The IPL Mega auctions always leave mixed feelings for teams. They have to let go of players who they had groomed for years. Players who were picked with promise have to be released. They at times manage to retain them but largely have to let go of talented players.
It is very rare that teams get to buy back certain players in the auctions. The bond between a franchise and the player gets strengthened when a team manages to pick that player in the auction.
We look at a few released players who might be picked by the same team:
#5 Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur has emerged as one of India’s unlikely heroes. He proved his credentials in the tour to Africa too. He earlier gave a glimpse of his talent in India’s historic win at the Gabba. Thakur then played a vital hand in India’s win over England at the Oval. He played a key part in CSK’s title win in 2021. Thakur is familiar with CSK culture and one can expect them to go for him in the auctions.
#4 Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal has earned laurels from all quarters for his talent and temperament. He was a revelation not just in the IPL but also across domestic tournaments. Padikkal being a left-hander adds variety to any side he is part of. He was a big part of RCB’s consistency in the last couple of seasons.
Padikkal is a gifted talent who is set to dominate world cricket. If groomed well, PAdikkal can be a huge asset in the future. RCB will have high hopes pinned on him. They are quite likely to pick him again in the auctions.
#3 Avesh Khan
Avesh Khan was sensational in IPL 2021. He had the knack of picking out big guns. Khan proved to be a handful against the likes of Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli. He excelled both with the new ball and at the death. His sheer pace, accuracy, and aggression made everyone take notice of him.
Khan was one of the surprising exclusions ahead of the IPL retentions. Delhi Capitals were spoilt with the riches at their disposal. It is highly likely that Delhi might buy Avesh Khan back through the mega auctions.
#2 Rahul Tripathi
Rahul Tripathi was Kolkata’s unsung hero last season. Even in IPL 2020, it was Tripathi who gamely kept chipping in with vital contributions. While it was Venkatesh Iyer and the spinners who hogged the limelight for KKR’s success, it was Tripathi who provided the winning touch.
He was brilliant in the power plays and went up a level in the middle-overs. Tripathi beautifully innovated against both seam and spin. His crucial knocks under pressure were the reason why KKR had a dream run up to the finals. It will only be fair that KKR acquires him again in the auctions. We are sure they would!
#1 Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan had a breakthrough IPL season in 2020. He smashed 520 runs at an average of 57.33 with a strike rate of 145. Kishan plundered the most sixes that season. He went on to make his India debut thanks to his IPL exploits.
Kishan smashed fifties on debut both in the T2OIs and in the ODIs. He even played a World Cup game. But a poor IPL 2021 cost him his place in the Mumbai side. They didn’t just bench him in a few games but altogether released him. Kishan is a worthy talent. Expect Mumbai to go all out for him in the auctions.
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