Yuvraj Singh and Dinesh Karthik released from IPL squads

Yuvraj Singh

Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Daredevils have released star players Yuvraj Singh and Dinesh Karthik from their respective squads, while Kings XI Punjab have opted to leave out Cheteshwar Pujara, Murali Karthik and Lakshmipathy Balaji. Monday was the deadline for the franchises to confirm their list of released players.

Yuvraj and Dinesh Karthik both cost their franchises Rs. 14 and Rs. 12.5 crores respectively, creating a massive dent in their team’s auction purse. While both these players found their touch as the season progressed after a slow start, it is understandable that the franchises have decided to drop them, as they could be bought back at much lower prices, with the demand not expected to be high.

Kings XI, on the other hand, have freed up Rs. 4.7 crores. Explaining the rationale behind the decision, one of the team’s officials has been quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo: "It is to do with Twenty20 and performance. Pujara is really a big name for Test cricket. He is a solid player. He does not fit with the current team's composition in his role as a Twenty20 batsman. That is the same reason for the other two also."

Latest update

Reports coming in that the Daredevils have released 13 of their players including their captain Kevin Pietersen, New Zealand’s Ross Taylor and Indian Test opener Murali Vijay.

Yuvraj Singh released by RCB giving them 13.5 Cr for the auction, Dinesh Karthik released by Delhi Daredevils giving them 12.5 Cr. #IPL

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) December 15, 2014

BREAKING: Yuvraj Singh released by @RCBTweets from squad — http://t.co/I8qHWtFPd2

— CricketCountry (@cricket_country) December 15, 2014

Delhi Daredevils release Dinesh Karthik, Murali Vijay, Kevin Pietersen & Ross Taylor for next season of #IPL http://t.co/kBvT4UiDWy

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) December 15, 2014

#IPL Delhi Daredevils have released Pietersen, Dinesh Karthik, Ross Taylor, M Vijay among 13 players. Retain JP Duminy, Shami, Quinton.

— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) December 15, 2014