The preparations for IPL 2021 have begun as all eight franchises have publicized their respective lists of retained players. Some expected names returned to the auction pool after they could not perform well in IPL 2020. Besides, there were some big names who lost their contracts despite a decent show last year.
Apart from the released players’ list, there were also a lot of surprises on the retained players’ list. Some uncapped players received another chance to prove that they have what it takes to shine in the IPL. However, a few capped stars were also lucky enough to get one more opportunity from their team. Here are the five players who were surprisingly retained before IPL 2021 Auction.
5. Lungi Ngidi
Lungi Ngidi has been a wicket-taking bowler in the shorter formats of the game. However, he leaked a lot of runs in the slog overs during IPL 2020.
Also, there were some issues reported between the Chennai Super Kings team management and Lungi Ngidi. Apparently, Ngidi liked a tweet which said he deserved a better team in the IPL. Still, CSK showed their faith in his skills and have retained him for the IPL 2021 season.
4. Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik handed over the Kolkata Knight Riders team’s captaincy to Eoin Morgan during IPL 2020. Some reports claimed that Dinesh might return to the auction pool as the Kolkata team management was keen to try Nikhil Naik and Tom Banton as wicket-keepers.
However, the report proved false as KKR have retained Dinesh and let go of both Banton and Naik. The reason why fans believed that report was because Karthik had a forgettable IPL 2020. The Indian wicket-keeper will be keen to silence his critics with his batting performance in IPL 2021.
3. Kuldeep Yadav
Another Kolkata Knight Riders star who was reportedly going to be released but has been retained is Kuldeep Yadav. The left-arm wrist-spinner has not been at his best of late in the IPL. Still, the Kolkata Knight Riders have backed him a lot.
Some fans believed Yadav could return to the auction pool because of Varun Chakravarthy’s brilliant performance in IPL 2020. However, KKR have shown faith in Kuldeep’s abilities and retained him for another season.
2. Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw was the captain of the Indian U-19 team in the 2018 U-19 World Cup. He led the side from the front and soon broke into the Indian senior team. Some fans labeled him as the next big thing in Indian cricket.
However, 2020 was a rough year for Shaw. He struggled in the IPL and also in international cricket. As Delhi also had options of Ajinkya Rahane and Marcus Stoinis as Shikhar Dhawan’s opening partner, some fans felt Shaw might return to the auction pool. However, DC have backed their rising star.
1. Jaydev Unadkat
Jaydev Unadkat has been with the Rajasthan Royals since 2018. The Royals released him twice before only to buy him back at a cheaper price in the auction. Although Unadkat was not so impressive last year, he has got another chance from the franchise.
It seems like RR wants to use Unadkat’s captaincy experience. Sanju Samson will lead the team, but Unadkat’s experience will be valuable because he had led Saurashtra to Ranji Trophy championship. Also, Unadkat could come off good with the ball. Hence, RR have persisted with him.
