IPL 2018: One cricketer from each eliminated team who should not be retained next year

Despite having some of the biggest names of world cricket in their squad, Mumbai Indians have bowed out from IPL 2018. Though they built a strong side on paper, Kings XI Punjab sits on 7th position at the points table. Delhi Daredevils tried too many things but all went in vain as they sit at the very bottom of the pile and Royal Challengers Bangalore yet again entertained fans but that is all that they did.

These four teams have got only themselves to blame as their plans did not work out as they would have wanted them to. Before the next auction arrives, they must have a reject list ready which might feature some big names. Here are four famous overseas cricketers who should not be retained by their respective franchises next year:

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#4 Aaron Finch (Kings XI Punjab)

Aaron Finch had a horrendous season for KXIP

Aaron Finch has jaw-dropping T20 career numbers but has failed to carry his form in the IPL. Despite knowing that, Kings XI Punjab spent INR 6.2 crores on him, which resulted in just 134 runs in 10 games. With an average of 16.75 and a strike rate of under 135, Finch might be dropped from Punjab's team for next year.

The men in red had an amazing start to the tournament but lost the plot in the second half. Their batting has been a concern as except KL Rahul, no batter could step up and take responsibility, something KXIP management would have wanted the Australian to do.

#3 Brendon McCullum (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Brendon McCullum is now a shadow of his glorious past

Talking about foreigners Royal Challengers Bangalore should release, Corey Anderson is the first name that comes to our mind. However, the Kiwi was an injury replacement for Nathan Coulter-Nile and amongst their original signings, RCB might consider dropping another Kiwi in Brendon McCullum.

While there is no doubt that 'Baz' has had an illustrious T20 career, it is high time to accept that the 36-year-old is not the same that he used to be. In this year's IPL, he scored 127 runs in 6 games at an average of just over 20, something not 'Baz-esque'. Henceforth, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers had to deal with immense pressure and RCB's hopes of winning the title extinguished one more time.

#2 Glenn Maxwell (Delhi Daredevils)

Glenn Maxwell was DD's most expensive player

What a coincidence that both the groom and the emcee features in this list. Much like his close friend Finch, Glenn Maxwell had a season which he would like to forget. Delhi Daredevils' coach Ricky Ponting had immense faith in him and hence splurged INR 9 crores on him. In return, 'Maxi' has scored only 169 runs.

Inconsistency has always been the issue with Maxwell but this year his average stooped to a new low of under 15. Surprisingly, he has done a better job with the ball by picking up 5 wickets at an economy rate of a bit over 8 runs per over, but it seems pretty certain that his name will go into the auction for next year.

#1 Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians)

Kieron Pollard did not bowl and had a tough season with the bat

Mumbai Indians' camp was overjoyed after roping in Kieron Pollard for INR 5.4 crores at the auction, but what followed was nothing less than a horror show. Pollard has not bowled a single over and his batting has been unsatisfactory, to say the least. In 9 games, the big West Indian has scored only 133 runs at an average of under 20 and a strike rate of 133.

Except for one knock of 50 runs, Pollard has failed to deliver anything special which is one of the reasons why Mumbai Indians' lower-order failed to capitalize on the good starts their openers have kept on giving. Though he is not as old as McCullum, his form is only going down which might lead to the end of his long partnership with the three-time IPL winning franchise.