Hello All,
A new year, another intriguing season of IPL on the cards and taking the first step towards IPL 2021 we start off with the off-field drama- Players Retention and Release all leading to the mini-auction to be held on 18th February 2021. The venue for IPL 2021 is yet to be decided but would mostly be held in India said a BCCI source. So let’s dive right into the mix for the Players retained (139), released (54) and traded (3).
Note: Trading between teams can resume till February 4, 2021.
IPL 2021- Season 14
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Starting off the list with my favourite team RCB, they have again surprised us with making the maximum release this season with 10 players. Yes, you have read it right RCB has released 10 players from their team which made it to the semifinals after a gap of 4 years. Letting go of Chris Morris was a huge surprise which was is later explained by RCB director – Mike Hesson as seen below. We might see RCB going for Morris and Dube again for a lower cost.
Fun Fact: AB de Villiers became the 1st international player to join the 100cr salary club!
Important Buys– An opening batsman to partner Padikkal, Seam Bowler for death overs and a lower middle-order batsman.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
After a miserable season for CSK, failing to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in IPL history CSK has let go of 6 of their players. They will certainly be banking on the youngsters who got a chance to play in the end and made the most of it. The Daddy side of IPL will certainly look to bolster their side with some youngsters. The doubts over CSK releasing Raina were laid to rest. They have also traded Robin Uthappa from RR.
Important Buys– Seam Bowler for death overs and a spinner may be an additional batsman as a cover.
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)
After having a poor start to their IPL 2020 campaign the KXIP ended on a much brighter note. Though they could not qualify for the play-offs. They have let go of 9 players from the previous campaign and have the highest purse left for purchase with 53cr+ left.
Fun Fact: Anil Kumble has been retained as head coach of KXIP- A first for KXIP since 2015!
Important Buys– Additional middle order batsman. Their bowling line-up is quite weak and would be looking for partners for Shami and Jordan.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
The most successful team in IPL, MI have let go of 7 players, mostly their international seamers. The highest wicket-taker in IPL – Lasith Malinga will no longer be part of IPL and has taken his retirement.
Important Buys– Seamers to help out Bumrah and Boult.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
The inaugural IPL champions have released their Start player and Captain- Steve Smith which certainly comes as a shock. Sanju Samson will lead the young RR side this season. They too have let go of 8 players and have a purse of 34.85cr left. Kumar Sangakkara will join RR as the Director of Cricket.
Important Buys– An opening batsman &/middle order batsman, Seam Bowler to partner Archer and spinners.
Sun Risers Hyderabad (SRH)
After an excellent recovery and finishing 3rd in IPL 2020, SRH look as the most settled side. Having released just 5 members for the previous campaign they have the least purse and hardly need any addition to their already strong side.
Important Buys– A settled side. Hardly needs any buys. Might go for an extra bowler.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Another young Indian team which had a memorable outing in the IPL 2020 edition coming runner-ups. They have released 6 players and traded 2 players with RCB in an all cash deal.
Important Buys– An additional wicket-keeper and a seamer.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
The final team being KKR. They have let go of 6 players and rumours of leaving out Dinesh Kartik and Kuldeep Yadav have been put to rest. They missed out on playoffs last season on NRR to RCB.
Important Buys– An opening &/ middle order batsman.
Players that might start a bidding war in Mini-Auction of IPL 2021
1- Mitchell Starc
2- Steven Smith
3- Chris Morris
4- Alex Carey
5- Mujeeb ur Rahman
6- Glenn Maxwell
7- Sheldon Cottrell
Burning Questions for IPL 2021???
1- Will Finch find a new team again? (CSK and KKR are yet to have him in their team)
2- Will S. Sreesanth get a team to play?
Stay tuned for more IPL 2021 content coming soon. The next IPL blog will be on the auction and final team list. For more sports content click here.
Until next time, till then Happy Reading! Ciao
Vivek Nair
