The IPL 2021 witnessed many former international players struggling for form and fitness. They looked well past their prime in the challenging conditions of the UAE. Teams did persist with a few of them owing to their reputation but they failed to come good despite being provided a sizeable number of opportunities. It is difficult to imagine teams picking them in the mega auctions. Here are Players Who Might Go Unsold In IPL 2022
Players Who Might Go Unsold In IPL 2022
#5 Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh is a 4-time IPL champion. He was Mumbai Indians’ iconic spinner. Singh singlehandedly shouldered the responsibility for over a decade. CSK acquired his services in 2018. He played a handful of games for the yellow brigade but his powers were clearly on the wane. KKR acquired him in 2021 but after appearing in a few games initially he was relegated to the bench. Singh looks like a spent force. Teams won’t be gambling on him anymore.
#4 Kedar Jadhav
Kedar Jadhav was a street-smart cricketer. He made complete use of his limited abilities. But for all his worth, Jadhav was never a standout T20 batsman. He struggled to pace his innings in the game’s shortest format. His only claim of fame in the last few years was his innings against Mumbai Indians in 2018. Jadhav looks lost in the middle facing quality attacks. He is unlikely to be picked in the auctions next season.
#3 Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir is one of the greatest T20 bowlers of all time. He has incredible numbers that are sure to stand the test of time. Tahir has 410 wickets in 325 games. He concedes runs at just 6.93 runs per over. But Tahir hardly finds a place in the playing XI in the IPL. Tahir has been a loyal CSK servant since 2018. But it will be difficult for teams to invest in someone whose age is on the wrong side of the ’40s.
#2 Dan Christian
Dan Christian is a T20 globetrotter. He has plied his trade for almost every team across the world. Christian came off a great run of form from the Big Bash. RCB invested heavily in his experience. But disappointment was the only return that they received. Christian couldn’t make use of his vast experience to overcome challenges. It will be a surprise to see teams bidding for him in the upcoming auctions.
#1 Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina was known as Mr. IPL. There wasn’t a single season up until 2018 where Raina hadn’t scored in excess of 375 runs. He carried the burden of CSK’s batting stunningly. Raina’s 25-ball 87 in 2014 remains one of the most iconic knocks in the IPL. But Raina’s returns have been borderline poor this season. He has looked half the batsman he was. Teams will look beyond Raina in the upcoming auctions.
Also read: Lifting The T20 WC 2021 Would Be Extremely Special: Rabada