archer – Rajasthan Royals

Probably the biggest miss of the season, Archer’s absence has affected RR deeply so far. The quick, accurate and effective bowler is one of the best pacers in the world and adds zing to every bowling lineup, regardless of the format. The combination of him, Tye and Josh Hazlewood makes for a variable pace attack.

Josh Hazlewood – Chennai Super Kings

One of the players to make himself unavailable before IPL 2021, Hazlewood was one of the biggest misses in the buildup to the tournament. While the pace bowler played just three games for CSK in UAE last year, he could’ve added depth and experience to their attack this time around.

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