Capped domestic players form the core of an IPL XI. However, the competition for Team India is such that some of the players will not be able to cement their place after making their debut for the country. Nevertheless, if they have played for India, it means that they are talented. Despite this, due to various factors, a capped Indian may not guarantee himself a spot in the playing XI of an IPL franchise. A few cricketers are going through this phase in IPL 2022. In this article, we take a look at six capped Indian cricketers who have not got a game so far in IPL 2022.
1) Siddarth Kaul (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
A few years ago, Siddarth Kaul was in top form for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Hence, he made his India debut. However, after he lost his form, Kaul has been struggling to find frequent opportunities.
RCB has utilized Akash Deep but the Punjab cricketer is yet to get a game. It appears that the 2008 U19 World Cup winner was signed as Harshal Patel’s backup. Hence, he is yet to get a game till now.
2) Karn Sharma (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Karn Sharma is one of the capped Indian cricketers who have not got a game so far in IPL 2022. A serial trophy-winner, Karn was picked by RCB at his base price in 2022 Mega-Auctions.
Going by the team combination, it is certain that he is a backup for Wanindu Hasaranga. Since the Sri Lankan cricketer is doing well, Karn is yet to get a game.
3) Gurkeerat Singh (Gujarat Titans)
In 2016, Gurkeerat Singh played for Team India. However, he could not cement his place. In IPL, as well, he has been struggling to get games.
While he did not play in 2021, it looks like it will repeat this season, as well. GT already have a winning combination and hence, they might not tinker with it. If Gurkeerat had to be tried, the management could have used him when Vijay Shankar was struggling. Now, it is unlikely for the Punjab man to get a game.
4) Jayant Yadav (Gujarat Titans)
Jayant Yadav is also one of the capped Indian cricketers who have not got a game so far in IPL 2022. Considering Jayant has only recently played for India, it is surprising that the Titans have not used him.
That said, the team’s bowling combination has worked with one lead spinner in the form of Rashid Khan. Sai Kishore recently made his debut and left a good impression. Hence, it is unlikely that Jayant will get a game this season.
5) Shahbaz Nadeem (Lucknow Super Giants)
Shahbaz Nadeem has played Test cricket for India. He has also had solid stints in IPL with Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, in recent seasons, his form has tapered off.
Nadeem was signed as an option in the spin department for Lucknow Super Giants. However, the likes of Ravi Bishnoi, Krunal Pandya, Deepak Hooda and K Gowtham are doing well in that department. Hence, Nadeem is yet to get a game for LSG.
6) Mayank Markande (Mumbai Indians)
It has been a tough few years for Mayank Markande. He broke through the ranks at Mumbai Indians and went on to make his debut for the country. Since then, though, opportunities have been limited both in IPL and with regards to Team India.
At Mumbai Indians, the likes of Murugan Ashwin and Kumar Kartikeya Singh have been preferred in the spin department. Hence, Markande is yet to get a game. It will not be a surprise if he is released after this season.
