IPL: 4 expensive players who might be released next year

In a tournament like IPL, a cricketer’s spot in the team is only determined by his performance and nothing else. No matter how close the cricketer might be to the team owners or how long he had spent with the team, if the performance is below the standard and it is costing the team, the management won't hesitate in parting ways with the player.

This year too, we are seeing some players who have been signed on handsome contracts but are unable to justify their pay. With nearly half the tournament over, these players still have a lot to prove to secure their spot in the team next year. And if they don’t, these players might be released by the franchise next year.

Here are four such players, who might be on the release list of their franchises:

1. Umesh Yadav (KKR): The right-arm medium pacer, who is known for his good pace has been a big disappointment this season. In 7 matches he has played so far, Yadav has taken only 1 wicket conceding as many as 170 runs at an economy of 9.44.

Despite having played 140 matches and 136 scalps to his name, Yadav has been completely out of tune this season. Apart from taking 1 wicket in an opening match, Yadav has gone wicketless in the last six matches and it is a big worry for the team.

A senior pacer, Yadav has been unable to lead the pace attack. Suyash Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine have been the key bowlers for the team.

Yadav was acquired at a price of Rs 2 crore in 2022 and in 2023 was retained by KKR. However, it seems unlikely that he would be retained by the team next year.

2. Riyan Parag (RR): The Guwahati-born cricketer has a great been a find for Rajasthan Royals since 2019. But, after having a below average season last year, Parag has struggled to perform this year too.

In 5 matches played so far, Parag has scored 54 runs at a strike-rate of 112.50. He has been criticised by cricket experts for batting at such a poor strike-rate. This was a reason he didn’t feature in the last game against RCB.

Parag was roped in by Rajasthan at Rs 20 lakh in 2019 and for reason known best to the owners, he was paid Rs 3.80 crore in 2022 auctions despite no extraordinary performance with the bat. For the 2023 season, he was retained by Rajasthan at the same price.

Parag’s strike-rate in the last five years has remained around 120. The team might rethink its decision to back the Assam cricketer next season.

3. Abdul Samad (SRH): Another great find, the allrounder has been with the Sunrisers Hyderabad since 2020. He started at his base price of Rs 20 lakh and his pay was elevated to Rs 4 crore in 2022 and in 2023 too SRH is paying him the same amount.

Samadm, in the three matches he has played so far this season, has looked completely out of touch. His strike-rate of 114.81 is a big concern for the team because he comes lower down the order and his role is that of a finisher in the team.

In his last game against Mumbai Indians, he was heavily criticised by the fans for his slow 9-run knock of 12 balls while chasing a target of 192. Since SRH has plenty of bowling options, Samad hasn’t bowled yet.

It is most likely that the Jammu-born cricketer will be released next year.

4. Rahul Chahar (PBKS): The allrounder is one of the most expensive players for Punjab Kings. Chahar was retained by Punjab at Rs 5.25 crore owing to his good bowling figures. But he has nearly gone unnoticed this year, as he has been able to take only 2 wickets in 7 matches so far.

Chahar has conceded 189 runs in 7 matches at an economy of 8.44. Last season Chahar had taken 14 wickets in 13 matches. But this season, the leg spinner is struggling.

Though his role is that of an allrounder, he hasn’t got the opportunity to bat yet this season. Plus, his strike-rate of 100 is far from impressive in the shortest format of the game. 

As Punjab Kings already have big names like Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Shikhar Dhawan and Mayank Agarwal, the team might release Chahar next season.