IPL 2024 Auction is approaching us quickly, and the reverse countdown to the mini auction has begun. All 10 teams have announced their respective lists of players retained and released before the auction. There is still some confusion regarding Hardik Pandya and Cameron Green, but the other releases have been confirmed.
As always, there are a lot of surprises in the lists that have come out. Some underperformers have got one more chance to perform, while some top performers have been released. Here’s a list of five players who have been surprisingly released.
1. Umesh Yadav is back in IPL 2024 Auction
Umesh Yadav was a top performer for the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2022 and 2023. His performance in powerplay was excellent. Perhaps, KKR have made the wrong decision by releasing the Vidarbha Express.
2. Shivam Mavi is back in IPL 2024 Auction
Shivam Mavi made his T20I debut for India earlier this year. The right-arm pacer impressed straightaway and soon received a deal from Gujarat Titans. He did not get to play a single game, and now he finds himself in the auction pool.
3. Josh Hazlewood
Another fast bowler to feature on the list is RCB’s Josh Hazlewood. The right-arm pacer is one of the best white-ball bowlers in the world right now. RCB may have committed a blunder by releasing him.
4. KS Bharat
Gujarat Titans signed KS Bharat as a backup wicketkeeper but did not give him any chances in IPL 2023. GT have retained senior players Wriddhiman Saha and Matthew Wade but surprisingly let go of Bharat.
5. Bhanuka Rajapaksa
Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Bhanuka Rajapaksa is known for his aggressive batting performances. Rajapaksa could have been a solid backup for Jonny Bairstow, but Punjab Kings have decided to release him.
