IPL Auction 2020: Five released players who franchises would like to get back at a lower price

On November 15, all the eight Indian Premier League franchises revealed their list of retained and released players for the 2020 edition. While Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad released only 5 players each, Royal Challengers Bangalore decided to let go as many as 12 players.

While most of the players had been released due to questions over availability or poor form, some releases were quite surprising. The reason behind releasing these players could have been their high-price tag, or the players failing to justify it. The franchises often release such players and try to get them back in the auctions at a lower price, often by using the Right to Match card.

Let us take a look at five players who will be targeted by the same franchises that released them.

Also see – Mushtaq Ali Trophy points table

---

#1 Chris Lynn

Picture courtesy: iplt20.com/BCCI

Chris Lynn's release is arguably the most surprising one of the season. However, it is clear that this move has come due to his high price, not performance. In IPL 2018 auction, five teams bid for this explosive opener and Kolkata Knight Riders eventually managed to get him for a whopping ₹9.6 crore.

Since then, Lynn has played a pivotal role in the team. His belligerent style of play has helped KKR maximize the use of the powerplay without any bargain in the runs that he has scored. The big hitting right-hander has scored a total of 896 runs in the last two seasons with the team.

Lynn had issues with his fitness last time around but featured in all games of Winnipeg Hawks in the Global T20 Canada in July and August this year. Therefore, he might be a player to watch out for in the upcoming auction. KKR would hope that the gamble of releasing him doesn't backfire by him being sold to them for a higher price tag.

#2 Sam Curran

Picture courtesy: iplt20.com/BCCI

Having traded Ravichandran Ashwin, the Kings XI Punjab had already vacated the slot of an Indian all-rounder. After this, they released Sam Curran, the only lone renowned all-rounder left in their squad after Ashwin's departure. This was nothing less than a surprise since he had done well in the limited chances that he got last year.

The southpaw scored 95 runs in 9 games, along with scalping 10 wickets. The runs came at a strike-rate of 172.72, which is incredible for a bowling all-rounder. Not to forget, he was the first player to bag a hat-trick in the season. Though a bit expensive at times, he chipped in with wickets whenever the team needed it.

The reason for which Curran could have been released is his high price of ₹7.2 crore, which he had earned through an impressive show during India's tour of England. The 21-year-old can be a valuable addition to any team since he can go for the kill straight away, and provide an extra left-arm angle to the bowling attack.

Kings XI Punjab might have released him hoping to get him back at a lower price, but this looks highly unlikely as many teams would like to see him donning their jerseys.

#3 Shimron Hetmyer

Picture courtesy: iplt20.com/BCCI

Shimron Hetmyer was a hot pick in IPL 2019 auctions, thanks to his exploits against India when West Indies toured here in 2018. The determined Royal Challengers Bangalore bid heavily for him and bought him at the price of ₹4.2 crore. What followed next was nothing less than a disaster.

The Caribbean failed miserably and couldn't even reach the double digits in the first four games. The team also lacked patience and dropped him from the side without backing him enough. He returned in RCB's last game of the season and scored a brilliant 75 to salvage some pride for the already down and out team. Praising his performance, Virat Kohli even called for him to perform in the same way in IPL 2020.

Indeed his poor form in the recently concluded Carribean Premier League and then against Afghanistan has forced the team to release him ahead of the auctions. However, his talent needs no justification and everybody knows that he can be a destructive force on his day. Thus, the team might like to get him back at the auctions, preferably for a smaller dent on their budget.

#4 Evin Lewis

Picture courtesy: iplt20.com/BCCI

Few days earlier, reports had emerged that Mumbai Indians showed an interest in Tom Banton, who has been in sublime form with the bat. This might be one of the main reasons behind the team releasing Evin Lewis. After Quinton de Kock joined the side in 2019, Lewis' talent was only going to waste since the South African, along with Rohit Sharma, was handling the openers slot.

However, one cannot underestimate the talent that Lewis has. Over the years, the opener has established himself as the format specialist, with two T20I hundreds giving the testimony to his skill. Moreover, he was a key member of the squad in 2018, when de Kock wasn't there. He had scored 382 runs from 13 games, at an average touching 30 and a strike rate of 138.40.

Of late, the 27-year-old has been in a very good form. He made his presence felt against Afghanistan when he scored a 41-ball-68, which included 6 sixes. Therefore, the Mumbai Indians would like to get him back in the squad. He can be a backup opener for the team. He can also be made to play in the middle order as well to accommodate him in the side.

#5 Carlos Brathwaite

Carlos Brathwaite got very few opportunities with KKR.

In a tournament like IPL, the more the number of all-rounders you have, the more are your chances of success. The demand for all-rounders has been growing rapidly and KKR has one of the best in Andre Russell. Such was his impact last season that even an established international cricketer like Carlos Braithwaite couldn't get many chances in the side.

Brathwaite was bought by the team at a hefty amount of ₹5 crore. However, he could feature in only two games, scoring 11 runs without taking any wickets. Therefore, it is completely justified on the team's part to release him. However, his recent form has made everyone take notice again.

The West-Indian all-rounder scored 154 runs and took 9 wickets in the ICC World Cup 2019. Moreover, he was instrumental in the success of St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the CPL. He might be a valuable addition to any side. With the talks of 'Power Player' substitution in progress, teams might look to get him and use him in that role.

Brathwaite can also be a good backup for Andre Russell, who has been having issues with his fitness. Therefore, it won't be surprsing if KKR look to get him back again in the auctions.