IPL 2023 Auction: "I Never Got A Call"- Manish Pandey On Getting Released By Lucknow Super Giants

IPL 2023 retention day saw some of the big players released in the form of Kane Williamson, Kieron Pollard, and Dwayne Bravo. This indicates that the franchises have moved on from veteran cricketers and are thinking of building a strong and powerful team.

Manish Pandey, the dashing right-handed batter who was bought by the new franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for 4.6 crores was not retained. Along with Manish Pandey, the likes of Ajinkya Rahane & Mayank Aggarwal were not able to find a place in their franchise.

Manish Pandey on Non-Retention

Manish Pandey was having an interaction with Sportskeeda and was asked whether he got a call from LSG. No, I never got a call. I just got to know about it on the day the list was announced. There was no real communication, but yeah that’s alright. As players, you have to be ready. Because if you are not playing a lot of games, I understand from LSG’s point of view that they wanted to release me and get some extra money in the kitty for some other players or whatever the plan is.” said Manish Pandey.

“Yeah obviously, it is very important. But at the same time, I am somebody who likes to spend a little bit of time on the wicket. And when I am set, I look to go big. So that’s how I have been playing. And obviously, there are days when the batting doesn’t click for you or you don’t get a lot of runs. But this is how I play and, probably as time goes by, I will try and work on it, how much ever I can. I want to be a better player as every day goes on. This is my plan.” he added.

Crucial Season for IPL Franchises

The likes of Punjab Kings would be aiming to start afresh as each time they have shown potential but succumbed to pressure in a crucial phase of the match. They have a whooping purse of 32.25 Crores and would hope that the new coaching staff changes things.

CSK & MI had a forgettable season last year where they were completely outplayed in all the 3 departments of the game. It is assumed that the 2023 edition would be the last one of Legendary Captain MS Dhoni as BCCI is all set to introduce home and away venues.

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