The Indian Premier League (IPL) boasts the best talent pool in the world, but due to a cap on overseas players, only four can play in order to uncover more Indian talent. As a result, many foreign players miss out on game time, even if they have had an impact in other franchise leagues.
At the midpoint of IPL 2023, there are 16 players across 10 teams who have yet to play, despite being heavily paid. If one were to form a team from this lot, how would it fare against existing teams? Let’s find out.
Opening with Quinton de Kock would be compatriot Dewald Brevis, who is said to be the baby AB but can’t get a look in. At No. 3, Joe Root’s untapped T20 talent can be given a platform, while Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka and Royals’ Donovan Ferreira could follow in the batting order. Guyanese hard-hitting all-rounder Romario Shephard could bat at No. 6, and Gujarat Titans’ Matthew Wade can play the lower-order striker’s role.
In the bowling department, Odean Smith’s power hitting and bowling abilities could make him the best batter amongst the group. Akeal Hosein, one of the most underrated T20 bowlers around, could also make an impact with his left-arm spin. The two quicks in this unused imports’ 11 will be left-arm pacer Obed McCoy and Josh Hazlewood.
Additional impact players could include Donovan Ferreira, Lungi Ngidi, Kyle Jamieson, Daniel Sams, and Finn Allen.
Despite not having had any game time, this team could still be a force to be reckoned with.