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.

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.