An event like the Indian Premier League (IPL) is always an amazing experience for fans worldwide. It is like an annual festival of cricket which witnesses some of the best players from around the globe showcase their class. But have you ever come across an all-star IPL game? An all-star IPL will be a One-off affair which will be played before the actual IPL event starts on March 29. The all-star IPL game has attracted a lot of attention since it was announced last month.
Its main motto will be to raise money for charity where we will see some of the legendary players from today’s generation come together for a noble cause.
Besides, during that period some players might not be able to participate as they will be busy due to International commitments or due to fitness issues.
Well, the die-hard fans will be disappointed, as it would have been an enlightening experience for them all in all.
We take a look at five such players who might not play the all-star IPL game:
David Warner:
The dashing left-hander would have taken this game by storm with his destructive batting. Warner is one of those batsmen who every captain would like to have in his side. Fans would miss this hard-hitting batsman in action.
The 32-year-old can provide a flying start as he can hammer any bowling outfit with his remarkable strokeplay. The Australian has an impressive track record in IPL’s history and it would have been a pleasing experience for the fans to watch his entertaining innings.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad players will be playing T20I series against New-Zealand during that time which is the reason why he might not be seen in the all-star IPL.
Steven Smith:
The 31-year-old has looked a completely different player since his comeback from the ball-tampering ban. Smith scored 319 runs in 12 IPL games last year. The former Australian captain played some fine knocks in the Ashes series last year and has looked consistent this year too.
Smith’s timing is looking good since his comeback and the way he is playing his cover drives shows he is in fine nick. Spectators will miss his elegant looking cover drives and wristy yet classy flicks. Smith will miss the all-star IPL game as he will be playing the T20 series against New-Zealand.
Ben Stokes:
The England all-rounder had a wonderful 2019, helping his side win the World Cup followed by some superlative performances in the Ashes in August and September last year. Stokes was one of the most expensive players in 2017 and 2018 IPL seasons for Rajasthan Royals (RR).
The 29-year old’s destructive batting will be sorely missed. Stokes powerful strokeplay has amazed millions worldwide, and it is the intensity which he shows while playing will be missed. Stokes is also a handy medium pacer.
The star all-rounder can outsmart the batsman with his clever outswingers and can be handy on seaming wickets. Stokes is considered one of the biggest entertainers in the sport at the moment and fans would have loved his presence.
The Durham-based cricketer might not be able to participate in the all-star IPL game as England tour Sri Lanka during that time.
Jofra Archer (now ruled out):
Archer produced some eye-catching performances in the World Cup and Ashes last year where he took 20 and 22 wickets respectively. Jofra Archer’s fearless approach and the way he backs himself has been one of his biggest strengths. The 25-year-old’s pace and accuracy make him a dangerous option given to any of the conditions.
Archer had a satisfactory season in the IPL with Royals last year. Archer was one of the most exciting talents to watch in the IPL in the recent past. Archer will miss the all-star IPL game due to a stress fracture in his elbow.
Hardik Pandya:
The 27-year-old all-rounder has been one of the most sparkling stars of the IPL since the last few seasons.
Pandya’s powerful striking would have enthralled spectators. He is also a sharp medium pacer. Pandya can move the ball both ways and can be a clever operator on seaming wickets.
The all-rounder has been out of action for the last 2-3 months as he underwent surgery due a back injury. Pandya might still need time to recover fully which is why he might skip the all-star IPL game.