User blog comment:Megames1/Against the Meta- Xerath, and More!!/@comment-46.41.74.142-20121020221314/@comment-76.187.209.68-20121023001802

Why Anivia and Karthus are banned is completely different from why people don't play Xerath. This also applies to why the 2 are picked over Xerath despite their lack of mobility. BOTH Anivia and Karthus have AOE CC (Anivia moreso than Karthus's wall, but nonetheless it can help him) along with a mechanism to deter people from even touching them (Anivias ult on herself and egg along with Karthus's defilte and passive).

But then you have Xerath. Single target stun (granted that you land your skill shot) and self lockdown. Tons of damage? OK! Then, you just have to figure out how to deal with the people who CAN get close to you past your teamates because skill shots aren't exactly the best method of fighting side by side while they just walk all around you.