The last mega-auction in the Indian Premier League was held in 2018. The next was supposed to happen before the start of IPL 2021. However, it was pushed to 2022. In this article, we take a look at the list of five popular buys from the 2018 mega-auction who will not feature in IPL 2022.
Four years may not be a long period in an IPL cycle but since the last mega-auction, a few popular cricketers have moved on in their careers. Hence, some of them, despite being at the centre of attention in the previous mega-auctions, will not feature at the upcoming mega bidding event.
1) Gautam Gambhir – INR 2.8 Cr (Delhi Capitals)
Gautam Gambhir was one of the popular buys from the 2018 mega-auction. Having led KKR to two titles, many expected the franchise to go back for their skipper. However, Gambhir had a gentleman’s agreement with the franchise that he did not want to come back. Gambhir actually wanted a new challenge. He had left his home franchise at the end of IPL 2010. At IPL 2018 auctions, the southpaw made a return to Delhi. He was appointed as the captain. Gambhir later retired and is now an MP. He will not be a part of IPL 2022.
2) Yuvraj Singh – INR 2 Cr (Punjab Kings)
Like Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh also made a return to his home franchise in IPL 2018. Again, similar to Gautam, Yuvi also could not enjoy a great return to his first IPL team. He was later released, and Mumbai Indians picked him for 2019. Yuvi won the league that season. Although he has announced that he would return to the field, as per reports, BCCI has not given him permission to take part in IPL.
3) Brendon McCullum – INR 3.6 Cr (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Brendon McCullum is synonymous with IPL for many reasons. On the opening night of the event, he struck a stunning century against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Hence, when RCB signed up at the auctions, there was a lot of attention. Most importantly, Bazz was going to be in a team that already included Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. Hence, there was a lot of excitement. McCullum is currently the Head Coach of Kolkata Knight Riders.
4) Shane Watson – INR 4 Cr (Chennai Super Kings)
Shane Watson made the move to CSK in IPL 2018. Many felt that this was not a great signing because Watto was not in great form for RCB. However, at CSK, the Aussie was a different player. He had his moments of struggle but did extremely well in crucial events. Watto was one of the main reasons why CSK won the title in 2018. After IPL 2020, Watson retired from cricket.
5) Mitchell Johnson – INR 2 Cr (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Mitchell Johnson was known for his fearsome pace and incredible accuracy. He was signed up by KKR at the IPL 2018 mega-auction. It was a popular buy as many felt that this was a signing that could help KKR land a place in the playoffs. KKR were decent that season. Johnson later retired from all forms of cricket and hence, will not be part of IPL 2022 auctions.
