The auctions of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League is set to happen on 18th February at Chennai. A couple of weeks ago, all teams had announced the set of players whom they had chosen to release ahead of the auctions.
Releasing a player could be due to a multitude of reasons. While the form is the main factor, at times, the hefty price-tag of a player could also be a cause. In the previous editions, we have seen teams bid for a cricketer, whom they had let go just a few weeks earlier. At the upcoming bidding event too, we could witness similar happenings. On that note, we tell one released player each franchise must re-hire at IPL 2021 auctions.
Chennai Super Kings – Monu Singh
Monu Singh made his debut for CSK last season. He had waited for a while before getting his CSK cap. Although the franchise has released him, we think CSK must go back for the Jharkand pacer. Apart from Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur, there is not much depth in the domestic pace bowling unit at CSK. Monu has done well in the domestic circuit and will be a fine reinforcement in this unit.
Delhi Capitals – Alex Carey
Delhi Capitals has a slot for one foreign batsman in their playing XI. It was mainly Shimron Hetmyer who took up the position for the team last season. Based on form, DC might as well go for Alex Carey at the auctions. Soon after DC announced the termination of Carey’s contract, the Aussie wicket-keeper smacked a century in BBL. He is a wicket-keeper and will also be a backup for Rishab Pant.
Kings XI Punjab – Glenn Maxwell
Yes, he might have been poor last season, but KXIP should still look to hire Maxwell for the upcoming edition. Most teams will be skeptical about spending big on the Aussie player and hence, unlike last season, Maxi could be available for cheap. IPL 2021 is likely to be held in India, and on the slow pitches, the all-rounder could return to form. When he toured with Australia, Maxi has actually done well in India.
Kolkata Knight Riders – Chris Green
With Sunil Narine losing his touch, KKR should plan for a backup from the upcoming campaign. Re-investing on Chris Green could be a good idea. Green is a good spinner and a more established batsman than Narine. The player is also experienced across the globe in this format. When Narine goes unfit or has issues with his action next season, Green could come into the picture.
Mumbai Indians – Nathan Coulter Nile
Mumbai Indians will yet again target a premier overseas pacer at the auctions. They have four slots for this position, and hence, at least one foreign bowler would be signed as a backup. NCN will be a decent bet for them. He is a useful T20 bowler and is also worthy with the bat at No.8. The Aussie was average for them last season, but he deserves another opportunity.
Royal Challengers Bangalore – Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube could be one of the highest earners at the auctions. Pace-bowling all-rounders are a rare commodity in Indian cricket, and RCB might have made a mistake in releasing the Mumbai player with just one year to go for the mega-auctions. They should look to re-purchase him because Dube can add depth to the line-up. His form was also decent in SMAT.
Rajasthan Royals – Steve Smith
Will RR take back Steve Smith again? We think they must do it. Yes, Smith may not be a power-hitter, but on his day, he can be a match-winner in any format of the game. If someone like Buttler goes out of form, Smith can come into the line-up and calm down things. The Aussie player is an experienced professional and will only add value to the unit.
Sunrisers Hyderabad – Fabian Allen
SRH may have to focus on the spin-bowling attack for next season. Apart from Rashid Khan, there is no one spinner who has a confirmed spot in the XI. There is Nabi, but he can sometimes leak runs. Fabian Allen can be a good backup in this department. Like almost every West Indian, Allen can also smack the ball when he gets going.
