IPL teams threw up a few surprises when it came to player retentions. These players were expected to be definite retentions but it proved to be otherwise. They will all go under the hammer with a player’s draft preceding that procedure.
There is a high possibility that these players will fetch huge prices than what they are already raking. As these bunch of players are proven performers and franchises will go hard for them in the auctions.
We look at 5 such non-retained players who might rake it big in the auctions:
#5 Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada singlehandedly turned around Delhi’s bowling unit into a fearsome one. He carried the bowling department on his shoulders alone especially in 2019 when he picked up 25 wickets in just 12 games. Rabada went one better in 2020 picking up 30 wickets and ended up with the purple cap.
His partnership with his South African counterpart, Anrich Nortje was a visual delight. One mixed season has cost Rabada dearly. This is one underrated exclusion that hurt the fans.
#4 Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal was Bangalore’s major weapon for close to a decade now. He bowled with a lot of heart in a small ground like Chinnaswamy. Chahal along with Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers were considered the 3 pillars of RCB. Year after year he kept toiling regardless of the returns.
He has 139 wickets to his name at an average of 22.28. For a wrist spinner, his economy rate of 7.59 is commendable. Chahal is sure to fetch a good amount in the auctions.
#3 Faf Du Plessis
Faf du Plessis was one of CSK’s main players over the years. He played a vital part in CSK’s twin wins in 2018 and 2021. Faf in fact was the player of the match in the IPL finals (2021). He is an able leader who led the South African team admirably over a significant period. Faf is still as fit as ever. He easily has 2-3 years of cricket left in him. Teams will not only look at him as an opener but an able leader too. He is sure to fetch a decent amount of money in the auctions.
#2 Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh Khan has emerged as one of the finest finishers in the domestic circuit. He showcased his class in the SMAT 2021 finals too smashing a six off the final ball to win the trophy. Punjab Kings who acquired Khan in the 2021 mini-auctions failed to utilise his talent completely. Khan has been in sizzling form in the Vijay Hazare too. He will rake in high moolah this mega auction.
#1 Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel made his IPL debut in 2012 with RCB. He had a prominent season with Delhi in 2018 wherein he featured in 5 games but created an impact. RCB traded Patel from Delhi ahead of the 2021 season. Patel had a breakthrough season picking 32 wickets in just 15 games.
He then went on to make his India debut. It was widely expected that RCB will retain him but it wasn’t meant to be. Teams will be keen to draft in a player like Patel in their side. Expect him to grab a big number in the auctions.
