IPL 2021: 5 players KXIP should release ahead of the auction

Possibly the side who fared the poorest in the 2018-2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) cycle, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) had another disappointing season in 2020. Though the face of their frustration changed from R Ashwin to KL Rahul, the results didn't quite vary. A late, unexpected streak of six wins notwithstanding, KXIP hardly looked like they would make the playoffs - whether one judged by their squad makeup, or the form of key players.

Although questions were raised on several aspects of his strategy as skipper, KL Rahul's batting seems to be a long-term pillar for KXIP. Chris Gayle defied age in the games he played, while Mayank Agarwal shone brightly as opener. Mohammad Shami showed his experience when it mattered, most memorably in a Super Over defence of just five runs, while Nicholas Pooran had star contributions too. Young pacer Arshdeep Singh showed guile with the ball, as did impressive legspinner Ravi Bishnoi.

However, KXIP's season of horrors saw them lose games from winning positions, with silly mistakes on the field coupled with strange team decisions leading to humiliation for their fans. Here are five players KXIP should release ahead of the auctions.

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#5 Hardus Viljoen (IPL 2019-2020)

Not fully utilised by KXIP, Hardus Viljoen might find a different taker in 2021.

T20 globe-trotting bowler Hardus Viljoen was acquired by KXIP in the 2019 auctions in a bid to provide teeth to their bowling attack. Though the South African pacer was available in 2020, he did not have a single opportunity to contribute despite the wheels coming off from KXIP's campaign.

In 2019, Viljoen played 6 matches for the franchise, picking up 7 wickets at a poor economy rate of 9.65. With several overseas bowlers in the KXIP squad, and only two spots up for grabs, the team management never quite gave Viljoen the nod. However, a poor 2019 meant the faith in Viljoen was also low. KXIP has a reputation of picking up the hottest signings of the season, and the likelihood of Viljoen featuring for them in the future looks quite small. Thus, he looks to be on his way out.

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#4 Karun Nair (IPL 2018-2020)

Karun Nair hasn't done enough to justify KXIP's big investment over years.

A consistent performer in IPL franchises such as Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, Karun Nair joined KXIP in 2018 after the franchise splurged INR 5.6 crore for his services. After a moderately impressive season in 2018, a change-up in the franchise's plans saw him pushed to the backburner. He played just one game in IPL 2019 and four in IPL 2020 for modest returns.

With Nair being overlooked by the Indian Cricket Team a few series after his thrilling Test triple-century against England, KXIP has found it hard to justify his consistent selection. Although the Karnataka batsman has a solid middle-order reputation domestically, it was not up for display in his few outings in IPL 2020. KXIP are better off going for an explosive middle-order batsman for cheaper - they may even buy back Nair and get a better deal since he may not have too many takers.

#3 Chris Jordan (IPL 2020)

Chris Jordan couldn't quite be the menacing death bowler he is reputed to be.

Brought in to fix KXIP's death bowling and late-order striking woes, Barbados-born Chris Jordan didn't quite have the answers in IPL 2020. Nine wickets from as many games in 2020, with an economy of 9.65, make for poor reading for a frontline bowler. To make matters worse, he hardly contributed with the bat, striking at below a run a ball.

One of England's T20 stars - his excellent penultimate over against West Indies in the T20 World Cup springs to mind - Jordan has had a poor run in the IPL regardless of the franchise he has played for. An IPL career economy rate of 9.33 does not inspire. Unless Jordan pulls off some stunning displays in the lead-up to the 2021 auction retention announcements, he looks on his way out.

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#2 Sheldon Cottrell (IPL 2020)

IPL 2020 didn't see too much of Cottrell's signature salute.

Jamaican quick Sheldon Cottrell was picked up by KXIP for an eye-watering INR 8.5 crore. In need of a foreign quick, the team was also motivated to join the bidding seeing Cottrell's performance in the 2019 ICC World Cup, where he was West Indies' highest wicket-taker. A strong performance in the Global T20 Canada also sealed the deal for him, although the lack of exposure to other leagues in the T20 format was a bit of a concern.

Cottrell had an unremarkable season, as he returned six wickets from six games at an economy rate nearing 9. Although he has a decent T20I and overall domestic T20 bowling record, Cottrell could not nearly match his price tag, and looks set to be released before the IPL 2021 auctions.

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#1 Glenn Maxwell (IPL 2020)

Glenn Maxwell made a meal of all his opportunities with the bat in IPL 2020.

Expensive players face the maximum scrutiny when they step onto the field, and the pressure to perform often gets to them. As has been the case for the past few years now, KXIP's colossal, INR 10.75 crore-sized bet on their 2014 MVP Glenn Maxwell did not reap rewards. Instead, Maxwell scored the lowest runs he has ever scored in a season where he played over 10 games - just 108 of them - at a miserable strike rate of 102. He ended the season without a single six scored off his bat.

The former KXIP skipper was sent out to bat in a variety of game situations, but failed every time, often looking ugly and mistiming the ball when looking for a release shot. His contribution with the ball was tidy, yet his bowling is far from his primary role in the team. No matter whether KXIP sees Maxwell in their future plans or not, his poor form in the league demands he be released, so that the team frees up nearly INR 11 crore for a few reliable players.