Best XI of cricketers Chennai signed but did not play a single game for 'Yellow Army'

Chennai are unarguably one of the best teams in the history of the Indian T20 league. They have won four titles and have made it a habit to reach the playoffs. Due to this, they have seen several top-class players play for them.

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However, there are a few players who were bought by Chennai but never got a game. These individuals were really talented but still couldn't find a place in the XI. Today, we shall be taking a look at the best XI of cricketers Chennai signed but did not play a single game for them.

1) Opener: C Hari Nishanth and Cheteshwar Pujara (C):

C Hari Nishanth and Cheteshwar Pujara were a part of Chennai's title-winning campaign in 2021. Yet, neither of them got a chance to play a game. Nishanth is a promising player who is from Tamil Nadu.

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As for Pujara, he has been India's pillar in the longest format of the game. The veteran has been one of India's key red-ball players. Yet, he was never really been a force to reckon with in T20Is.

2) Middle-order: Hemang Badani, Baba Aparajith and Kuthethurshri Vasudevadas

All these three Indian players would have certainly got a game if they were playing for any other franchise. Badani is someone who has played international cricket as well. The all-rounder has scored four fifties and a hundred for India in ODIs.

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Baba Aparijith is another talented all-rounder who was deprived of a chance. It is to be noted that he was one of India's key players during the 2012 edition of the U19 World Cup. Vasudevdas was in Chennai's squad during the 2011 edition. He is a left-handed batter and is also an off-spinner.

3) All-rounders: Irfan Pathan and Krishnappa Gowtham

Irfan Pathan and Krishnappa Gowtham are the unluckiest players to have played for the yellow army. While both of them are absolute match-winners, neither of them got a chance to play for the MS Dhoni-led side. Irfan Pathan was with Chennai in 2015.

As for Gowtham, Chennai had acquired his services in 2021 for a hefty amount. He was supposed to be a key player but had to warm the bench for the entire season. He did field as a substitute for the side though.

4) Bowlers: Kyle Abbott, Andrew Tye, Matt Henry and Akila Dananjaya

All the four bowlers have gone on to play for other teams after warming the bench for Chennai. Abbott and Henry are two express pacers who have the ability to hit the deck hard. On the other hand, Andrew Tye won a Purple Cap while playing for Punjab in 2018.

However, he was initially with Chennai in 2015. After which, he went on to represent teams like Gujarat, Punjab and Rajasthan. Last but not the least, Dananjaya is one of Sri Lanka's best spinners and can be lethal on his day.