IPL 2021 auctions is around the corner. The teams are gearing up for the mini-auction which is supposed to be held in February 2021. IPL teams have released few players from their lineups to create a focused bunch while there have been few surprising retentions as well.
We at StumpsandBails will be looking at 5 such surprising retentions ahead of IPL 2021:
#5 Chris Lynn
The explosive Australian batsman was relegated to the bench for the entire season in IPL 2020. The Mumbai Indians have a settled opening pair in Quinton De Kock and Rohit Sharma. While Sharma missed out on a few matches, Ishan Kishan was asked to open in his place. People expected that Chris Lynn will be released ahead of IPL 2021 but in a surprising move, the MI management has retained Lynn.
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#4 Mitchell Marsh
Mitchell Marsh played just a single game for the Sunrisers Hyderabad during IPL 2020. But unfortunately, he limped off from the tournament after suffering an injury. The SRH management roped in Jason Holder, who proved to be an able replacement. It was widely expected that Marsh will be released from the squad but the SRH think tank have shown faith in the Australian allrounder.
#3 Lungi Ngidi
The South African pacer was a revelation for CSK in IPL 2018 when he played a stellar role in their championship win. But Lungi Ngidi had an indifferent season in IPL 2020 and many had expected the franchise to axe him. In a surprising move, CSK have shown faith in the speedster and he will ply his trade for CSK in IPL 2021.
#2 Kane Richardson
The Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise had pinned a lot of hopes on Kane Richardson. But the Australian pacer was ruled out of IPL 2020 and Adam Zampa was called in as his replacement. While Zampa had a fairly decent IPL, there was a buzz surrounding Richardson and his participation in IPL 2021. The RCB franchise continues to surprise and have retained the pacer ahead of IPL 2021.
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#1 Suresh Raina
Mr. IPL, Suresh Raina was an immovable force for the Chennai Super Kings. But last year was a different ride for both the batsman and the franchise. Raina pulled out of the tournament at the last moment citing personal issues. The CSK fans were waiting with bated breath to know the future of Raina’s association with CSK. In a move that symbolises CSK’s standing in the IPL, the franchise has retained its talismanic batsman, Raina.
