The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs commenced on Tuesday with Qualifier 1 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and SunRisers Hyderabad. However, KKR faced a setback with the absence of their explosive opener Phil Salt, who hails from England.
Salt's absence is not an isolated case. Other teams like Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings are also missing key England players in the playoff stage. The reason behind this exodus is the departure of English players to join the national side ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The decision has drawn criticism from former Indian cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan. However, former England captain Michael Vaughan has defended the move.
"If you are going back to represent your country, which England players have done, I think that's fair enough. They are playing a series against Pakistan. The England players wouldn't have gone back if it wasn't for the Pakistan series," Vaughan said on Cricbuzz.
Vaughan emphasized the importance of the Pakistan series for England's preparation for the 50-over World Cup. He believes that the five-match series will provide the team with an opportunity to build chemistry and work on their roles.
Punjab Kings' all-rounder Liam Livingstone has also returned to England for knee rehabilitation ahead of the T20 World Cup. Other England players who have left the IPL include Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals), Will Jacks, and Reece Topley (Royal Challengers Bengaluru).
The departures of these players have left a void in their respective IPL teams. KKR, in particular, will miss Salt's aggressive batting at the top of the order. Rajasthan Royals will be without their captain and star batsman Buttler, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be deprived of the services of Jacks and Topley.
Despite the absence of these England players, the IPL playoffs promise to be an exciting affair. The remaining teams will be eager to seize the opportunity and secure a berth in the final.
Tags: #IPL2024, #EnglandPlayers, #T20WorldCup, #MichaelVaughan, #SunilGavaskar
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