IPL 2026: One underused player from each team

The Indian Premier League 2026 concluded on a high note, with teams now shifting their focus to international assignments and preparations for the next season. While some franchises enjoyed successful campaigns, others struggled to find consistency throughout the tournament. Team combinations and form often forced management to make difficult selection decisions.

As a result, several players did not receive as many opportunities as they perhaps deserved. Despite limited game time, these players showcased enough potential to suggest they could have made a bigger impact had they been trusted with extended runs in the playing XI. 

Here are team-wise one player who was underused:

Chennai Super Kings – Urvil Patel

Urvil Patel made a strong impression whenever he got an opportunity for Chennai Super Kings. The wicketkeeper-batter featured in only seven matches but scored 129 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 201.56. He also registered the joint-fastest fifty of the season. Given CSK’s struggles in the middle order at times, Patel could have been utilised more frequently.

Delhi Capitals – Ashutosh Sharma

Ashutosh Sharma once again displayed his finishing abilities for Delhi Capitals. He scored 171 runs in eight matches while maintaining a strike rate of over 180. However, the hard-hitting batter often arrived too late in the innings and faced very few deliveries. More opportunities higher up the order could have allowed him to make an even bigger impact.

Gujarat Titans – Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar enjoyed a productive season with the bat, scoring 377 runs in 16 innings and playing several crucial knocks. Surprisingly, his bowling was not used consistently despite his reputation as a quality all-rounder. Sundar bowled in only five innings and managed one wicket, but he certainly deserved a longer run with the ball.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Venkatesh Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer‘s season was limited by a lack of opportunities. The left-handed batter played only seven matches and scored 209 runs, showing flashes of the aggressive batting that has made him a proven IPL performer. Had he been backed with a consistent run in the side, he could have easily crossed the 500-run mark.

Punjab Kings – Suryansh Shedge

Punjab Kings discovered a promising finisher in Suryansh Shedge. The youngster scored 158 runs in seven matches at an impressive strike rate of 175.55. However, he often came in during the final overs, leaving him with little time to influence the game. More time in the middle could have helped him produce even better numbers.

Kolkata Knight Riders – Saurabh Dubey

Saurabh Dubey impressed in his limited appearances for Kolkata Knight Riders. The left-arm pacer played only four matches but picked up five wickets while maintaining a respectable economy rate. Given KKR’s bowling inconsistencies during parts of the season, Dubey could have been afforded more opportunities ahead of some regular options.

Sunrisers Hyderabad – Praful Hinge

Praful Hinge emerged as one of the surprise packages for Sunrisers Hyderabad. The pacer claimed 14 wickets in just seven matches at an average of 21.78. However, team combinations and competition for places often kept him out of the playing XI. Based on his performances, Hinge certainly deserved more game time.

Rajasthan Royals – Ravi Bishnoi

Rajasthan Royals invested heavily in Ravi Bishnoi during the mini-auction, but the leg-spinner featured in only nine matches. Despite limited opportunities, he managed to pick up 11 wickets and showed why he remains one of the most exciting spinners in Indian cricket. More consistent backing could have yielded even better returns.

Lucknow Super Giants – Arjun Tendulkar

Arjun Tendulkar‘s IPL 2026 campaign never really got going as he played only one match. With Lucknow Super Giants struggling for bowling consistency at various stages of the season, the left-arm pacer could have been given more opportunities to prove himself.

Mumbai Indians – Ashwani Kumar

Ashwani Kumar made a significant impact whenever he was called upon by Mumbai Indians. The left-arm pacer picked up six wickets in just three matches at an impressive average of 17. His ability to strike regularly suggested he could have played a larger role during the season.