Players who will be missed in this season of IPL :
Sourav Ganguly
The T20s never suited his style of play when he was past his prime, although he stood a great chance of succeeding in the shortest format, should IPL have arrived when he was in his pomp in mid 2000s. He had his share of controversies in the IPL auctions, franchisees and after last year's poor show from his franchisee, he called it enough is enough. He will not play this year and that robs his die hard fans (like me) another chance to see their Prince of Calcutta in action. Watching him captain the team and batting is a pleasure to eyes and one can always anything of him is never enough. Although he shall be missed on field, I am sure he shall make for that absence in the commentary box and for a change he will speak less of those sponsor prefixes before every 4, 6 and a catch.
Michael Clarke
Australian captain, their best batsman and their chance to recover the Ashes until the 4-0 drubbing happened. He was never a T20 styled player. Guessing that he retired soon from T20Is and was reluctant to participate in IPL. He participated last year, had very little success. And this year he was retained by Pune, but the back injury happened followed by stomach trouble. He was promptly withdrawn by CA to rest and gain full fitness ahead of back to back Ashes this year.
Kevin Pietersen
A lot has been said about how much he wanted to play the entire season of IPL and he risked his England career for that. He managed to get back in the team through a phased process, but the irony stuck hard. He will miss the entire season of IPL this year and that might be a loss to Delhi Daredevils, but certainly England shall benefit from this layoff. Not to mention he is much loved player in India and how much crowd loves KP in full form.
Jesse Ryder
The cricketing world was relieved to see the big guy coming out of induced coma this week and to find that he will be fine but after a long battle ahead. He will be sorely missed for his attacking game play, more by Delhi Daredevils than New Zealand for now.
