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In the exhilarating lead-up to the IPL 2024 auction, the cricketing fraternity is excited as all ten franchises have meticulously laid bare their strategies, announcing the roster of retained and released players. As the fans eagerly await the dawn of a new IPL season, the lists offer a fascinating glimpse into the ever-evolving dynamics of T20 cricket.
Retention and Release: Tough decisions to take
Each retention and release is a strategic move, a calculated gamble that speaks volumes about the vision and expectations of the teams. The anticipation for the upcoming auction is intensified, with teams looking to rebuild and strengthen their squads for the forthcoming challenges.
Five highly-priced releases ahead of IPL 2024 auction
Let’s take a closer look at the five most expensive releases by franchises, shedding light on the strategic decisions and financial manuvers that have set the stage for what promises to be another thrilling IPL auction.
1. Ben Stokes
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bid farewell to their marquee player, Ben Stokes, who came with a hefty price tag of INR 16.25 crore in the IPL 2023 auction. Despite his stature as a stalwart all-rounder, Stokes’ limited participation last season, playing only two games, and subsequent withdrawal from IPL 2024 forced the Super Kings to make a tough decision.
2. Harry Brook
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)‘s gamble on England batter Harry Brook did not pay off as expected. Signed for a substantial sum of INR 13.25 crore in the previous auction, Brook’s lacklustre performance in the 2023 IPL season, amassing only 190 runs in 11 games, prompted the Sunrisers management to release him.
3. Wanindu Hasaranga
The seasoned Sri Lanka cricketer Wanindu Hasaranga, known for his exceptional spin bowling, faced an unexpected release from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Despite being acquired for a significant amount of INR 10.75 crore in the IPL 2022 mega auction, Hasaranga’s departure signals a notable shift in the team’s strategic approach.
4. Shardul Thakur
India all-rounder Shardul Thakur, secured by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 10.75 crore, finds himself on the list of surprising releases. The decision is attributed to Thakur’s below-par performance in the last IPL season, where he managed to score only 113 runs and take seven wickets.
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5. Harshal Patel
Speedster Harshal Patel, bagged in by RCB for INR 10.75 crore in the IPL 2021 auction, faced an unexpected exit. Despite an initially promising stint, Patel’s disappointing performance in the last season, where he scalped only 14 wickets with an expensive economy rate of 9.66, led to his release.
