IPL Playoffs 2019: Impact of the Departure of Foreign Players

The Cricket Boards of various countries are calling their players for the preparation of World Cup with the 2019 World Cup approaching fast. On the other hand, the 12th edition of the IPL is all set for the playoffs to begin. The IPL playoffs 2019 is about to start from May 7, Tuesday. With the departure of foreign players from the IPL, it will be interesting to see how the playoffs team will be affected by the leaving of foreign players.

Some teams were heavily affected following the departure of their star foreign players. While the teams were already prepared for the exit of foreign players, the teams were still impacted by the absenteeism of their star players. Let’s take a look at how the teams qualified for the IPL playoffs 2019 would be affected.

1. Chennai Super Kings – Imran Tahir, Faf Du Plessis

Imran Tahir is the second highest wicket-taker in the IPL 2019. The South African spinner has taken 17 wickets so far and has been one of the key players for CSK. CSK would miss Tahir in the IPL playoffs 2019 but they still have some quality spinner with the likes of Harbhajan Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mitchel Santer.

Faf Du Plessis will also miss the IPL playoffs 2019. Faf and Watson make up the excellent opening pair for CSK but he has been inconsistent lately. With the departing of Du Plessis, other batsmen will have to step up as the top batting order has been a bit of a concern for CSK.

2. Mumbai Indians – Quinton de Kock, Jason Behrendoff 

The departure of Quintin de Kock will certainly impact the Mumbai Indians. He has been in a great touch lately, partnering with Rohit Sharma. Quinton de Kock would be missed behind the stumps and at the top order. Evin Lewis could be a replacement for de Kock but his exit would certainly impact MI in the IPL playoffs 2019.

Jason Behrendoff played only 5 matches for MI and the departure of Jason would not impact MI as they have got quality fast bowlers like Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah.

3 Delhi Capitals – Kagiso Rabada

Rabada was certainly the key for DC to qualify for the IPL playoffs 2019. He is the highest wicket-taker of the 12th edition of IPL with 23 wickets. DC would have a hard time to replace the South African pacer. They have Ishant Sharma and Trent Boult in their bank but they are not that dreadful like Rabada. It would be interesting to see how DC performs following the exit of Rabada.

4. Sunrisers Hyderabad – David Warner, Jonny Bairstow

SRH was affected the most with the departure of David Warner and Jonny Bairstow. The two have single-handedly won matches for their team. They have posted the highest partnerships consistently in this edition of IPL. David Warner hit 7 fifties and one century in his 10 innings of the IPL 2019.

The other batsmen have been inconsistent and have not delivered up to the expectations. It will certainly be challenging for SRH to move ahead in the tournament without the likes of Warner and Bairstow.