IPL 2022: 5 players whose non-retention ahead of the auction furrowed eyebrows

The retention list of all the teams for the upcoming IPL 2022 is finally out. While almost all the teams have retained their core, a few have decided to come up with a new strategy. In a shocking turn of events, several world-class players haven’t been retained by their respective teams.

It gets sad when one realizes that various players, who shared a unique bond with their franchise, have to now go under the hammer. Loyal fans of every team would certainly be sad on seeing a few of their players being released. What’s shocking is the fact that several seasoned campaigners have been overlooked as well.

While some individuals wanted to leave on their own, the others had to be released due to the budget constraints of the IPL 2022 mega auction. So which are those players who were expected to be retained but weren’t?

In the article, let’s take a look a look at 5 surprising non-retentions ahead of IPL 2022 mega auction

1) Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya has been one of the most important players of the Mumbai Indians for a long time. Ever since he made his IPL debut in 2015, he has been synonymous with the franchise. As a matter of fact, he has been one of their best players as well.

Explosive batting, reliable bowling and sensational fielding, the all-rounder is a complete package. Moreover, he has been an absolute match-winner for the Rohit Sharma-lead side. Even though it is nearly impossible to find a pace all-rounder from India as good as him, the five-time champions decided to release him ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction.

The 28-year-old has scored 1476 runs in the Indian T20 league at an average and strike rate of 27.33 and 153.91 respectively. He has also picked 42 wickets in 60 innings. His bowling average and strike rate are 31.26 and 20.69 respectively.

2) Jonny Bairstow

Over the last few years, Jonny Bairstow has been one of the most explosive T20 batters. His style of batting is tailor-made for this format. Add to that his excellent keeping skills.

It is safe to say that the keeper-batter could fit in any IPL team. Besides, he was hitting boundaries and sixes for fun, whenever he played for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). As a matter of fact, he was one of the few positives for the orange army in a rather dismal season for them in 2021.

The English batter has scored 1038 runs in 28 IPL games so far with a batting average and strike rate of 41.52 and 142.19 respectively. This includes seven fifties and a hundred as well.

3) Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan is arguably one of the best T20 players of this era. You wouldn’t find too many players as impactful as him. Not only are his skills invaluable, but his temperament is also superb.

Ever since he started playing for SRH in 2017, he has been an integral part of their team. The Afghan superstar has single-handedly won several matches for them. Since he’s still on the younger side, the Kane Williamson-lead team could’ve easily invested in him.

The spin wizard has picked 93 wickets in 76 IPL games so far. His bowling average and strike rate are 20.56 and 19.48 respectively. With such numbers, the Hyderabad- based franchise deciding to let him go is baffling, to say the least.

4) Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal has been one of India’s key spinners for quite a while now. The fact that he has managed to win games on batting-friendly wickets speaks volumes of his ability. Moreover, he has been a vital cog for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for quite a few seasons.

Despite being one of their biggest match-winners, the franchise decided to part ways with him. Moreover, finding a leggie as good as him isn’t going to be all that easy. Besides, when it comes to the Indian T20 league, he is a veteran.

The 31-year-old has picked 139 wickets in 113 IPL matches as of now. His bowling average and strike rate are 22.28 and 17.61 respectively. Last but not the least, his economy rate is 7.9, which is more than decent.

5) Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan is considered the next big thing in Indian cricket by several cricket pundits. Time and again, the keeper-batter has shown glimpses of his intense potential. His ability to take down world-class bowlers is commendable, to say the least.

He has been with the Mumbai Indians since 2018 and has won them several games. As a matter of fact, he is a potential captaincy option for the future too. Considering his talent, the Mumbai-based franchise could have easily retained him and invested in him.

The 23-year old has scored 1452 runs in 61 IPL games so far. His batting average and strike rate are 28.47 and 136.32 respectively. An important point to be noted is the fact that he can bat anywhere in the top-order.