IPL 2017: Benched XI

Middle-order

Faf du Plessis played just game before leaving for South Africa

Faf du Plessis

Despite being an integral part of the RPS side last year prior to his injury, Faf du Plessis didn’t get the chance to shine in IPL 2017. In fact, the South African batsman, who was in sublime form coming into the tournament, just played two home matches against Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders.

The 32-year-old played just two matches, in which he batted just once (and scored 8), before leaving for South Africa in preparation for the upcoming series against England and the Champions Trophy.

Ishank Jaggi

Ahead of the IPL Auction 2017, Ishank Jaggi was thought of as a brilliant prospect given his incredible form in the domestic circuit. He was brought into the pool of players in the auction just days before the action unfolded and KKR looked to have made a steal when they snapped his signature. The 28-year-old is the leading run-getter in the history of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with 1246 runs at an average of nearly 35 and a strike rate of over 120, but hasn't played a single game in this year’s tournament.

Gurkeerat Mann

Four fifties in his last five List-A matches for Punjab coupled with impressive performances for India B in the Deodhar Trophy, Gurkeerat Mann would have expected to feature heavily in Kings XI Punjab’s plans in IPL 2017. Unfortunately for the middle-order batsman, he has played just twice in this year’s tournament and isn’t a major part of Punjab's plans as they look to sneak into the playoffs.