Top 5 Underutilized Players by Their Teams: The T20 World Cup 2024 kicked off with plenty of excitement, thrilling matches, and surprises across the USA and the Caribbean. As fans now look forward to the Super Eights, one talking point from the group stage has been the puzzling selection calls by several teams. Some top-quality players were surprisingly left on the bench or given limited chances, despite having the talent to make a big impact.
Here are the Top 5 Underutilized Players by Their Teams in the T20 World Cup 2024 league stage.
Let`s take a look at the Top 5 Underutilized Players by Their Teams:
5. Tabraiz Shamsi
Tabraiz Shamsi has been South Africa’s leading spinner in limited-overs cricket in recent years, often preferred over Keshav Maharaj. Given his strong form before the tournament, his absence in the group stage has raised eyebrows. With spin-friendly conditions expected in the Super 8s, Shamsi could be a key asset going forward.
He clearly deserves a spot among the Top 5 Underutilized Players by Their Teams.
4. Reece Topley
After an impressive IPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Reece Topley was expected to feature regularly for England in the T20 World Cup. However, the team opted for Chris Jordan, likely valuing his all-round abilities. Topley has played just one of England’s three games so far, delivering a strong performance against Oman that may earn him more chances ahead.
He rightly features among the Top 5 Underutilized Players by Their Teams.
3. Dilshan Madushanka
After a standout showing in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Dilshan Madhushanka was touted as Sri Lanka’s next pace spearhead. Despite returning fully fit after missing IPL 2024 due to injury, he was overlooked in favor of Nuwan Thusara and Mathisha Pathirana. Surprisingly, even after Sri Lanka’s early exit, Madhushanka didn’t feature in their final league game against the Netherlands.
His exclusion places him firmly among the Top 5 Underutilized Players by Their Teams.
2. Shimron Hetmyer
West Indies raised eyebrows by leaving out Shimron Hetmyer from their starting XI in the T20 World Cup. While no official explanation was provided, his absence may be linked to an injury that sidelined him during the latter half of IPL 2024. If fully fit, Hetmyer’s explosive batting could offer the West Indies the X-factor they need.
His limited role so far places him among the Top 5 Underutilized Players by Their Teams.
1. Kuldeep Yadav
When India announced their T20 World Cup squad, Kuldeep Yadav was expected to lead the spin attack. However, he hasn’t featured in the first three matches and has remained on the bench. It’s likely the team is saving him for the spin-friendly conditions in the Super 8s, where he could emerge as a key wicket-taker.
His limited use so far earns him a spot among the Top 5 Underutilized Players by Their Teams.
Conclusion
The T20 World Cup 2024 has already delivered plenty of action, but it’s also highlighted some puzzling selection calls. Talented players like Kuldeep Yadav, Tabraiz Shamsi, Reece Topley, Dilshan Madhushanka, and Shimron Hetmyer have either warmed the bench or seen limited game time despite their proven abilities. As the tournament moves into the crucial Super Eights, teams may need to rethink their strategies. These Top 5 Underutilized Players by Their Teams could still become game-changers—if given the chance.
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FAQ`s
Q1: What does “underutilized player” mean in the context of the T20 World Cup?
A: An underutilized player refers to a talented cricketer who has seen limited or no match time during the tournament, despite having the skill and form to contribute significantly.
Q2: Why has Kuldeep Yadav not played for India yet?
A: Kuldeep Yadav has likely been rested during the group stage, with team management possibly saving him for spin-friendly conditions in the Super Eights.
Q3: Has Reece Topley played any matches in the tournament?
A: Yes, Topley featured in one match for England against Oman and bowled impressively, sparking calls for his inclusion in future games.