It’s just over a week since IPL 2020 finished but IPL teams are once again in the headlines as they prepare for IPL 2021. The BCCI is likely to hold IPL 2021 as per schedule which means April or May 2021. The big question is whether the BCCI will be able to hold IPL 2021 in India or if they will have to return to the UAE once again.
IPL teams are not worrying over the venue for the 2021 edition but are instead focus on the mega auction that will be held in either Jan or Feb 2021. A number of IPL teams plan to cut some of their players and release them ahead of the mega auction. We look at the list of likely players that will be cut from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and current champions Mumbai Indians.
CSK – Which Players Will Go?
CSK had a disastrous 2020 IPL because their usual formula of sticking with tried and tested players backfired. Expect CSK to release more than half their side as they look to transform their squad and prepare for the future. CSK are most likely going to retain MS Dhoni for the 2021 season and chances are he will captain the side once again.
Shane Watson has retired and will be out automatically. Dwayne Bravo who has been with CSK for ages could be cut. Bravo got injured midways through the tournament and given the fact that he is 37, CSK might say goodbye unless MS Dhoni bats for him. Veterans Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh who skipped the 2020 IPL will likely not have their contracts renewed.
K Jadhav who had a forgettable IPL will also be cut as CSK fans started an online petition to have him removed from the team. Faf du Plessis played well for CSK at times but given the fact that he is going to be 37 next year, he could also be released.
RCB – Which Players Will Go?
RCB did a lot better at the 2020 IPL than they did in the last few seasons. However, RCB management will be disappointed that their team fell short of making it to the IPL finals. RCB are most likely going to retain Virat Kohli as the captain once again. However, expect them to make significant changes to their squad.
RCB need to strengthen their bowling department which means some of the bowlers are going to be shown the door. Dale Steyn is no longer the bowler he used to be and he will be released. A lot was expected of Moeen Ali but he failed to deliver in IPL 2020 and could be shown the door. Umesh Yadav is great in test cricket but not very economical in T20 cricket and could also be released.
There could be a few changes with the batting line up as Aaron Finch might be released along with Parthiv Patel. Even though AB Devilliers will turn 37 next year, he will be retained as he was one of the best players for RCB this season.
Mumbai Indians: – Which Players Will Go?
The Mumbai Indians had a phenomenal season and went on to win their 5th IPL Championship. The team as a whole played brilliantly and the owners will look to keep most of their core players together.
The Mumbai Indians do not have to make any major changes but given the fact that they are always looking out for young talent, expect a few. Kiwi quick Mitchell McClenaghan and West Indian Sherfane Rutherford did not play even one game during this IPL. These two players could be cut for 2021.
