The IPL 2024 auction is not far away and the franchises have started releasing the list of retained, released, and traded players. We have seen some notable decisions and some obvious decisions by the franchises. Like star all-rounder, Hardik Pandya traded from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians. Rishabh Pant has also been retained by Delhi Capitals despite not much clarity on his fitness. There are a few more decisions as well. But today, we will talk about the five surprising released players by the franchises before the IPL 2024 auction. So let’s start.
NOTE: We either talk about the surprising released players or traded to other franchises. Because the franchise is losing that player in the form of trading.
Five surprising releases by the franchises before the IPL 2024 auction
(1) Hardik Pandya (Traded to Mumbai Indians)
Despite having two very good seasons with Gujarat Titans (GT), Hardik Pandya is going back to his old franchise Mumbai Indians (MI). Hardik Pandya won the IPL title as captain in the inaugural IPL season of Gujarat Titans. And, his team also played the final in this year’s Indian Premier League IPL season. But still, Hardik Pandya is not staying with GT for the IPL 2024.
Gujarat Titans have traded Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians for an all-cash deal. That means MI hasn’t given any of their players at the expense of Hardik Pandya. There are some reports suggesting that the talks of Hardik coming back to MI have been happening even before this year’s IPL. And now, it has been confirmed by GT themselves on their social media.
Hardik Pandya made his Indian Premier League IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in 2015. Till 2021, he played for MI, and in those 7 years, he won 4 IPL titles (In 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020). He has played a crucial role in those title wins and is now set to play for the franchise again.
Till now, Hardik Pandya has played 123 games in the IPL and scored 2309 runs with an average of 30.38 and a strike rate of 145.86. He has scored 10 fifties in that period. With the ball, he has taken 53 wickets with an average of 33.26 and a strike rate of 22.68. His bowling economy is 8.80 and the best figures of 3 for 17.
(2) Wanindu Hasaranga
One of the main reasons for Royal Challengers Bangalore to release Wanindu Hasaranga is his regular injuries. The Sri Lankan leg spinner has been suffering regular injuries off late. Also, his performance in the IPL 2023 is not up to the mark. He has done well in IPL 2022, picking 26 wickets in the tournament. But in 2023, he only managed to pick up 9 wickets in 8 games.
With the bat as well, he hasn’t done much, scoring only 33 runs in IPL 2023.
Before the IPL 2024 auction, RCB released him and will look to find other options. They don’t have any big-name premium leg spinners. Or there might be a possibility that RCB will go for Wanindu Hasaranga and buy him for a much lower price.
(3) Harry Brook
Harry Brook has been the shining star in world cricket right now. He has been doing well for England and has done well in “The Hundred’ tournament as well. But he failed to replicate his performances in the IPL 2023. That’s why SRH released him before the IPL 2024 auction.
In the IPL 2023, he played 11 games and scored only 190 runs with an average of 21.11 and a strike rate of 123.38. He only has one inning to show in the IPL 2023, in which he scored a hundred against KKR.
Brook went for a hefty amount in the IPL 2023. Let’s see how much he gets in the IPL 2024 auction.
(4) Jofra Archer
It is one of the most shocking releases before the IPL 2024. Jofra Archer has been struggling with the injuries over the last few years. After his early burst in international cricket, he has been on the sideline for most part of his very short career.
Even when he tries to come back to professional cricket, he picks up a new injury or an old injury reoccurs. MI bought Jofra Archer even after knowing he will miss the IPL 2022. The English pacer only managed to play 5 games in the IPL 2023 and hasn’t made any significant impact. He only took 2 wickets with an average of 95 and a strike rate of 60. His economy is also on the higher side; being 9.50.
Before the IPL 2024 auction, MI has decided to release Archer and will look to fill that spot with another pacer most likely.
(5) Cameron Green
Cameron Green has done well for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2023. He was brilliant with the bat and played his part with the ball if needed. But despite his brilliant performance, Mumbai Indians traded Cameron Green to RCB in an all-cash deal. He was bought by Mumbai Indians for a whopping INR 17.25 crore.
FAQ’s:-
(1) Is the IPL 2024 trade window ended?
As far as the all-cash deal is concerned, yes the IPL 2024 trade window is ended. Although the trade window is still open till December 12, it will only be a player-to-player swap deal.
(2) Will Josh Hazelwood play in the IPL 2024?
A new RCB head coach Andy Flower has told that Josh Hazelwood might not be available for at least the first half of the next season. The reason is the pacer is expecting his first child with his wife.
(3) Who will captain the Gujarat Titans after Hardik Pandya’s departure?
Shubman Gill is set to captain the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2024.
