IPL teams might have already started prepping up for the mega auction that will take place next year. If the rules of the previous auction remain as it is then each team can retain a maximum of two overseas players and a maximum of three capped Indian players. They can do this either through pre-auction retention or using the Right to Match card. Teams might release certain expensive (underperforming) players from their squad. 

StumpsandBails brings to you a list of those expensive players each team might think of releasing ahead of the IPL Mega auction next year:

#8 Punjab Kings-Jhye Richardson

Punjab Kings made a huge signing when they spent INR 14 crores on Jhye Richardson. The Aussie pacer has not delivered on the promise he was picked for. It seems likely that Kings will get rid of Richardson ahead of the mega auction.

#7 Rajasthan Royals-Chris Morris

Rajasthan Royals created history last year when they made the most expensive signing of IPL. They acquired Chris Morris for a whopping INR 16.25 crores. Morris has played an instrumental part in the Royals fighting hard this season. But he might still not find favours with retention owing to the presence of Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, and Jos Buttler. RR may be forced to release Morris ahead of the auction.

#6 Royal Challengers Bangalore-Kyle Jamieson

RCB made heads turn when they acquired Kyle Jamieson for INR 15 crores. Jamieson has been decent in his appearances but the money splurged on him demands match-winning performances. Glenn Maxwell with his key knocks has almost assured himself of an overseas berth along with AB de Villiers. Hence it leaves no room for Jamieson in RCB at his current price.

#5 Sunrisers Hyderabad-Manish Pandey

SRH made a value proposition when they bought Manish Pandey for INR 11 crores in 2018 auctions. But Pandey has not delivered in the manner that SRH expected of him. It is widely speculated that they might release Pandey ahead of the 2022 mega auctions.

#4 Mumbai Indians-Krunal Pandya

This might seem a surprise that MI might get rid of Krunal Pandya. But this move is a big possibility considering the mega auction that is scheduled next year. MI acquired Krunal Pandya for INR 8.6 crores in IPL 2018 auctions. But his form has consistently dipped across the last two seasons. The axe may well fall on Krunal Pandya.

#3 Kolkata Knight Riders-Pat Cummins

KKR roped in Pat Cummins in the hope of having a gun bowler who will deliver breakthroughs at different stages of the game. They paid him a staggering INR 15.5 crores in IPL 2020 auctions. But Cummins has flattered to deceive. He has run in hard but questionable tactics and his own form has left much to be desired. KKR might release him ahead of the auctions.

#2 Delhi Capitals-Tom Curran

DC bought in Tom Curran for INR 5.25 crores. He put in under-par performances in all the games he played for DC. Curran has not had a definite impact on the IPL. He looks certain to face the axe.

#1 Chennai Super Kings-Krishnappa Gowtham

CSK surprised one and all when they acquired Krishnappa Gowtham for a whopping INR 9.25 crores in the auction. He was expected to play a crucial role for CSK but he didn’t feature in the playing XI in the first 7 games. The mini-auction had surely inflated Gowtham’s fees. CSK might look to release him ahead of the mega auctions.