IPL Auction 2022: 5 players unlikely to be retained despite an impressive IPL 2021 campaign

#3 Rahul Tripathi

Rahul Tripathi had an impressive IPL 2021 campaign for KKR. Pic: IPLT20.COM

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rahul Tripathi secured his place in IPL folklore by smashing Ravichandran Ashwin for a six in the second qualifier of IPL 2021 against Delhi Capitals (DC).

However, there was more to his performance than just that famous six. Tripathi had one of his most memorable IPL campaigns with the bat, smacking 397 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate of 140.28.

The KKR management gave him a free hand to go out and express himself, and the 30-year-old did not let the team down. When it comes to retention, though, Tripathi does not have a strong chance of staying back with the franchise.

Kolkata would prefer the likes of Venkatesh Iyer, who turned around KKR’s fortunes, as well as mystery spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. Shubman Gill and Andre Russell could also be in the reckoning.

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#4 Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur playing for CSK. Pic: IPLT20.COM

‘Lord’ Shardul Thakur did not have a great first half for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2021. He looked lacklustre, and was taken for plenty of runs, as he could not find his bowling rhythm.

However, following success during the Test series in England with both bat and ball, he turned into a completely different player during the second half of IPL 2021 in the UAE.

Thakur ended the season as one of the top wicket-takers, claiming 21 wickets in 16 matches at a strike rate of 17.09. He claimed three key scalps in the final after KKR had gotten off to a terrific start in their chase.

CSK, though, are likely to retain captain MS Dhoni, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as well as prolific opener Ruturaj Gaikwad. The fourth slot could go to either Moeen Ali or Sam Curran, so there is a decent chance of Thakur finding his name in the auction.

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#5 Jason Holder

Jason Holder gave SRH some moments of joy in IPL 2021. Pic: IPLT20.COM

Former West Indies captain and all-rounder Jason Holder was one of the few bright spots for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in an otherwise disastrous IPL 2021 campaign.

The tall pacer featured in only eight matches during the season, but made a significant impact, claiming 16 wickets at a strike rate of 11.93 and an economy rate of 7.75. Bowling tight lines and lengths and varying his pace, Holder was extremely valuable. He also contributed a few handy cameos with the willow low down the order.

If the buzz around retention is anything to go by, SRH are not keen to keep more than one or two star players. Kane Williamson, who took over the SRH captaincy from David Warner midway through IPL 2021, is likely to remain their marquee player.

There is a chance that leg-spinner Rashid Khan could also be retained. But SRH would be keen to build their team literally from scratch, which is why they could send all the other players back into the auction.