The 13th edition of the IPL in 2020 culminated with yet another Mumbai Indians win in the IPL final. The five-time champions managed to add another trophy to their IPL cabinet after successfully defending their title in 2020. However, all eyes are now on the next edition of the IPL in 2021. With a huge uncertainty around the scheduled mega-auction for IPL 2021, claims surrounding the much-anticipated auction are making the rounds in the cricketing circles.
The IPL auction 2021 might yet again change the dynamics of how all eight teams shape in the upcoming season. There's a huge possibility that most players will be released ahead of the 2021 IPL auction, making a case for retaining only a few players. Some of the most expensive players from IPL 2020, who didn't perform as desired, might also be released before the mega-auction in 2021
Here's a look at 5 such most expensive players who might be released ahead of the IPL 2021 auction:
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1. Glenn Maxwell (₹10.75 Crores)
Glenn Maxwell was one of the biggest disappointments for Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2020. At the auction table for IPL 2020, Punjab invested heavily in the Australian all-rounder to buy his services for INR 10.75 Crores. However, Maxwell couldn't continue his excellent form for the franchise in what panned out to be a middling season for the KL Rahul-led franchise. Punjab backed their experienced campaigner to the hilt in playing him 13 games this season before eventually dropping him for the last league game against CSK in Abu Dhabi.
In 2020, the 32-year old could only muster a paltry tally of 108 runs at a mediocre average of 15.42 scoring it a strike rate of 101. The fact that Maxwell couldn't hit a single six in the entire season was one of the tough pills to swallow for the franchise. Despite being one of the most expensive players, it won't be surprising if Maxwell is released ahead of the IPL 2021 auction.
Glenn Maxwell IPL 2020 stats
Matches: 13
Runs: 108
Wickets: 3
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2. Sheldon Cottrell (₹8.5 Crores)
Sheldon Cottrell was another name that made all the news after he was roped in by the Kings XI Punjab at the auction table for a hefty amount of INR 8.5 Crores in 2020. Making his IPL debut in 2020, Cottrell made a good start to his season until he was taken to the cleaners at Sharjah. After conceding 30 runs in an over against Rajasthan Royals, the left-arm pacer lost his rhythm and couldn't really make amends to stage a return in the next half of the IPL 2020.
Cottrell was seen warming the benches after the first six matches. His dip in form coincided with Chris Jordan's emergence as a handy death bowler for Punjab. Despite being one of the most expensive buys in IPL 2020, Cottrell might be released before the next IPL season in 2021. Going forward, Punjab might want to change their strategy and opt for a far more equipped death bowler in the 2021 mega-auction.
Sheldon Cottrell IPL 2020 stats
Matches: 6
Wickets: 6
Best: 2/17
3. Nathan Coulter-Nile (₹8 Crores)
Nathan Coulter-Nile didn't have the greatest start in IPL 2020. He missed the majority of the first half due to slight niggles. The Mumbai Indians' team combination and the winning streak also allowed the lanky fast bowler to take enough time to recover. In his maiden appearance this IPL, Coulter-Nile had an awful start, conceding 51 runs in his 4-over spell against KKR at Abu Dhabi. Despite his inaccurate bowling spells throughout the tournament, MI persisted with the pacer for seven games in IPL 2020.
However, in IPL 2021, the franchise might re-consider their move at the 2020 IPL auction by letting-go of the 33-year old ahead of the 2021 IPL auction. Nathan did no justice to his price tag in the auction and could well be released by the Mumbai-based franchise.
Nathan Coulter-Nile IPL 2020 stats
Matches: 7
Runs: 25
Wickets: 5
4. Shimron Hetmyer (₹7.75 Crores)
Shimron Hetmyer was bought by Delhi Capitals at IPL auction 2020 for a whopping price of INR 7.75 Crores. Delhi viewed Hetmyer as an option to bolster their middle-order along with the experienced Indian players. However, he couldn't convert his chances that came his way. He had a defined role to play according to the situation and propel his side to the finishing line.
In most instances in IPL 2020, Hetmyer fell at the wrong time, putting his side in jeopardy. It won't be wrong to imagine that Hetmyer might be released from Delhi Capitals earlier next year. In 12 games in 2020, the Southpaw scored a total of 185 runs with the highest score of 45.
Shimron Hetmyer IPL 2020 stats
Matches: 12
Runs: 185
Highest: 45
5. Piyush Chawla (₹6.75 Crores)
Piyush Chawla was one of the most unexpected players who could fetch such a huge auction price in 2020. It was a great bidding war to claim the services of one of the leading wicket-takers in the IPL, which was eventually won by CSK. Chawla had a mixed bag season with the ball and that too when he went in and out of the playing XI continuously.
In 7 matches in IPL 2020, Chawla claimed six wickets to do no justice to the faith invested by the CSK management in his abilities and experience at the IPL level. With CSK aiming to make the move towards a young set of players for the next few years in the IPL, Chawla might be released ahead of the IPL 2021 auction.
Piyush Chawla IPL 2020 stats
Matches: 7
Wickets: 6
Best: 2/33
