5 in-form players whose release into the IPL auction 2016 pool was a mistake from the respective franchises

In the Indian Premier League, there have been several players who have created a fanbase for themselves, plying their trade to provide unmatched entertainment to the crowds and viewers at home alike. Some players have time and again performed for the team, to retain their faith and place in the respective franchises.However, there are a few players who have been de-boarded from a few squads ahead of the IPL 9 season, with some big boys such as Yuvraj Singh, Kevin Pietersen, Dale Steyn finding themselves in the released players list based on either their high price tag or inconsistent performances.Here’s a look into 5 such cricketers who have been in tremendous form lately, causing turmoil in the heads of the think-tank who have been responsible in making the decision to release the players into the pool.

#1 Colin Munro - Mumbai Indians

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Colin Munro, the left- handed New Zealand batsman, is in the form of his life, smashing the life out of the bowlers in the recently concluded T20 series against Sri Lanka. After Guptill's innings which saw him create a record for the fastest fifty by a Blackcaps player, Colin Munro played a whirlwind knock barely 20 minutes later, to smash the aforementioned record, making a 50 of just 14 balls to lead his team to a morale-boosting victory.

Although the Mumbai Indians boast of some heavily talented players like Kieron Pollard, Lasith Malinga and Corey Anderson, they might just have made a wrong decision by letting go off the hard-hitting left-hander, even though he hasn't featured in a single match for the side.

#2 George Bailey - Kings XI Punjab

Bailey’s ever-smiling presence will be missed in the Punjab ranks

George Bailey, the ex-captain of the Kings XI Punjab, is undoubtedly a surprise entrant into the list of players released ahead of the IPL auction for 2016. One of the most experienced lads in the side, Bailey who tends to go about his work in a stunningly calm manner, has been in the greatest of forms against the Indian team in the current ODI series.

Even though Bailey performed well in the previous season, scoring 259 runs in 13 matches, the Kings XI released him. With his finishing antics and captaincy gathering interests around the cricketing world, his release into the pool, combined with his current form, would definitely leave some teams eyeing to procure his services which will no doubt strengthen their squads.

#3 Aaron Finch - Mumbai Indians

Finch, a power-packed opening batsman

Aaron Finch, the burly right-handed batsman from Australia is easily one of the most destructive opening batsmen in the modern era. In the recently conducted Big Bash League 2015/16, Finch captained the side to a certain level of success, but his batting stood out.

He struck a massive chord with Chris Gayle and were termed as 'the best opening partners’ of Big Bash League 2015/16. In the 5 matches he played in this year’s tournament, Finch powered his way through the opposition bowlers, amassing 246 runs to his name with a stellar average of 49.20 and an unbelievable strike rate of 143.02.

If it wasn't for national duties, Finch could have even emerged as the top run-getter and might as well have taken his team over the finishing line. If the Mumbai Indians are observing all this carefully, they would surely be cursing themselves for letting go of such a magnificent and talented opener.

#4 Travis Head - Delhi Daredevils

Travis Head celebrates his century against the Sixers

Travis Head, an explosive left-handed batsman from Australia surely has to feature in this list. Termed as Australia’s next superstar, he has already made a mark in the T20 format. What made the move to release him even more surprising from the Delhi Daredevils, was that Head, the third highest run-getter in the Big Bash League 2015/16, was released just a few days after he scored a blistering century against the Sydney Sixers.

When the Daredevils were questioned about the move, they responded by claiming that the release took place only in a bid to reduce the extra number of foreigners in the squad. With Head going all guns blazing in the current BBL, scoring a spectacular century and a breathtaking half-century, the think-tank of the teams at the auction will be surely looking at Travis Head as a viable and strong contender for their middle-orders.

#5 Kevin Pietersen - Sunrisers Hyderabad

Kevin Pietersen(right), has been a key player for the Melbourne Stars this BBL 2015/16

Whichever country Kevin Pietersen steps foot in, he is treated as a member of the Royal Family. Such has been his immense bonding with cricket, which has given him popularity that has grown over measurable terms due to the sheer entertainment and the cricket he has provided.

Although Pietersen has not been on agreeable terms with the English Cricket Board, he has been instrumental in leading many teams to victory in various T20 tournaments across the globe and has been an inspiration to many youngsters.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, who picked Pietersen at the auction in 2015, released the heavily talented right-hander into the auction pool for 2016. Although KP did not feature in a majority of the Sunrisers' matches in 2015, he was surely an impact player that the team possessed.

With KP’s latest exploits in the Big Bash League being viewed globally, the Sunrisers may just want to procure the services of the English batsman for their 2016 season of the IPL.