IPL 2018 retentions: 10 big names who were not retained

After months of speculations over the retention policies of various IPL teams, the list is finally out and while there are a few surprises, most of the teams have opted for bankable players along predicted lines.

However, there were a few big names who were released by the franchises and while they can be drafted back in the auctions using the right to match cards, their absence baffled cricket fans.

Here in this slider, we take a look at 10 big players who were not erased off the roster by the different teams.

---

#10 Rashid Khan

The young Afghanistan leggie has been turning not only his leg breaks but also several heads all around the world with his unique skills and wicket-taking abilities.

He was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad team in the previous season and was crucial to their scheme of things. Ever since he has only gone from strength to strength and finished as the number two wicket-taker in 2017.

Currently, he is plying his trade for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League and is doing what he does beat- picking up wickets.

#9 Ravichandran Ashwin

It has been an odd year for India's premier off-spinner. While he has won India matches in the longest format, he has dropped out of favour as far as the limited overs team is concerned.

He was a crucial member of the Chennai Super Kings side, but now finds himself out in the open and it could well be he finds a new team for this new cycle of the IPL.

#8 Chris Gayle

The self-proclaimed Universe boss Chris Gayle had a miserable season last year where he found it hard to put bat on the ball and this could have acted against him this year.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have opted for Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Sarfaraz Khan and this has translated into Gayle being released. While he might still be bought back, but it is highly unlikely that Chinnaswamy will roar once again for Gayle as their home boy.

#7 Gautam Gambhir

The year 2011 saw the resurgence of Kolkata Knight Riders and their leader in Gautam Gambhir was the crux of the team, both as a player and as a captain.

He is an inspirational figure and has led KKR to two IPL titles, but for some very peculiar reason, he is not in KKR's scheme of things for this cycle.

Gambhir might well be bought back using the RTM but if reports are to be believed, he is headed for his home state Delhi.

#6 Brendon McCullum

IPL erupted when a certain diminutive Kiwi decided to stamp his authority on the league and in the process IPL was launched with a lot of gusto.

However, after floating around playing for different teams, he finally found a pitstop in Chennai and moulded beautifully with the franchise.

#5 Yuzvendra Chahal

It is surprising that Royal Challengers Bangalore didn't retain the highest T20I wicket-taker in 2017, Yuzvendra Chahal. Last year, he picked up 23 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 14.13 and an economy of 7.83, numbers that are too good for a spinner in the format.

What made him stand out among the other bowlers is that the rate at which he picked his wickets as he picked up one every 10.8 balls, the best for any bowler this year with at least 10 wickets.

He was also the most consistent RCB bowler over the last few years and it is quite clear that KKR think differently as they have let him go. In the auctions, his price is bound to skyrocket and hence it might be tricky for RCB to use the RTM option.

#4 Dwayne Bravo

Another West Indian superstar, another surprising choice, another Chennai Super Kings man, Dwayne Bravo has almost become synonymous with T20 with his plethora of skills, both as a bowler and as a batsman.

There is no denying the balance Bravo renders to any side and hence CSK will be hoping his price does not shoot too much in the auctions and that they might be able to use the RTM option.

#3 Chris Lynn

The Queenslander has earned the nickname 'Lynnsanity' for his astonishing hitting prowess and he has only gone from strength to strength ever since BBL 2016.

He showed a fleeting glimpse of his prowess for KKR last season, but his journey was stabbed by a shoulder injury.

However, he is back smoking huge sixes for the Brisbane Heat and hence KKR could end of ruing their decision of not retaining him.

#2 Shikhar Dhawan

The last 15 months have been like an extended knock in the nets for the Indian opener, as he has plundered runs for fun across all the three formats.

However, despite his consistency for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, they have retained only David Warner and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

It may well be that Dhawan wishes for a hefty salary and hence could well be headed to a different team for the upcoming seasons.

#1 Quinton de Kock

The young sensation from South Africa is a joy to watch on most days and has the ability to churn out match-winning innings on a consistent basis for teams.

However, Delhi have opted not to retain him and may well rope him in using the right to match option in the auctions, but there is no denying that he will be hot property for all the teams.