IPL 2018: 5 Australian players who will have to sit out this year

IPL is getting bigger every year. The tournament will see its 11th edition this year. All the teams in IPL 218 look formidable on paper. Every team has its own match winners.

However, the equation for some teams has changed considerably since this year's auctions. Teams have suffered jitters even before the tournament has started.

Some key players from Australia have been forced to sit out of this IPL for varying reasons.

Let us look at the players who won't be playing in this year's IPL.

#5 Mitchell Starc

The left-arm fast bowler has been in red-hot form in limited overs cricket. He has been the backbone of Aussie bowling ever since Mitchell Johnson retired.

Mitchell Starc has previously played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. This season he was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a whopping INR 9.40 crores. He was expected to lead the KKR bowling.

However, he sustained stress fracture in the tibial bone of his right leg in the ongoing Australia-South Africa series. Subsequently, he won't be taking any part in this year's IPL.

#4 Jason Behrendorff

Behrendorff plays for Perth Scorchers in Big Bash League

Behrendorff is a left-arm fast bowler, who plays for West Australia and Perth Scorchers. His impressive performances helped him debut for Australia in T20I cricket against India in 2017.

The Western Australian was picked by Mumbai Indians for INR 1.5 cr in this year's auctions and was expected to lead the bowling attack with Jasprit Bumrah.

Unfortunately, his back problems have ruled out his availability in this year's IPL. Mumbai Indians have replaced him with New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan.

#3 Nathan Coulter-Nile

Coulter-Nile has played for DD and KKR in the previous seasons

Nathan Coulter-Nile is a renowned limited-overs bowler. His exploits in ODI and T20 matches earned him an IPL contract with Mumbai Indians in 2013.

He has been a consistent performer in IPL. The Australian was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore this season, for a whopping INR 2.20 crores.

However, he is still recovering from a sustained injury and won't be available for this season. He has been replaced by New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson.

#2 David Warner

SRH won the IPL 2016 under Warner's captaincy

Warner has been a revelation in every format. His journey, however, started with IPL. He played for Delhi Daredevils before being picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014.

Subsequently, he was appointed captain in 2015 and led SRH to title triumph in 2016. Since then, he has remained as captain for SRH.

However, the recent ball-tampering saga has put his IPL future in turmoil. After Cricket Australia suspended him for his role in the sandpaper gate, he was also removed from this year's IPL by BCCI.

His absence has left a big void in the team. New Zealand's Kane Williamson will lead SRH in his absence.

#1 Steve Smith

Steve Smith will be a big miss for Rajasthan Royals

Steve Smith has turned out be a modern day legend in cricket. His Test numbers are staggering and his run-scoring in all the formats is unbelievable.

The 28-year-old Australian was bought by Rajasthan Royals in 2014. He played two seasons for RR before they got suspended.

Rajasthan Royals returned to IPL this year and Smith was the only player retained by the franchise ahead of the 2018 auctions. Smith was also handed the responsibility of leading the side.

However, the ball-tampering saga has brought his IPL career to a standstill. He is suspended from this season of the T20 league and Ajinkya Rahane will lead RR in his absence.