6 players who played in IPL 2021 Phase 1 but were dropped in UAE leg

By V. Chhabria Sep 27, 2021, 21:41 IST

IPL 2021 Phase 1 happened in India in the months of April and May. The 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League started with a close encounter between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Mumbai Indians at Chepauk. There were quite a few new faces in the IPL teams during IPL 2021 Phase 1.

Some old players returned to the teams as well. However, a few of them could not retain their place when their team played in the UAE leg. In this article today, we will look at the six players who played in IPL 2021 Phase 1 but were dropped in UAE leg.

1. Shahrukh Khan - Punjab Kings

It is shocking to see Shahrukh Khan absent in the Punjab Kings team. He performed brilliantly for the team in IPL 2021 Phase 1. The reason behind his absence is not known yet. Perhaps, he could be dealing with an injury as well.

2. Mohammad Nabi - Sunrisers Hyderabad

Many fans would remember that when SRH dropped David Warner during Phase 1, they added Mohammad Nabi to their playing XI. However, in the UAE leg, Warner has replaced the Afghan all-rounder.

3. Lungi Ngidi - Chennai Super Kings

South African speedster Lungi Ngidi played for CSK in their last match of IPL 2021 Phase 1 against MI. But when IPL restarted, Ngidi was out of the team, with Josh Hazlewood taking his place.

4. Rajat Patidar - Royal Challengers Bangalore

Rajat Patidar scored well for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in their last few games of Phase 1. However, RCB have preferred KS Bharat over him because AB de Villiers is not keeping the wickets.

5. Steve Smith - Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals have excluded former Australian captain Steve Smith from the playing XI after the return of Shreyas Iyer. In the previous game against RR, DC played with three foreigners only, but didn't pick Smith.

6. Dhawal Kulkarni - Mumbai Indians

Dhawal Kulkarni played for MI in their last game of Phase 1 against CSK. Ishan Kishan was not in that squad. In Phase 2, MI have preferred Adam Milne, Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah as their pacers.