The IPL 2021 Auction will take place in the coming month as the excitement is at the next level already. There have been three trades ahead of the IPL 2021 Auction, with Daniel Sams and Harshal Patel moving to the Royal Challengers Bangalore, while Robin Uthappa will don the Chennai Super Kings jersey in IPL 2021.
On January 20, all eight franchises declared their respective lists of retained and released cricketers before the IPL 2021 Auction. The franchises have also given explanations behind their decisions. Overseas players play a significant role in the success of every IPL team. The BCCI allows all franchises to have a maximum of eight foreign players in the squad.
Here’s a look at the number of overseas slots left in each franchise before the IPL 2021 Auction.
Chennai Super Kings – 1
The Chennai Super Kings had their worst IPL season last year. They finished at the seventh position and narrowly avoided the wooden spoon.
The Super Kings have still persisted with their overseas players. Shane Watson’s retirement from the IPL has opened up one spot in their foreign quota.
Rajasthan Royals – 3
The Rajasthan Royals have some big names like Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler, David Miller, and Andrew Tye in their squad. RR let go of their Aussie skipper Steve Smith.
Besides, the Jaipur-based franchise also released Oshane Thomas and Tom Curran to open up two more foreign slots. In total, they can sign three foreign players in the auction now.
Royal Challengers Bangalore – 3
The Royal Challengers Bangalore surprised many fans when they announced the release of Chris Morris from their squad. They even decided against retaining Moeen Ali and Aaron Finch.
Isuru Udana was another overseas star who lost his contract. After the player releases, RCB traded in Daniel Sams from DC. Hence, they have three overseas slots available.
Kings XI Punjab – 5
The Kings XI Punjab had a stellar squad in IPL 2020. Unfortunately, they had won only one of their first seven matches. The slow start cost them as they missed out on a playoffs spot by a small margin.
Hence, the Mohali-based franchise has decided to release most of their overseas stars. They can sign five foreign stars in the IPL 2021 Auction.
Mumbai Indians – 4
The Mumbai Indians are two-time defending champions. Still, they have retained only four foreign players ahead of the IPL 2021 Auction.
James Pattinson was a surprising name on that list, while Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell McClenaghan, and Sherfane Rutherford have also returned to the auction pool. MI has four foreign slots vacant.
Delhi Capitals – 3
The Delhi Capitals released Alex Carey, Jason Roy, and Sandeep Lamichhane before IPL 2021 Auction. They also traded out Daniel Sams to RCB.
However, DC decided to retain English all-rounder Chris Woakes, who did not play for them last year. Hence, DC could go for three overseas players in the auction.
Kolkata Knight Riders – 2
The Kolkata Knight Riders have two foreign spots open in their squad. They released Tom Banton and Chris Green ahead of the IPL Auction 2021.
The Knight Riders already have enough firepower in their overseas department. The likes of Pat Cummins, Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Tim Seifert, and Lockie Ferguson are a part of the KKR squad.
Sunrisers Hyderabad – 1
Even the Sunrisers Hyderabad can go for only one overseas signing in the IPL Auction 2021. The Hyderabad-based franchise finished third in the previous IPL season.
They have released their Aussie pacer Billy Stanlake before the 14th season. It will be interesting to see which foreign player SRH targets this year.
