IPL 2020: Top players that each franchise might release ahead of the next season


IPL 2020: Top players that each franchise might release ahead of the next season
Suresh Raina (CSK), Prithvi Shaw (DC), Glenn Maxwell (KXIP) and Jaydev Unadkat (RR)
Suresh Raina (CSK), Prithvi Shaw (DC), Glenn Maxwell (KXIP) and Jaydev Unadkat (RR)

The 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) came to a thrilling end where Mumbai Indians lifted their fifth trophy. The fans witnessed some brilliant performances from several individuals throughout the tournament while some players disappointed in IPL 2020. Franchises spent jaw-dropping amounts on a few players but they failed to exhibit their performance on the field. Let’s look at such players and here are the top players that each franchise might release ahead of IPL 2021.

Chennai Super Kings 

Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina and Kedar Jadhav
Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina and Kedar Jadhav

Chennai Super Kings had a forgettable 2020 edition of IPL where they failed to qualify for the playoffs. Kedar Jadhav turned out to be the biggest disappointment for them and may not play from the next season.

Shane Watson also retired from all forms, and will never be seen in yellow again on the field. Moreover, CSK ended the contracts of Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh, who earlier pulled out from the tournament. 

  • Kedar Jadhav
  • Harbhajan Singh
  • Suresh Raina
  • Shane Watson

Delhi Capitals 

Prithvi Shaw, Ishant Sharma and Alex Carey
Prithvi Shaw, Ishant Sharma and Alex Carey

IPL 2020 turned out to be the best season for the Capitals where they played their maiden finals in 13 years. However, Prithvi Shaw turned out to be the most disappointing player for them this year.

Moreover, Alex Carey is also most likely dropped ahead of next year just like Ishant Sharma. The former couldn’t capitalize on the chances given to him while Sharma is a highly injury-prone player.

  • Prithvi Shaw
  • Ishan Sharma
  • Alex Carey

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Kings XI Punjab

Sheldon Cottrell and Glenn Maxwell
Sheldon Cottrell and Glenn Maxwell

Kings XI Punjab had one of the best team combinations amongst all eight teams in IPL 2020. But a lot of players misfired for them which resulted in an early exit for the Punjab-based franchise.

The biggest names that might not find themselves again in the KXIP jerseys are Glenn Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell and Karun Nair. Apart from this trio, there are many other players that Punjab might release ahead of IPL 2021. 

  • Glenn Maxwell
  • Sheldon Cottrell
  • Karun Nair

Kolkata Knight Riders

Pat Cummins and Kuldeep Yadav
Pat Cummins and Kuldeep Yadav

Kolkata Knight Riders ended IPL 2020 as the most unfortunate side. They got out of the race for the playoffs due to an inferior Net Run Rate. Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav continued his poor form from last year as he warmed the bench in most of the games for KKR.

Overseas players Tom Banton and Chris Green also failed to leave any significant impact with their performances. Also, Pat Cummins might be released by KKR to buy him at a lesser price next year.

  • Kuldeep Yadav
  • Tom Banton
  • Chris Green
  • Pat Cummins (may buy-back)

Mumbai Indians

Nathan Coulter-Nile and Saurabh Tiwary
Nathan Coulter-Nile and Saurabh Tiwary

Defending champions Mumbai Indians became the second IPL franchise to successfully defend their title. They had almost zero flaws in their side during the tournament. 

However, MI might release Nathan Coulter-Nile, Saurabh Tiwary and Sherfane Rutherford to avoid the problem of plenty while going to next year’s auctions. MI looks like the most balanced team that doesn’t need much changes in their squad.

  • Nathan Coulter-Nile
  • Saurabh Tiwary
  • Sherfane Rutherford

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Rajasthan Royals

Jaydev Unadkat and Robin Uthappa
Jaydev Unadkat and Robin Uthappa

The story stayed the same for Rajasthan Royals in this season as well. RR had several exciting players in their lineup but still, they failed to make it to the playoffs. The Royals finished the tournament at the last spot in the Points Table.

Players like Robin Uthappa and Jaydev Unadkat failed to impress for the Rajasthan-based franchise. They might also drop Andrew Tye as their slot of overseas players looks quite fulfilled. 

  • Robin Uthappa
  • Andrew Tye
  • Jaydev Unadkat

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Dale Steyn, Parthiv Patel and Umesh Yadav
Dale Steyn, Parthiv Patel and Umesh Yadav

This Royal Challengers Bangalore side looked like one of their strongest teams in the history of the tournament. Skipper Virat Kohli also looked confident of clinching the trophy for his side. But things didn’t change for them as they got knocked out in the playoffs.

Players like Dale Steyn and Umesh Yadav might not get another chance from the Virat Kohli-led side after failing this season. Moreover, the franchise might also take a call on Parthiv Patel, who didn’t get any opportunity this year.

  • Dale Steyn
  • Umesh Yadav
  • Parthiv Patel

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Billy Stanlake and Khaleel Ahmed
Billy Stanlake and Khaleel Ahmed

Sunrisers Hyderabad punched above their weights in yet another IPL edition after finishing at the third spot. David Warner’s men performed collectively like a team unit in IPL 2020. After Mumbai Indians, SRH will be the tensest team to name their released players before IPL 2021.

Players like Khaleel Ahmed, Siddarth Kaul, Siddarth Kaul and Shreevats Goswami might find themselves unlucky to go to the auctions table next year.

  • Khaleel Ahmed
  • Billy Stanlake
  • Siddarth Kaul
  • Shreevats Goswami

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