IPL 2021: Team-wise players who might be released ahead of the auctions

As we move forward in 2021, eyes of all cricket fans across the globe are well set over the next season of Indian Premier League. Yes, IPL 2021 will take place in its traditional window this year and IPL Auction 2021 is expected to be held on 11th of February. Before that, teams are in process of finalizing on names which they want to retain for the next season. We will look at some of the possible names who are likely to be released by their respective franchises before the auction next month.

Chennai Super Kings

Kedar Jadhav: Clearly, age is not on the side of Kedar Jadhav but his returns during the last season were not encouraging either. As a result, we might see him being one of the first players to be released by Chennai franchise.

Harbhajan Singh: After his decision to opt out from 2020 season, former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is likely to be released by CSK for the next season. Lack of cricket and clarity on his availability are major reasons behind this decision.

Murali Vijay: He got few opportunities in UAE for Chennai Super Kings last year but failed to leave any impressions with his performances. With other young options available in auction, Murali Vijay is likely to be back in the pool for IPL 2021 Auction.

Mumbai Indians

Saurabh Tiwary: Surprisingly, he started off last campaign for Mumbai Indians in the playing XI ahead of Ishan Kishan but hasn’t done much to cement another year in Mumbai colours.

Chris Lynn: Although he was picked up by Mumbai in last year’s auction but didn’t play a single game for them in UAE. Mumbai Indians do have more than enough options at top of the order to comfortably release the Australian before this year’s auction.

Mitchell McClenaghan: This left-arm pacer from New Zealand has remained one of key figures in Mumbai Indians’ success over the years. But Trent Boult playing a key role in their triumph in 2020 season would mean that Mitchell McClenaghan will be released in all likelihood.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Aaron Finch: Australian captain has had an interesting journey so far in his IPL career. A proven performer in International circuit but somehow he hasn’t been able to transform his numbers on IPL stage playing for a plethora of different teams. After last year’s disappointments, RCB are likely to release him for this year.

Dale Steyn: Veteran South African quick has been struggling from injuries and didn’t produce any performances of notice last year. As a result, he will be released in all likelihood.

Kane Richardson: He didn’t play the 2020 season in UAE and with plenty of pace bowling options available in auction list from overseas, Kane Richardson is likely to be released by Mike Hesson led think tank.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Chris Green: After coming back from suspension, Chris Green has never looked the same bowler like he was earlier. His performances have dipped significantly in T20 leagues across the world and he is likely to be released by KKR this year.

Tom Banton: This young Englishman failed to deliver on his promise last year and with mega-auction likely for 2022, many experts are expecting that Tom Banton will be released before this year’s auction.

Delhi Capitals

Daniel Sams: He played couple of matches in last year’s season for Delhi but with Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje at their disposal, Delhi Capitals may consider releasing Daniel Sams for this year.

Alex Carey: With overseas players almost certain in the playing XI, Alex Carey won’t be getting many opportunities in Delhi Capitals lineup as happened last year. Ricky Ponting and Co will be thinking over this wicket-keeper batsman to free up some purse for the upcoming auction.

Mohit Sharma: He was not at his best in the last year’s season and if Ishant Sharma becomes available for this year, Mohit Sharma will be released by Delhi Capitals in all likelihood.

Kings XI Punjab

Glenn Maxwell: He was one of the main reasons why Kings XI Punjab had a poor season last year. One of the big money players of cash rich league – Glenn Maxwell had a forgettable second coming at KXIP. Even though his International and BBL heroics are there for everyone to see but it is looking difficult for KXIP put all their trust on him again.

Sheldon Cottrell: This Jamaican cricketer was off to a good start in IPL 2020 but a couple of very poor outings meant that he spent most of the season on the bench last year. Especially, the match against Rajasthan Royals at Sharjah when Rahul Tewatia took him to cleaners was decisive to Sheldon Cottrell’s fortunes.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Mitchell Marsh: After getting injured during the very first outing of IPL 2020, Mitchell Marsh missed the season with Jason Holder replacing him. This is one player who has always struggled with his fitness and it is very unlikely that SRH are going to retain him.

Siddarth Kaul: This Punjab pacer didn’t enjoy good couple seasons with SRH in recent years. He particularly struggled in 2020 and seemed to have lost faith from the team management as well. As a result of that, we may see him being released by SRH before the upcoming auction.

Rajasthan Royals

Steve Smith: If various news reports are to be believed, Steve Smith is going to be released by Rajasthan Royals ahead of this year’s season. If this happens, he will be one of the biggest names to be released this year. He captained RR last year but couldn’t deliver what was expected of him with bat in hand.

Jaydev Unadkat: After so many releases and buy-backs, this is looking like just about it for Jaydev Unadkat at Rajasthan Royals. This might be the year when he will have to find a different team after another disappointing year in 2020 with RR and in all possibilities, same franchise won’t be buying him back.