IPL 2021: 5 Players Who Weren't Sold In The Auction But Teams Hired Them Later

The IPL auction has proved for many cricketers a game-changing moment in their lives. The IPL 2021 auction is all set to take place in Chennai on February 18. Though the auction has copped its fair share of criticism since it began in 2008; however, it has become one of the most anticipated events. Fans get hooked to their televisions to watch their favourite teams’ decisions and seeing where their players end up.

The strategies are exceptionally crucial for the IPL franchises leading up to the auction. Every team must know what they need from the bidding function to bounce back if they endured a disappointing IPL edition. It comes as no surprise to see some of the best international cricketers to fetch some extravagant contracts. And it also happens that certain players do not get bids during the auction for various reasons, known to the management.

Nevertheless, if luck knocks upon their doors or circumstances allow, some cricketers do get a look during the middle of the tournament. Hence, it indeed arrives as an opportunity for them to prove that they belong at this level.

IPL 2021: 5 Players Who Weren’t Sold In The Auction But Teams Hired Them Later

Jason Holder:

West Indian Test captain Jason Holder might not have the stats to boast about in T20s; nevertheless, is a handy cricketer. Before the 2020 IPL season, Jason Holder last played in the extravaganza in 2016 and had limited opportunities after debuting in 2013. Thus, it was uncertain what he would bring for the SunRisers Hyderabad, replacing Mitchell Marsh, whose ankle injury ruled him out of the tournament.

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But Jason Holder added another layer of depth to SunRisers Hyderabad’s bowling attack, playing a crucial role in their road to the playoffs. The 29-year old bagged 14 wickets in seven matches at 16.64. Holder also made some vital runs in the Eliminator game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore that scripted a thrilling victory for their side. The Barbadian’s performances also led the franchise to retain him for IPL 2021.

Mitchell McClenaghan:

Mitchell McClenaghan is undoubtedly one of the hottest free agents in franchise cricket and has devoted himself to the same. The Kiwi left-arm quick made his IPL debut in the 2015 edition and has already been part of four winning campaigns of Mumbai Indians. Mitchell McClenaghan, who has represented only one team in IPL, returned to the same franchise in 2018 after Mumbai Indians released him and going unsold in the auction.

The defending champions copped a blow in the form of losing their left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff, who had a back problem. Mumbai Indians roped in a like for like replacement in McClenaghan, who had a decent season that year. The 34-year old bagged 14 wickets in 11 fixtures at 23.71. Unfortunately, Mumbai Indians could not qualify for the playoffs in 2018.

Corey Anderson:

After plying his trade for Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, Corey Anderson donned Royal Challengers Bangalore’s jersey in the 2018 edition. It was nearly a year after Corey Anderson played his last game for New Zealand and he was not in the best nick with the bat. Anderson could chip in with a few overs with the ball but was not a genuine wicket-taker.

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The Royal Challengers Bangalore signed him as a replacement player for Nathan Coulter-Nile, who was ruled out of the competition after an injury. The franchise opted for the 30-year old at his base price of INR 2 crores; however, did not have the desired outing. He managed only 17 runs in three matches and picked up as many wickets, averaging 38.33 with an economy rate of 13.27. The Royal Challengers finished sixth that season.

Alex Hales:

Alex Hales had become a massive part of England’s revamped set-up in limited-overs cricket as they chose to approach it fearlessly after its 2015 World Cup debacle. Hence, Alex Hales was vital to England’s transformed look and had a tremendous striking ability. However, even then, it was a mighty task to fill David Warner’s shoes for the SunRisers Hyderabad in 2018.

David Warner had become the heart of the Orange Army since his lightning-quick starts at the top along with his brilliant moves on the field had significantly contributed to the team’s remarkable run. Warner’s ban from cricket for one year due to the ball-tampering scandal gave Alex Hales an opportunity in the cash-rich league. And the opener had a decent run, managing 148 runs in six matches with a strike rate of 125.42 as the SunRisers finished as the runners-up. But the franchise released Hales ahead of IPL 2019.

Chris Gayle:

West Indian star batsman Chris Gayle came into the auction after Kolkata Knight Riders released him following a mediocre 2010 edition by his standards. Still, few assumed that Chris Gayle would find no buyers in auction and the same happened in 2011. And what followed after that was the Jamaican showing how to grab an opportunity with both hands.

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With left-arm fast bowler, Dirk Nannes injured during the tournament; the Royal Challengers Bangalore seized the opportunity by signing Chris Gayle. The swashbuckling left-handed batsman ended up bossing the season as he mustered 608 runs in 12 matches with three fifties and two centuries at 67.56 while maintaining a strike rate of 183.13. It also earned him the Orange Cap, but the Royal Challengers fell one step of their maiden IPL title.