IPL history is replete with instances where franchises have regretted releasing players whom they deemed as failed investments. The Delhi Daredevils chose to release stars like David Warner, Gautam Gambhir and AB de Villiers.
David Warner performed admirably for the Sunrisers Hyderabad after being purchased in the IPL 2014 auction. Gambhir was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders for a record sum of 11.04 crore, with the side desperate for a leader capable of marshalling the players effectively and delivering the goods on the field.
The investment paid off pretty well as the Knight Riders have been transformed into a winning unit under his leadership. AB de Villiers’s exploits in the IPL after being signed up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore have been sensational, to say the least. Chris Gayle has had a similar impact for the Royal Challengers Bangalore after being released by the Kolkata Knight Riders which indicates how important it is to take such decisions wisely.
Several franchises have opted to release some of their high-profile recruits before the IPL auction on February 6.
Top performers like Morne Morkel, Irfan Pathan, Kevin Pietersen, and Mitchell Johnson have been released by their respective IPL franchises which might be a big mistake considering their abilities.
Let’s take a look at those 5 players who should not have been released by their franchises:
#1 Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir is considered one of the best leg-spinners currently in T20 cricket. His performances for IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils, ever since he made his debut in 2014, have been spectacular.
T20 cricket is mocked as a format where the batsmen smash the bowlers to all parts of the ground, restricting them to being mere spectators, largely because of the rules which favour the batsmen to a great extent. But, bowlers like Tahir have been successful in being successful in the format thanks to his variations, turn and outthinking the batsmen.
The South African spinner snapped up 15 wickets in just 10 matches in the 2015 edition of the IPL finishing as the joint wicket-taker for his franchise. An overall strike rate of 14.96 indicates how lethal he has been throughout his career. In case Delhi fail to purchase him in the auction, they will lose out on a performer who has delivered the goods quietly and consistently over the years.
In spite of just 4 appearances in IPL-9, the 37-year-old managed to pick up 5 wickets at a strike rate of 19.20 and could prove to be a steal for a side like Kings XI Punjab, who are crying out for an experienced spinner.
#2 Corey Anderson
Corey Anderson is one of the most exciting all-rounders currently in world cricket. His ability to whack the ball out of the park and also bowl efficiently makes him a captain’s delight.
The Mumbai Indians were able to chase down a target of 190 runs in just 14 overs against the Rajasthan Royals in a do or die clash largely because of Anderson’s heroics with the willow. He scored the fastest century in ODI cricket achieving the milestone in just 36 balls which earned him the limelight.
Though his opportunities for the Mumbai Indians were limited owing to the presence of Kieron Pollard he has the ability to be a game-changer for his side. His ability to pick up wickets is an added bonus.The decision to release a player of his calibre might come back to haunt them.
#3 Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen has been one of the top performers for BBL franchise Melbourne Stars this season. His excellent performances with the willow have ensured a semi-final berth for them.
263 runs in just 7 matches at a strike rate of 132.16 and an average of 43.83 is no joke. The Englishman has been released by the Rising Pune Supergiants after he was unable to impress in his injury-plagued season for the side.
This decision might not have been the wisest as the 36-year-old has the ability to come out all guns blazing when the odds are against him. He scored a century against the Deccan Chargers who made the mistake of releasing him and has the ability to do the same against the Rising Pune Supergiants if given an opportunity.
Pietersen has the ability to be a match-winner on his day and lends the much-needed stability to any middle-order. He can be a boon for any IPL franchise which gives him an opportunity to exhibit his talent.
#4 Brad Hogg
Brad Hogg seems to defy age with every passing year in cricket. The left arm chinaman has the ability to give youngsters a run for their money even at the age of 45.
His performances in the Big Bash League for the Perth Scorchers and currently for the Melbourne Renegades have been sublime, to say the least. Scorchers coach Justin Langer was deeply distressed when Hogg expressed a desire to leave, which indicates the impact he had on the Scorchers during his stint.
There have been very few bowlers who have been able to truly master the dying art of chinaman bowling because of the complexities involved. Hogg has emerged as arguably the best proponent of the left-arm wrist spinner.
The Australian was exceptional for the Kolkata Knight Riders last season with his vast experience and variations whenever given an opportunity. He was successful in earning breakthroughs whenever brought on by the captain which made him a fan-favourite also.
The Knight Riders opted to release him which might be a very foolish decision considering the variety he brings to any bowling attack with his skills.
#5 Thisara Perera
Thisara Perera has been one of Sri Lanka’s top performers in the T20 format over the years. His IPL journey has earned him stints with the Chennai Super Kings, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Mumbai Indians over the years.
He was signed up by the Rising Pune Supergiants in the IPL 2016 auction for his big hitting and effective bowling performances, making him an attractive option to pursue. The 27- year-old Sri Lankan was extremely efficient in a disappointing campaign for the Supergiants.
The decision to release him has come as a big shock to cricketing fans all around the world considering his explosive performances for the side. A finisher like him can get the job done in just a few deliveries and also derail the opposition with his variations which make him a complete package.
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