IPL 2021 Auction will likely happen in January. The BCCI has confirmed that there will be a mini-auction this year before the two new teams arrive in 2022. Generally, fans have noted that the franchises retain their core group of players and release some under-performers before the next season.
The Mumbai Indians have benefited a lot because of this decision. They have a champion team that has won the previous two IPL seasons. Hence, they will likely retain most of their players for the 2021 season. This listicle will focus on the possible list of player releases of every IPL team before the mini-auction.
Chennai Super Kings – 5 players
Chennai Super Kings had built a team that would have done well at Chepauk in IPL 2020. Unfortunately, the tournament was shifted to the UAE, and their spin attack could not live up to the expectations.
Since IPL 2021 will likely take place in India, CSK would retain their spinners. Shane Watson (retired), Murali Vijay, Kedar Jadhav, and Monu Kumar should be the four players that CSK release. Even Karn Sharma could be released because the team has Piyush Chawla and Imran Tahir.
Delhi Capitals – 4 players
Delhi Capitals had their best IPL season in 2020. The Capitals often make many changes to their squad. However, they might release only four players before the next auction.
The Capitals could release Alex Carey and Daniel Sams because of their disappointing performance in IPL 2020. Even Mohit Sharma might return to the auction pool along with Praveen Dubey.
Kings XI Punjab – 8 players
The Kings XI Punjab have already hinted they might release Glenn Maxwell, Jimmy Neesham, and Sheldon Cottrell. Punjab may repurchase Maxwell or Cottrell for a lower price.
Simran Singh, Karun Nair, and Sarfaraz Khan are in danger of losing their contracts due to their inconsistency in IPL 2020. Krishnappa Gowtham could return to Punjab at a lower price, while KXIP might release Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Kolkata Knight Riders – 4 players
Kolkata Knight Riders will likely release domestic talents Rinku Singh and Nikhil Naik following their below-par performances in IPL 2020. Another domestic cricketer who could lose his contract is Sandeep Warrier.
The overseas contingent of the Kolkata Knight Riders performed decently. However, Chris Green could return to the auction pool since KKR already has Sunil Narine, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy in their spin attack.
Mumbai Indians – 0 players
The Mumbai Indians might emerge as the only IPL team to retain all players before the 2021 season. They had a perfect season in the United Arab Emirates in 2020.
The Mumbai-based franchise has good back-up options for every position. They did not use some of their uncapped players in the previous season. It would be harsh on them to lose their contracts without playing a single match. Probably, MI could release Nathan Coulter-Nile to accommodate Lasith Malinga and James Pattinson in the squad.
Rajasthan Royals – 5 players
The Rajasthan Royals did not offer a chance to some proven match-winners like Manan Vohra and Mayank Markande in IPL 2020. Surprisingly, they used Ben Stokes as an opener and benched Yashasvi Jaiswal.
RR might use a proper strategy in IPL 2021, using their players in their respective roles only. Jaydev Unadkat, Varun Aaron, and Ankit Rajpoot could likely return to the auction pool. The other two players whom RR might release are David Miller and Andrew Tye. It would be better if RR invests in an Indian fast bowler because their four foreign spots in the playing XI are already blocked.
Royal Challengers Bangalore – 5 players
The Royal Challengers Bangalore gave Dale Steyn one last chance to prove himself. Unfortunately, the South African legend could not trouble the batsmen at all. Meanwhile, Parthiv Patel has announced his retirement.
The other three players RCB might release are Shivam Dube, Umesh Yadav, and Gurkeerat Singh Mann. RCB could repurchase Yadav and Dube in the auction at a lower price.
Sunrisers Hyderabad – 2 players
SRH might not risk releasing any of their Indian fast bowlers because of Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s injury. Siddarth Kaul, Basil Thampi, and Prithvi Raj Yarra will likely retain their contracts.
Shreevats Goswami might return to the auction pool because SRH has two excellent keepers in Jonny Bairstow and Wriddhiman Saha. KS Bharat could be a great addition to the squad. Even Mitchell Marsh might lose his contract because of his frequent injury issues.
