In competitions like the Indian Premier League (IPL), many teams struggle to discover their best playing combinations. With just four overseas batsmen permitted in the starting eleven, clubs must meticulously prepare their roster before the season begins.
The addition of the impact replacement has made it a little simpler for them to find a method to work around this equilibrium. However, a few batters are still being forced to bat outside of their preferred positions for their team.
Here are five overseas players batting in the wrong position in the IPL 2023:
1. Marcus Stoinis
Marcus Stoinis, an Australian all-rounder, was signed by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL auction last year. The team has supported him to perform a variety of roles based on the game’s scenario. However, the Australian has proven himself worthy of a higher batting position.
Stoinis batted at number four for the first time in IPL 2023 in their previous encounter against the Punjab Kings (PBKS). He also made a quick impact, striking a blazing 40-ball 72 for his team. It is reasonable to conclude that he should bat higher up the order in the future.
2. Aiden Markram
The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) skipper has been in good form, hitting 124 runs in six matches thus far. His strike rate of 151 is impressive, but his average of almost 25 may be increased if he bats higher in the order.
Aiden Markram might seek to push himself higher up the order with Mayank Agarwal out of form and Harry Brook not carrying on after his century. His squad might need some steadiness at the top of the order, which the captain can provide.
3. Andre Russell
So far in IPL 2023, Andre Russell has not had the best of seasons. With a strike rate of 134, the 35-year-old has only 108 runs in eight matches. He has only bowled about nine overs in the competition thus far, taking five wickets. Those are good numbers for everyone else.
However, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have high expectations for their legendary all-rounder. Russell has frequently batted at number five or lower this season and might benefit from a move up the order, where he can demonstrate his importance as a match-winner for the team.
4. Tim David
Tim David is popular as one of the finest finishers in the T20 format. The Mumbai Indians (MI) have also given him this position. However, with a stacked batting lineup in the middle order that includes Cameron Green, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav, the Singaporean-born batter has been pushed down the order.
As a result, David’s IPL 2023 entrance spots are a little later than he would have preferred. He has only scored 113 runs this season and will surely make a bigger impression if given the right opportunity.
5. David Willey
Not many people are aware of David Willey’s batting capabilities. The left-arm seamer is mostly recognised as a bowling all-rounder, although he can also bat. However, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have made no use of his secondary skills.
Willey scored a 40-ball century against Sussex in the Vitality Blast in 2015. In franchise cricket, he frequently reminds us of his batting talent by batting higher in the order. With RCB’s middle-order difficulties, the Northamptonshire all-rounder can undoubtedly help the team.