Retentions before a mega-auction play an important role in the success of the franchise in the upcoming cycle of the tournament. While the decision to retain a few players works well for the teams, a few of them do not go the desired route for them. Ahead of IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions, too, there were a couple of retention decisions that raised a few eyebrows. The situation has reached a stage where it would not be a surprise if they would be released before the next auctions. On that note, in this article, we take a look at five retained players who could be released before IPL 2023 Auctions.
Note: The statistics are as of April 30th, 2022.
1) Abdul Samad (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – INR 4 Cr
Matches: 2 || Runs: 4 || Average: 2 || Strike Rate: 57.14 || Wickets: 0
Abdul Samad was dropped from the XI after having two disappointing outings. The likes of Shashank Singh have now cemented their position in the XI.
Although Samad has potential, SRH might release the cricketer and try to get him at a lower price. They could also try different options based on their scouting report with the cash recovered from releasing Samad.
2) Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals) – INR 4 Cr
Matches: 3 || Runs: 25 || Average: 8.33 || Strike Rate: 104.17
Yashasvi Jaiswal is one of the retained players who could be released before the IPL 2023 Auctions. The Mumbai youngster had a disappointing start to the campaign and was dropped from the XI. Devdutt Padikkal has now completely taken over Jaiswal’s spot.
RR definitely does not need two young Indian players for the same role with one warming the bench. Devdutt Padikkal seems to be a more apt investment considering multiple factors. Hence, Jaiswal could be released and RR can focus to improve the balance of the squad in the next auctions.
3) Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians) – INR 6 Cr
Matches: 8 || Runs: 115 || Average: 16.43 || Strike Rate: 127 || Wickets: 3
Pollard has had an interesting season so far. Despite being in a position that is his forte, the West Indian has failed to make an impact. After a horrible campaign so far, Mumbai Indians might be forced to make some bold decisions.
Releasing Pollard could be one of them. Mumbai Indians already have Suryakumar Yadav who has shown that he can play at No.5. Hence, Mumbai can use this amount to sign a more reliable and younger cricketer for Pollard’s role for the moment.
4) Varun CV (Kolkata Knight Riders) – INR 8 Cr
Matches: 8 || Wickets: 4 || Average: 61.75 || Economy: 8.8
Varun CV is also one of the retained players who could be released before the IPL 2023 Auctions. The spinner from Tamil Nadu was one of the best bowlers for the franchise in the last two seasons. Hence, he was retained by KKR. However, right now, it seems that Varun might have actually not been great retention.
Since he is a unidimensional cricketer and considering KKR anyways had Sunil Narine as the mystery spinner, maybe, the franchise could have opted for someone else. Moreover, the player’s performance in IPL 2022 has been disappointing. KKR needs cash to dominate the next auctions. They can surely buyback Varun CV for lesser than INR 8 Cr that they are paying for him now. So, he can be released.
5) Venkatesh Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders) – INR 8 Cr
Matches: 9 || Runs: 132 || Average: 16.50 || Strike Rate: 97.7 || Wickets: 0
It was on the back of the all-rounder’s stunning show in the UAE phase of IPL 2021 that KKR decided to retain Venkatesh Iyer ahead of Shubman Gill. However, the player has been poor so far. With the ball, he has not even made an impact.
INR 8 Cr seems to be a big investment for a relatively new player. Hence, KKR could release him and use the amount to make some big signings at the next bidding event.
