The IPL 2021 auction will probably happen in February. All eight teams have declared their respective lists of players retained and released before the IPL 2021 auction. There were huge surprises in that list as some unexpected names got released. Even though they performed well last year, they could not get another contract from their franchise. Some franchises often release players due to their high price tag.
In an intense bidding war, franchises tend to over-pay a few players. However, they then let go of them ahead of the next season. Soon, they get them back in the auction. The same thing could happen in IPL 2021 auction. Here are the five players who could return to their teams at a lower price.
5. RCB might sign Chris Morris again in IPL 2021 auction
Chris Morris was a top performer for RCB in IPL 2020. He picked up 11 wickets in nine outings. Also, he picked a four-wicket haul versus RR. Even with the willow, he had a 150+ strike rate. Still, RCB did not consider him worthy enough to be retained.
After the player release, Mike Hesson mentioned that Morris’ price tag was a reason behind his release. Morris had a 10 Crores contract last year. It is likely RCB might sign him at a lesser price. He is a quality all-rounder. In IPL 2020, Morris gave a lot of balance to RCB team.
4. Krishnappa Gowtham
Krishnappa Gowtham was a match-winner for RR. However, he could not perform well in IPL 2019. Hence, RR traded him to KXIP ahead of IPL 2020. KXIP got Gowtham at a price of 6.2 Crores. Unfortunately, they could not give him proper chances to prove himself.
In the limited opportunities he got, Gowtham could not showcase his skills. Hence, he warmed the bench for almost the entire season. Gowtham has returned to the auction pool before IPL 2021 Auction. One must not forget Gowtham is a hard-hitting all-rounder. Hence, KXIP might sign him at a lesser price.
3. Steve Smith
RR had traded Ajinkya Rahane to DC before IPL 2020. Ahead of IPL 2021, they have released Steve Smith now. RR have named Sanju Samson as their new captain. Smith wasn’t excellent as a captain last year. His decisions disappointed the Rajasthan fans.
Eventually, RR ended IPL 2020 at the eighth position. It is noteworthy that Smith had a contract worth 12.5 Crores. He is a world-class batsman. However, it is possible RR could have released him because of his high price. They could bring him back to the franchise at a lower amount.
2. Sheldon Cottrell
Sheldon Cottrell made his IPL debut last year. The Kings XI Punjab signed him for a whopping 8.5 Crores. However, the left-arm pacer could not live up to the expectations. Mohammed Shami bowled brilliantly from one end. However, Cottrell could not support him much.
Hence, KXIP released him. Perhaps, the Mohali-based franchise wishes to get him back at a lower price. The fans know Cottrell is a match-winner in T20s. There was a reason KXIP paid him more than 8 Crores last year. The pitch in Mohali assists pacers. Hence, KXIP might repurchase their West Indian pacer.
1. Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube impressed everyone with his performances at the domestic level. The big-hitting all-rounder earned a contract from the Royal Challengers Bangalore. RCB signed him for 5 Crores in IPL 2018 auction. They gave him enough chances, but Dube could not fire. Hence, RCB released him before IPL 2021.
Dube could return to RCB again. The reason behind it is that the pitch at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will allow Dube to play his natural game. Also, RCB has released Chris Morris, Isuru Udana, and Moeen Ali. They need all-rounders in their squad. Hence, there is a chance RCB could sign him at a lower price.
