KKR keep the faith in Kuldeep, Karthik; RCB offload Morris, Finch
How RCB, Sunrisers, Mumbai and KKR stack up ahead of the auction
Chris Morris and Isuru Udana will hunt for a new IPL franchise • BCCI
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Royal Challengers Bangalore have offloaded three big-ticket overseas signings: Chris Morris, Moeen Ali and Aaron Finch. Morris came with a price tag of INR 10 crores. The franchise revealed in a video after his signing that they were ready to shell out more. Now, he finds himself out after one season where he picked up 11 wickets in nine matches at a more-than-acceptable economy of 6.63, due to his history of injuries and lack of cricket since IPL 2020.
A strong Indian middle-order batsman who can tonk the ball, and one back-up seamer to strengthen a strong bowling line-up consisting of Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Kane Richardson, Sams and Harshal.
Morris did really well for us, but the thing is he had injuries. He missed a bit of cricket [during the IPL] and hasn't played since then, so there's a bit of a risk for us there [with the INR 10 crore purse]. Finch was a great addition from a leadership perspective, whether he played or not, but we decided to go a slightly different way. Josh Phillipe gives us that top order cover."
Mike Hesson, RCB's Director of Cricket
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Fabian Allen and Billy Stanlake were the two big names released by Sunrisers Hyderabad. They also let go of Sanjay Yadav, B Sandeep and Prithvi Raj. None of the five released players got a game last season.
If all their players are available, the Sunrisers have most bases covered. What they are missing is an experienced, Indian middle-order batsman.
"The thing is the Sunrisers can play only four overseas players and they would want to play five ideally. They have to make a choice between Bairstow and Kane Williamson every day. So I don't think they need any more overseas players."
Deep Dasgupta on ESPNcricinfo
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians all but emptied their overseas fast-bowling contingent by releasing Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Pattinson and Mitchell McClenaghan. Earlier this month, Lasith Malinga also informed the team management about his decision to retire from franchise cricket.
With Bumrah, Boult and Dhawal Kulkarni being the only fast bowlers with international experience in the squad, expect Mumbai to go big on pacers, especially the overseas kind, and fast-bowling allrounders. They may also try to rope in a legspinner as back-up for Rahul Chahar.
"Lasith Malinga has been at the core of Mumbai Indians for 12 years. We respect his decision, even though I would have liked to him to be part of our bowling attack for another five years. Malinga is an MI legend. We will miss the Wankhede chant for him."
Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani
Kolkata Knight Riders
Despite two poor IPL seasons, the two-time champions have retained left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav. Dinesh Karthik, who quit as captain after seven games in IPL 2020, has been retained as well, along with Sunil Narine, Pat Cummins and the 2018 Under-19 World Cup trio of Shubman Gill, Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi.
A capped Indian fast bowler will be high on their priority since they have none. They also need a back-up wicketkeeper for Karthik with Banton and Naik released.
"I was enjoying the rumours that were floating around, rather than the reality. Challenging taking some calls because you're shooting in the dark about the location of IPL 2021 - India or the UAE. Our think tank felt we have a balanced squad. Over the years, we've had small squads and go into mini-auctions looking to do small fine-tuning. We don't need too many significant changes. Eoin Morgan will have a full season.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore