Four players who were underutilized by Punjab

Amidst all the expectations, Punjab have been topsy-turvy in the Indian T20 league 2022 so far. They have only won three out of their first seven games. They have been inconsistent, to say the least.

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It is to be noted that the Punjab-based franchise are yet to give a few of their players a consistent run in their playing XI. Despite their talent and potential, the Mayank Agarwal-led side haven't given too many opportunities to them in the 2022 edition as of now. Today, we shall be taking a look at four players who were underutilized by Punjab.

1) Bhanuka Rajapaksa:

During Punjab's initial games of the tournament, Bhanuka Rajapaksa was their surprise package. He was given a chance to feature in the side as Jonny Bairstow was still unavailable. However, the Sri Lankan didn't disappoint as he played some superb cameos.

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In the three games in which Rajapaksa played, he scored 83 runs at an average of 27.76. He was striking the ball at 230.56, which is sensational, to say the least. Yet, he had to make way for Bairstow, when the Englishman was available to play for the Punjab-based franchise.

2) Sandeep Sharma:

Sandeep Sharma is unarguably one of the most underrated bowlers in the history of the league. His USP is to bowl well with the new ball. He has a knack for picking wickets in the powerplay overs.

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When it comes to his overall number in the cash-rich league, Sharma has picked 112 wickets in 100 games at an average of 25.77. His economy rate is micerly as well (7.75). As of now, he has only played one game for Punjab in the Indian T20 league 2022

3) Nathan Ellis:

Nathan Ellis is one of the most talented bowlers from Australia. He has a reputation for being a death bowler. Besides, he has already shown glimpses of his potential in the Big Bash League.

He made his Indian T20 league debut in 2021. Although he has only played four games, he hasn't been too bad. Despite bowing the difficult overs, his economy rate in these four games is 8.08, which is more than decent. He played his first game of the 2022 edition against Delhi.

4) Rishi Dhawan:

Rishi Dhawan is one of the most improved players in the recent past. His performances in the domestic circuit have been superb of late. He was the second-highest run-scorer in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021-22.

To add to that, he was the second-highest wicket-taker of that tournament as well. Thus, he could probably be the solution to Punjab's problems. A genuine all-rounder like him should be able to play in the XI quite easily. Yet, he has been warming the bench, and is yet to play a game in this edition.