Five players who might go unsold in IPL 2019 auction
The eight franchises of the Indian Premier League had a busy trade window. Most teams have retained their main pool of players while some players found new pastures. Several high-profile players were released, and the franchises would look to strengthen their squads in the auction next month. We look at five big players, who might go unsold in the 2019 IPL auction.
Gambhir might be forced to retire
Gambhir was released by Delhi Daredevils in the recently concluded IPL trade window. Gambhir had scored a paltry 85 runs in six matches and was dropped from the playing XI, last season. At 37, Gambhir's IPL days look numbered. Earlier this month, Gambhir had stepped down as the Ranji captain. And it looks like he could call it a day in IPL as well.
Mitchell Starc's IPL woes could see him miss out
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc was dumped by the Kolkata Knight Riders in a rather surprising manner, via a text message. He missed out the 2018 edition due to an injury and prior to that he had participated in just two seasons (2014 and 2015). With Cricket Australia prioritizing World Cup over IPL and given Starc's injury woes, the franchises won't take any risk.
Yuvraj Singh's IPL career in tatters
Kings XI Punjab went on to release 12 players that included big guns such as Aaron Finch and Yuvraj Singh. Yuvi was below-par last season and was a shadow of himself. He did not help KXIP's cause in the matches he played. In 8 matches, Yuvraj amassed just 65 runs and slowed down proceedings. Yuvraj would most likely be ignored by the franchises.
D'Arcy Short had a dismal maiden campaign
Australian opening batsman D'Arcy Short was let go off by Rajasthan Royals after a disappointing maiden IPL campaign. Short was expected to light up the show, but the aggressive southpaw never adjusted to the conditions. And seeing him get just 115 runs at a strike-rate of 116.16, was a sorry sight. Short needs runs in the ongoing T20I series against India to impress franchises.
Maxwell hasn't lived up to the hype
Glenn Maxwell had one stunning season in 2014 where he was unstoppable. He had scored 552 runs at a tremendous strike-rate. But in the last three editions, he has been disappointing. He was bought by Delhi last term and failed to deliver. Inconsistency and the possibility of him being selected for the World Cup, could rob him off the opportunity.
