IPL 2020: 5 players bought in 2019 who might be released ahead of the 2020 auction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the most widely followed T20 league in the world. The cash-rich league is a platform that gives players the opportunity to make a name for themselves at the big stage.

Since its inception in 2008, the quality of cricket in the event has increased manifold, with some of the world’s best players competing against each other under the same roof.

The IPL auction is conducted every year as the franchises aim to build their best possible squad from the pool of players ready to go under the hammer. Even in 2019, players were rewarded for their performances at various levels of cricket as many of them managed to attract huge bids at the auction.

However, not all players end up justifying the price tag associated with their name. In 2019, there were a few players who took the auction by storm and attracted fancy bids, but later failed to perform to the best of their potential.

It is possible that their respective franchises might consider releasing them after their no-show in the previous edition. Here, we take a look at five players who were bought in 2019 but might be released before the auction this year:

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#5 Mohit Sharma (Chennai Super Kings)

Mohit Sharma

The Haryana player Mohit Sharma has been out of the national reckoning since his last appearance in October 2015. He was bought by Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2019 after being released by his former franchise Kings XI Punjab.

Sharma, who represented India in the 2015 World Cup, caught everyone's attention by performing consistently for CSK during a three-year period between 2013-2015.

However, the 35-year-old has experienced a slump in the last couple of years. In IPL 2018 he started in nine matches for the Kings XI, picking up only seven wickets at an economy nearing 11.

Playing for CSK in the last season, Sharma got a solitary chance to feature in the playing XI, despite being their costliest buy of the season. The franchise didn’t opt to use his services given the nature of the wickets at their home ground and the potent fast bowling pool at their disposal.

It will not be a surprise if the Yellow Army release the experienced bowler this year.

Also see – World Test Championship Schedule

#4 Shivam Dube (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Shivam Dube

One of India’s domestic stars in the shorter versions of the game, Shivam Dube rose to fame after with his attacking stroke-play for his state team Mumbai. He made headlines after he smacked five consecutive sixes against Baroda in a Ranji Trophy match, a day before the IPL auction.

This proved to be of great help for the all-rounder as he was snapped up by RCB for INR 5 crore. But the all-rounder, who was drafted in for his hard-hitting batting at the death, failed to capitalize on the opportunities that came his way.

In four matches, Dube could only score 40 runs and proved to be a huge let-down for the Kohli-led side. He couldn’t impress with his bowling either and had to warm the benches for a major part of the season.

In the season ahead RCB might want to look beyond the youngster, and they might release him before the auction.

#3 Carlos Brathwaite (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Carlos Brathwaite

The mighty West Indian all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite is a perfect fit for the shortest format of the game. Known as a T20 specialist, Brathwaite caught everyone's eye after he played a mesmerizing knock in the World T20 final at Kolkata in 2016 to help his side claim their second T20 title.

Based on his reputation Brathwaite has featured in every IPL edition since then, but hasn’t left a huge impact.

In 2019 he was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 5 crore in the auction in order to partner his countryman Andre Russell as a bowling all-rounder. But for a majority of the tournament, the 31-year-old failed to break into the playing XI. He featured in only two games and returned with no wickets, and didn't contribute much with the bat either.

It is highly likely that Brathwaite will once again see his name go into the auction list this year.

#2 Ashton Turner (Rajasthan Royals)

Ashton Turner

Perth Scorchers' hard-hitting lower-order batsman Ashton Turner rose to fame with his blistering knock against India in a match-winning ODI effort at Mohali this year. Turner's whirlwind innings of 84 played a huge role in helping him earn an IPL contract. He was bought by Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2019 at his base price for INR 50 lakh.

However, it wasn't a great outing with the bat for Turner, who got to feature in the tournament very late. He started his IPL career on a dismal note by bagging three consecutive ducks in his first three appearances for the Royals.

Usually known as a dasher, the 26-year-old failed to adapt his game as per the conditions on offer in the sub-continent. In four IPL matches Turner has a tally of three runs to his name, which might play a major role in his future with the team.

It is likely that RR will release Turner and instead rope in some young talent capable of finishing games for the team.

#1 Colin Ingram (Delhi Capitals)

Colin Ingram

Another major disappointment of the 2019 season, Colin Ingram came in with a huge reputation of being a potent T20 player. His exploits in the various T20 leagues around the world made him as one of the hot buys in the 2019 auction.

The left-hander managed to attract a hefty bid of INR 6.4 crore from Delhi Capitals, but failed to prove his potential with the bat.

A stroke-maker by nature, Ingram registered his highest score in Delhi's opening game against Mumbai. But it was all downhill from there as the southpaw struggled to keep his footing in the tournament.

In 12 innings, the South African could only muster 184 runs - at a poor average of 18.40.

Considering his sub-par performance in the 2019 edition, the Capitals might opt to release Ingram and replace him with an Indian talent who can score big and quick in the slog overs.