This 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL</a>) has been super exciting so far. The third week of the IPL 2022 has come to an end. This time around the pitch conditions has been beneficial to both batters as well as bowlers. Most of the games this week were pretty high-scoring ones with some exceptional performances from the bowlers as well. Some teams have found their lost ‘mojo’, while some are struggling to find the right composition.

Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) are leading the points table with eight points while Mumbai Indians (MI) are yet to register their first win. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opened their account in their last game with an exhilarating victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). There were remarkable performances from quality all-rounders and spinners. Many young cricketers also showcased their talent to stamp authority in the biggest T20 league.

However, there are a few players who unfortunately did not get an opportunity to contribute this week. Some of them really deserved to be in the playing XI as they may have changed their team’s fortune. Here is a list of best benched 11 players who might have made an impact this week but are strong contenders for the next endeavors of their respective teams.

Best Benched XI from the third week of IPL 2022

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-515092" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Glenn-Phillips.jpg" alt="Glenn Phillips" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-515092" class="wp-caption-text">Glenn Phillips. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Glenn Phillips is regarded as a modern power-hitting wicket-keeper batsman. He has been playing T20 cricket all around the globe and has made his name as one who can play explosively when needed. He can play in the middle order as well as an opener to give the acceleration when the team needs. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) roped the Kiwi international for INR 1.5 crore at the auction.

While Phillips has warmed the benches so far in the competition, Hyderabad might need his services as the tournament moves forward. With Nicholas Pooran struggling to put runs under his belt in the middle order, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-srh-lodge-protest-against-third-umpires-decision-over-kane-williamsons-dismissal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kane Williamson</a> might look at his countrymen to step up and do the job for SRH.

Although Phillips is relatively new to IPL, the 25-year-old has significant experience in shorter formats. He has scored over 4000 runs at an average of 32 with a healthy strike rate of 140.56. The Kiwi international will hope to work his magic if an opportunity comes his way at some point in IPL 2022.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-615601" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Yash-Dhull.jpg" alt="Yash Dhull in Delhi Capitals camp" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-615601" class="wp-caption-text">Yash Dhull in Delhi Capitals camp (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Ever since he led India to the U19 World Cup title, there have been a lot of expectations from Yash Dhull. He capped his World Cup journey with centuries in both the innings of Ranji&#8217;s Trophy debut. In the wake of his superlative run, Dhull was picked by the Delhi Capitals (DC).

Rishabh Pant and Co. has been facing some glitches in its middle order with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cpl-2020-rovman-powell-collides-with-a-fielder-but-takes-a-brilliant-catch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rovman Powell</a> and Lalit Yadav struggling to make any contributions. Dhull can come in as a replacement as Delhi look to tighten their screws ahead of the business end of IPL 2022. Dhull is a complete package of finesse and power combined.

Dhull can rotate the strike in the middle order and allow Pant to play his natural game because it would amplify their team dynamics going ahead in the tournament. Delhi is expected to make some changes ahead of their next game after recent defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-238137" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Karun-Nair.jpg" alt="Karun Nair" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-238137" class="wp-caption-text">Karun Nair plays a shot. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Karun Nair has returned to his old franchise &#8211; Rajasthan Royals (RR). He enjoyed good success during his time with the 2008 IPL winners. He often opened the innings alongside <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/mi-had-a-shocking-auction-no-surprise-they-are-at-bottom-of-the-table-shane-watson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shane Watson</a>. Since then, he has been part of a couple of franchises but has failed to cement his berth.

While Karun brings in an abundance of experience, he has still found it difficult to break into the already explosive Rajasthan batting. However, the Karnataka-born cricketer could be added to the Rajasthan side if they need some stability in the middle order.

Overall, Karun Nair has featured in 73 IPL matches, scoring 1480 runs at a strike rate of 128.36 with the best figures of an unbeaten 83. The 30-year-old right-handed batter will look forward to an opportunity to prove his ability as a T20 batter.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-459075" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mandeep-Singh-1.jpg" alt="Mandeep Singh" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-459075" class="wp-caption-text">Mandeep Singh. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Mandeep has had his ups and downs in the IPL but one can’t deny his shot-making abilities. Mandeep Singh has given some brilliant performances for his previous franchises like Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB). The cricketer from Punjab was acquired by Delhi Capitals (DC) at the auction earlier this year.

The 30-year-old started for the Capitals and played the first two games. However, he failed to make use of the opportunity, returning with scores of 0 and 18. In the wake of his poor returns, Mandeep was left out of the playing XI in favour of Sarfaraz Khan.

With Delhi struggling in the middle overs, they might look for someone who can steady their innings in the middle with calculated aggression and this is where Mandeep&#8217;s strength lies. It would be no surprise if <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-bat-slips-out-of-rishabh-pants-hands-after-playing-reverse-sweep-off-varun-chakaravarthy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rishabh Pant</a> and Co. use him in their upcoming games. Mandeep, with his experience of playing previous editions of the IPL, can be a valuable asset in the business end of the cash-rich league.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-559880" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mahipal-Lomror.jpg" alt="Mahipal Lomror" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-559880" class="wp-caption-text">Mahipal Lomror. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Mahipal Lomror has shown what he can do with the bat in the previous edition of the IPL. An explosive left-hander who can hit it a long way and can bowl left-arm spin, the youngster has proved his mettle while playing for <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-can-be-best-finisher-not-just-for-rajasthan-royals-but-for-india-in-future-riyan-parag/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rajasthan Royals</a> (RR). The southpaw, who was part of the 2016 U19 World Cup squad, was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the auction earlier this year.

With the middle-order struggling to make significant contributions, Lomror could be inducted into the middle order to add some firepower. He can be handy with both bat and ball at the latter stage of the tournament. His inclusion will certainly solidify RCB’s playing XI, as he will bring in a new dimension with his left-arm spin.

The 22-year-old Mahipal Lomror will bring that much needed overall well-roundedness to the RCB squad. The youngster has got that six-hitting ability and can manoeuvre the ball in all directions. Bangalore can surely make use of his talent to clinch their much-awaited maiden IPL Trophy.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-625373" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Tim-David.jpg" alt="Tim David" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-625373" class="wp-caption-text">Tim David. (Photo Source: Tim David/Instagram)</figcaption>

The Singapore-born all-rounder Tim David played two games so far this season for Mumbai Indians (MI) but failed to make a mark. He has managed 14 runs so far at a strike rate of 100 with the highest score of 12. The 26-year-old cricketer, who fetched INR 8.25 crores at the mega auction earlier this year, has failed to justify the hefty price tag. Owing to his poor form, he was left out of the playing XI.

With the five-time champion struggling to find the right balance at present, Mumbai could fancy bringing in the all-rounder to return to winning ways. A T20 specialist, David has got the skill to deposit the ball a long way and is a pretty beneficial partnership breaker as well with his gentle medium pace.

With <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-kieron-pollard-consoles-suryakumar-yadav-after-he-gets-run-out-in-a-horrible-mix-up/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kieron Pollard</a> struggling for form, David can provide the much-needed firepower in the lower order alongside Suryakumar Yadav. If he manages to fire all cylinders. Mumbai can certainly end their losing streak in their upcoming game.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-505658" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohammad-Nabi-2.jpg" alt="Mohammad Nabi" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505658" class="wp-caption-text">Mohammad Nabi. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

A T20 freelancer Mohammad Nabi is a well-known name in the T20 league circuit. His orthodox off-spin and power-hitting talent have helped him make a name in the T20 leagues across the globe. The former Afghan cricketer can play the long handle and is also very handy with his off-spin. Besides, he is also a gun fielder at the boundary.

After a successful stint with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-match-28-predicted-sunrisers-hyderabad-playing-xi-vs-punjab-kings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunrisers Hyderabad</a> (SRH), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) roped in Nabi at the auction to provide them with the three-dimensional aspect that every team aspires for. He will be beneficial in the latter part of the tournament as wickets get slightly worn out. He has been crucial to Hyderabad&#8217;s success in the past editions of the IPL with bat as well as with the ball.

Kolkata need someone who can contain runs in the middle overs with his economical bowling skill and he could turn out to be the partnership breaker on spin-friendly surfaces. In the upcoming phase of the IPL 2022, Nabi can be a true game-changer for his side.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-130407" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sandeep-Sharma.jpg" alt="Sandeep Sharma" width="600" height="407" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-130407" class="wp-caption-text">Sandeep Sharma. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The veteran speedster is yet to get some game time on his return to Punjab Kings (PBKS) for IPL 2022. Sandeep Sharma has been the spearhead of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) bowling attack over the years. He has been a consistent performer with the new ball and gets crucial wickets in the powerplay overs. His ability to seam the ball is no surprise to anyone.

With Punjab leaking runs in the last couple of overs, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/he-is-backing-me-a-100-percent-odean-smith-heaps-praises-on-pbks-skipper-mayank-agarwal-after-match-winning-performance-against-mi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mayank Agarwal </a>might look to make some changes and tighten the screws as the tournament approaches the business end. This might open doors for Sandeep, who has done the job time and again for the teams he has played for.

His partnership with Arshdeep Singh will embolden their pace attack and it will be a good mixture of seam and swing bowling at the start of the innings. Overall, he has 112 wickets under his belt in 100 IPL matches at an economy of 7.79 runs per over.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-508837" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Riley-Meredith.jpg" alt="Riley Meredith" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-508837" class="wp-caption-text">Riley Meredith. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The speedster from Australia can clock 140kph and trouble the opposition with sheer pace. The Tasmanian speedster has been brilliant for Australia in T20 Internationals. Although he can be a little expensive, but Riley Meredith can upset the opposition’s plans with his sheer pace up front in the innings.

Meredith can give Mumbai Indians (MI) the early breakthroughs which have been lacking for the five-time champions this season. With Mumbai yet to taste success in this season, it would be a wise decision to include Meredith in the playing XI in upcoming games.

Meanwhile, the over-dependence on Jasprit Bumrah is hurting Mumbai in the crucial overs. If Mumbai wants to make a move in the upcoming week they will need to utilize the services of Riley Meredith alongside <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/jasprit-bumrah-told-me-a-bowler-must-be-able-to-do-everything-his-team-needs-prasidh-krishna/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jasprit Bumrah</a> and give the opposition a tough battle.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-514095" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Chetan-Sakariya.jpg" alt="Chetan Sakariya" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-514095" class="wp-caption-text">Chetan Sakariya. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

IPL 2021 was a dream come true for Chetan Sakariya as he bagged 14 wickets with an impressive economy of 8.19 runs per over. He then went on to represent India in the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka. His swing and seam bowling was appreciated by many legends of the game. He has a happy knack for performing under pressure, when the stakes are high.

However, he is yet to game time in the 15th edition of the cash-rich league. The Delhi Capitals (DC) management has shown trust in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-think-i-can-serve-india-for-10-12-years-khaleel-ahmed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Khaleel Ahmed</a>, who has done exceptionally well so far in the competition. Moreover, with Mustafizur Rahman playing, they are unlikely to play three left-arm fast bowlers in the playing XI.

But with the tournament approaching the business end, we might see Sakariya at some point in the next couple of matches as teams will check their bench strengths to solidify their chances moving ahead. Delhi capitals can utilize his seam bowling skills on the tracks of the Wankhede and DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-336804" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shreyas-Gopal-1.jpg" alt="Shreyas Gopal" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-336804" class="wp-caption-text">Shreyas Gopal. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Shreyas Gopal has time and again proved his mettle in the past couple of seasons for his previous franchises, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). He has taken 48 wickets in as many matches so far with a decent economy of 8.04 and contributes with the bat too. Gopal was roped in by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) but has warmed the benches so far in IPL 2022.

He can fill the void that occurred by <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-srh-all-rounder-washington-sundar-to-miss-at-least-next-two-matches-due-to-hand-injury/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Washington Sundar</a>’s injury as a middle overs specialist by restraining the run rate and creating wicket-taking chances. He can also chip in with some handy runs at the backend of the innings. With Hyderabad struggling for a regular all-rounder, Gopal could be the game-changer for them.

The 28-year-old all-rounder from Karnataka also has significant domestic experience, having played 82 T20 matches. Shreyas Gopal will hope to get an opportunity at some point in the tournament to make his presence felt in IPL 2022.

A couple of talented cricketers warmed the benches in this week of IPL 2022.

IPL 2022: Best Benched XI from the third week of the tournament

As the third week of IPL 2022, let's take a look at the best benched playing XI from this week of the tournament.

IPL 2022: Best Benched XI from the third week of the tournament

A couple of talented cricketers warmed the benches in this week of IPL 2022.

3. Karun Nair