PLAYERS WHO SKIPPED IPL TO GET FIT FOR NATIONAL TEAMS

Quinton de Kock (2017)

The South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman, who was with Delhi Daredevils, pulled out of IPL on March 24 due to finger injury. Returned two months later in an ODI against England.

KL Rahul (2017)

The right-hander, with RCB in 2017, was out due to a shoulder injury he suffered during the Border-Gavaskar series. Out since March 29, he missed the Champions Trophy and returned in August.

Murali Vijay (2017)

Injured his shoulder during the Chennai Test vs England in 2016 but played vs Bangladesh and Australia with the injury, in early 2017. Underwent surgery on wrist and left shoulder. Returned on Nov. 29.

R Ashwin (2017)

Top Test spinner was suffering from sports hernia. Missed last year’s edition to preserve himself for Champions Trophy. After March 29, when he played his last ODI, he returned in June at Champions Trophy.

Mitchell Starc (2018)

The Aussie pacer, picked by KKR for a whopping ~9.4 crore, was ruled out due to a right leg injury. Went on to miss the subsequent T20 and ODI series vs England. Out of action since Mar. 25, 2018.

Pat Cummins (2018)

The right-arm fast bowler from Australia, bought by Mumbai Indians (MI) for ~5.4 crore, missed the tournament due to a back injury. Like Starc, he too missed the limited-overs series against England. Has been out of action since April 3, 2018.

Kagiso Rabada (2018)

The South African paceman was bought by Delhi Daredevils for ~4.2 crore but couldn’t take part due to a lower-back injury. Was one of Proteas’ stars in the 3-1 series win over Australia earlier this year. Took a 3-month break, returning this month.