IPL 2021: Five surprising releases from IPL teams ahead of the auction
All the eight franchises have started their preparation for the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and have also increased their purse limit for filling the loopholes in their team by releasing some players. While the teams were expected to shed their extra baggage ahead of the mini-auction for IPL 2021, some releases left the cricket fraternity stunned. Here is the list of 5 Surprising Releases from IPL teams ahead of IPL 2021 auction.
Aaron Finch
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) continued their tradition of releasing the players after one poor season ahead of IPL 2021 too. Finch, who was bought by Bangalore for IPL 2020, was released by RCB as he could score just 268 runs from the 12 matches which he played at an average of just over 22. This was a surprise release as Finch is known as one of the most explosive opening batsmen in the limited-overs format.
Chris Morris
RCB fans were in for a shock as the management decided to release the pace sensation, Chris Morris. Morris was bought by the franchise for a whopping amount of INR 10 crore in IPL 2020 and had done exceedingly well by scalping 11 wickets from 9 matches. However, the franchise might have planned to buy the pacer at a cheaper price to increase their purse limit.
Bold Diaries: Mike Hesson explains RCB’s Retention Strategy
Our Director of Cricket Operations, @CoachHesson gives us an insight into the thinking behind the retention and release of players. #PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/GbcY5oCyiW
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) January 20, 2021
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Kings XI Punjab made a tough call by letting the young Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman go ahead of IPL 2021. Rahman is a capable spinner who can do wonders on the pitches of India along with contributing with the willow too. However, Mujeeb couldn’t feature in many games for Punjab in the last two seasons as a team can play only four overseas players. Also, KXIP has turned to young Indian talents like Ravi Bishnoi as their main spinner.
Glenn Maxwell
There were speculations that Kings XI Punjab might release the explosive all-rounder Glenn Maxwell after his torrid run in IPL 2020. However, many had argued that the franchise might keep the all-rounder as he is currently the best limited-overs cricketer. But Punjab decided to let go of Maxwell after he failed to hit even a single six throughout the IPL 2020. Maxwell has performed exceptionally well in Australia against India and in the Big Bash League.
Steve Smith
Family is never forgotten. ?
Thank you for the memories, and all the best for next season! ?#HallaBol | #RoyalsFamily pic.twitter.com/dhMM87bsTx
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) January 21, 2021
The wooden-spooners of IPL 2020 Rajasthan Royals played a big gamble as they ended their long association with former Australian captain Steve Smith and announced Sanju Samson as the new skipper of the franchise. Though Smith had a poor run in IPL 2020, he has some stunning numbers to his name. 95 matches, he has scored 2333 runs at an average of more than 35 along with a strike rate of 130. Smith is also one of the best batsmen around the world.
