The IPL 2021 Retentions served as the prelude to the IPL 2021 Auction which is expected to be held on February 11. All the franchises retained the core of their side while releasing some of the biggest names in international cricket. The likes of Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Dale Stey, Aaron Finch were released ahead of the big auction set to be happening next month. Thus there is a big spotlight and a question mark over their future in the IPL.
Ahead of the IPL 2021 Auction, therefore, we look at five players who can grab the spotlight after being released by their respective franchises.
Five Players Who Can Grab The Spotlight in IPL 2021 Auction
Steve Smith
One of the biggest names in international cricket, Steve Smith was released by Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2021 auction. His reputation as an international cricket was sideline when the franchise thought about parting ways with the former Australian captain. Smith does not boast of a good T20 international or IPL record which is why the Royals thought of releasing him. Overall he played 80 matches for RR scoring 1971 runs.
Also Read: Rajasthan Royals Release Steve Smith Ahead Of IPL 2021
Glenn Maxwell
The Australian all-rounder was another big name who was released by his franchise for who he has been one of their most successful players. He played for the franchise for four seasons making himself synonymous with Kings XI Punjab. Maxwell just scored 108 runs for KXIP in the previous season in just 106 balls overall. Bought for Rs 10.75 crore, Maxwell failed to do justice to the money and will once again be back into the auction. He might not match his previous price but should fetch at least five crores if not more at the IPL 2021 auction.
Also Read: Kings XI Punjab Announce Retentions for IPL 2021
Aaron Finch
Finch was released by RCB ahead of the IPL 2021 auction. He was a part of 10 players to be released by the franchise. Bought for Rs 4.8 crore, Finch didn’t have a memorable maiden season for RCB and only scored 268 runs. He was also dropped from the playing XI in the second half of the season. Despite his poor IPL record, he is one of the most successful T20 international cricketers. This might fetch him good money despite his poor run with His previous franchise. He has 2005 runs in 87 IPL matches, at a strike-rate of 127.70.
Also Read: Chennai Super Kings Announce Retentions for IPL 2021
Chris Morris
Chris Morris set a bidding war between Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab in the IPL 2020 auction before the Virat Kohli-led side finally managed to bag him in for 10 crores. Injury prevented him from playing all the matches in IPL 2020. The SA all-rounder scalped 11 wickets in 9 matches that he played. Released by RCB, Morris might still fetch good money as he is one of the most reputed all-rounders in world cricket at the moment.
Also Read: Chris Morris Reveals Insider Details From RCB Dressing Room
Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube fetched five crores in his maiden IPL season with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2018. He wasn’t given a long rope in IPL 2019 but next year, RCB backed him as he made his India debut before the season. Released by RCB, Dube’s reputation as a big-hitter might still make him one of the big buys in IPL 2021 auction.
Also Read: RCB Announces List Of Retained Players Ahead Of IPL 2021