IPL 2024 | Salt, Jacks and Buttler Leaving - How Does It Impact The IPL Sides?

The English players will be leaving their IPL sides for national duties [AP Photos]The English players will be leaving their IPL sides for national duties [AP Photos]

The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League is hurtling towards its business end, and the league table is still a hotbed of uncertainty. A few teams, including Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrsiers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals and the Lucknow Super Giants, are still in the race for the last two playoff spots, adding to the suspense and anticipation of the tournament. 

With 11 games remaining in the league stage, the English players are gradually leaving to fulfil their national duties. This will majorly impact four teams for whom a crucial campaign stage is approaching. Let us see how these teams will be affected and how they can fill these gaps. 


Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders have played some of the best cricket in the tournament. The two champions have already qualified for the playoffs and have ensured a top-two finish.

Player they will miss - Phil Salt

How has Salt been important for KKR?

One of the KKR team's biggest strengths in the tournament has been their opening pair. Sunil Narine and Philip Salt have scored 559 runs in 12 innings at an average of 46.58. Both these batters have scored at a strike rate of over 180, which has given KKR the advantage in most games. 

If you look at Salt's season, in 12 matches, he has scored 435 runs at an average of 39.54 and a strike rate of 182.00. Thus, the departure of the English opener will create a void for the team in the opening slot. The KKR management might bring in Rahmanullah Gurbaz and fill the spot. However, the understanding and rapport that Narine has built with Salt over the 12 innings will be missing, which might trouble the team on the business end. 


Rajasthan Royals

The Rajasthan Royals have been in good form in IPL 2024. They looked unbeatable for most of the tournament, but their momentum has dropped slightly as the league stage is approaching its end. They will also be missing a key member in these final stages. 

Player they will miss - Jos Buttler

How has Buttler been important for RR?

The experienced English opener has not had a great season. But Jos Buttler has played a couple of match-winning knocks while chasing. He scored hundreds under pressure and bailed the team out of difficulty. Butter's absence will take away the experience from RR's top-order which could be crucial in crunch situations in the playoffs. 

The Royals might bring in someone like Tom Kohler-Cadmore at the top. But TKC's lack of experience playing in India and on the big stage might cost the team. 


Chennai Super Kings

The defending champions had an excellent start to the tournament. However, their momentum dropped slightly in mid-season; hence, they are fighting for the final two spots in the playoffs. 

Player they will miss - Moeen Ali

How has Moeen Ali been important for CSK?

The English allrounder has added dynamism and flexibility to CSK's side. With some critical players like Devon Conway, Mustafizur Rahman, and Matheesha Pathirana missing out, Moeen Ali's induction has brought some stability to the confusion around finding the right combination. 

As Moeen Ali goes away to join his national side, CSK will again be in a dilemma of finding the best man to fill the role and the perfect combination. The absence of a utility player might leave CSK wanting in the business end of the team. 



Royal Challengers Bengaluru

The IPL 2024 is witnessing one of the best turnaround stories in the league's history. After an average start to the tournament, RCB have won five games on the bounce and has dramatically brought itself back into the race for the top four. When it looked like the team had found a perfect combination, a key player from their squad is leaving the camp. 

Player they will miss - Will Jacks

How has Will Jacks been important for RCB?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru started the tournament with Glenn Maxwell as a part of their playing unit. However, the Australian star has had a dismal season, scoring only 38 runs in seven innings. 

The failure of Maxwell induced the RCB management to bring Will Jacks into the playing unit. The English allrounder has done an excellent job for the team. He has played a couple of incredible knocks in the middle order and delivered some valuable overs with the ball. Jacks' departure will force RCB to reconsider their strategies and strive for a perfect combination. The situation arising ahead of a crucial game for the team might cost them their campaign.