The IPL 2021 mini-auction could see big international, domestic stars go for big money and it could be interesting to see which franchise takes them.
The IPL 2021 is gearing up for the mini-auction by releasing the final list of players who have been retained and released by the franchise. However, in a weird twist, the BCCI has also announced that the franchises can trade players until February 20 with no specific date set for the auction. In the player retention and release list, there have been players who have been released by the franchises but the majority of them have struck to their core. In the players release and retention list, there were some big names who were released by the franchises.
Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell were some of the big names while Lasith Malinga has retired from franchise cricket, bringing an end to his decade-long association with the Mumbai Indians. In addition to Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell, there have been domestic stars like Shivam Dube and Umesh Yadav who have also been released. With Robin Uthappa, Daniel Sams and Harshal Patel traded, it remains to be seen which players will make a big impact in the mini-auction that will be held in February for IPL 2021. Here are the list of contenders.
1. Steve Smith
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Steve Smith was released by the Rajasthan Royals and the franchise will be captained by Sanju Samson in IPL 2021. Steve Smith could fetch a decent sum from teams like Kings XI Punjab or Royal Challengers Bangalore. But, one can never rule out the likes of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals who could buy him back for a lesser amount. (Image credit: Twitter)
2. Mitchell Starc
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Mitchell Starc was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 9.4 crore in IPL 2018 but he did not play due to injury. Starc withdrew from two subsequent IPLs. However, in IPL 2021, there could be a bidding for him from either the Mumbai Indians or Kings XI Punjab. (Image credit: Twitter)
3. Kyle Jamieson
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Kyle Jamieson has already been hailed as a wonderful all-rounder in New Zealand cricket. His ODI debut saw New Zealand whitewash India while in Tests, he has five-wicket hauls against India and West Indies as well as a 10-wicket haul against Pakistan. His batting as well as extra pace and bounce could see him been drafted in the Mumbai Indians team or Kings XI Punjab side. Don't rule out a bet by Rajasthan Royals as well. However, it all depends on whether Kyle Jamieson would put himself in the auction pool in the first place. (Image credit: Twitter)
4. Glenn Maxwell
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Glenn Maxwell flopped for Kings XI Punjab as he struggled in IPL 2020 with his Rs 10.75 crore price tag. Yet, the Big Show might fetch some bidding from the likes of Royal Challengers Bangalore or Rajasthan Royals, who need solid and aggressive middle order batsmen. (Image credit: Twitter)
5. Aaron Finch
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Apart from Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, Aaron Finch has played with every franchise and he could set a new record if he is picked by a new franchise this time. His T20 experience might come in handy for any side. (Image credit: Twitter)
6. Dwaid Malan
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The No.1 T20 batsman in the modern era might breakthrough in IPL 2021 with bids from Rajasthan Royals or Kings XI Punjab. Not including Malan in any IPL side on the current form that he is in might not be a good idea. (Image credit: Twitter)
7. Shivam Dube
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It was surprising that Shivam Dube was released by Royal Challengers Bangalore after he put in some good performances with the bat and ball in IPL 2020. His powerful hitting and bowling abilities make him an asset for any team. (Image credit: Twitter)
8. Sreesanth
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Perhaps, the biggest star attraction this time could be Sreesanth. His bowling in the Syed Mushtaq Ali 2021 has been good. If he is bid for by any franchise, his comeback would be a fairytale one. (Image credit: Twitter)
