IPL: Teams worst hit by players' departure

As the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 inches closer, the Australian and England cricket boards have recalled players for preparations. This would mean that the Australian and English players would miss out on the final phase of the Indian Premier League 2019.

Some teams are expected to be severely hit due to this as we inch closer to the business end of the two-month long tournament. Sunrisers Hyderabad - SRH would be missing both openers David Warner and Jonny Bairstow as they make their final push towards the playoffs. With captain Kane Williamson facing injuries and illness, the SRH top order is expected to be severely hit. Australian opener David Warner is the current Orange cap holder and he, along with his English counterpart, have been responsible for much of the Sunrisers' success this season. They have both scored a combined 1,137 runs for the Sunrisers making up almost 60 per cent of the runs scored by the team from Hyderabad.

Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals are languising in the seventh place in the table but still have a mathematical chance of qualifying for the playoffs. They will have to win both their remaining matches and they will have to do so by good margins. A task made so much harder following the departure of captain Steve Smith, Ben Stokes and inform Jos Butler. Jos Butler was key player in the Rajasthan team before he left for England last week. Steve Smith also had just discovered form but will be leaving the dressing room for his World Cup preparations. Steve Smith, like Warner, had been serving a one-year ban and will be looking forward to the World Cup in England and Wales.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

The Royal Challengers Bangalore don't have a theoretical chance of making it to the playoffs, but will be disappointed to miss English allrounder Moeen Ali for the remaining two matches. The player, who is of Kashmiri origin, has been very impressive for the Royal Challengers this season and will be looking to continue his fine form in the World Cup.

Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians will be missing Jason Behrendorff for the final stages of the tournament. The bowler from New South Wales has played second fiddle to Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah and is unlikely to make it to the playing 11 even if he stayed. But he would be a miss, if either one of the Mumbai pacers were to pick up a niggle or two.

Kolkata Knight Riders

The Kolkata Knight Riders will only miss English opening batsman Joe Denly.

Chennai Super Kings

The Chennai Super Kings will be without English batsman Sam Billings, who is part of the squad to face Ireland in an ODI and has already returned to England.

As we move closer to the playoffs with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals already having qualified, four teams are still in the hunt for the two remaining spots. The playoffs will commence on May 5 and the finals will be played on May 12 in Hyderabad. The World Cup begins on May 30 when England take on South Africa.