Strong playing XI of cricketers released before IPL 2023 Auctions

On November 15th, all teams announced the list of players released and retained. A few popular players had to be released either due to form or financial reasons. On that note, in this article, we take a look at the strong playing XI of cricketers released before the IPL 2023 Auctions.

It is common for franchises to release players and then try to buy them back. This is part of the dynamics of the competition. While that on one side, IPL has become ruthless for non-performers, especially for overseas cricketers. We take a look at the best XI including only the released cricketers.

Note: We have not considered players who have retired from IPL

Openers: Mayank Agarwal and Alex Hales

Mayank Agarwal and Alex Hales will be the openers in this strong playing XI of cricketers released before the IPL 2023 Auctions. Punjab Kings released their skipper Mayank Agarwal before the next auctions. The player was not great with the bat and the batting unit was struggling to find balance. Hence, he is a part of this XI. Alex Hales, after a fantastic T20 World Cup, was set to take IPL by storm. However, he has pulled out of the next season and hence, KKR released him.

Middle-Order: Kane Williamson (C), Nicholas Pooran (WK) and KS Bharat

Kane Williamson is, obviously, the biggest release by any franchise. Having single-handedly led SRH to playoffs for a few seasons, Kane is struggling for form. Hence, he had to be released. It was mainly due to the price tag that Pooran has been released by SRH. The franchise could try to get him back. KS Bharat will be relieved that he has been released by Delhi. He will now want consistent opportunities in IPL 2023.

All-Rounders: James Neesham, Dwayne Bravo and Jason Holder

Neesham, Bravo and Holder will be the all-rounders in this strong playing XI of cricketers released before the IPL 2023 Auctions. James Neesham has been under par in IPL and hence, RR releasing him was not a surprise. Due to the age factor, Bravo has been released and in Holder's case, it is because of his high salary. Both players could still find a contract for next season.

Bowlers: Shreyas Gopal, Pat Cummins and Dushmantha Chameera

Since this team needed a spinner, we have Shreyas Gopal, who was released by SRH. Pat Cummins has pulled out of IPL 2023 and hence, KKR had to release the Aussie. Chameera was a surprise release by LSG. His recent injury record could have played a part in this.