The last week of the IPL trading season has provided Indian fans with a welcome distraction from the World Cup final sadness, with several big-money moves taking place close to the Sunday, November 26 deadline for submitting the final list of retained and released players. The most shocking and sensational news the return of Hardik Pandya to his former team Mumbai Indians.
A agreement that practically no one believed, one that seemed preposterous, has purportedly been verified by government sources one day before the deadline. Hardik Pandya has been sent back to the Mumbai Indians for cash, with the Gujarat Titans receiving a transfer fee for releasing their captain after he guided them to an IPL triumph in their debut.
While the cricketing world is divided on the implications of this agreement, MI’s focus will be on the players they keep and release, with Hardik Pandya accounting for 15 crores or more of their annual budget. Here are three players who MI may contemplate releasing if Hardik Pandya joins them for the IPL 2024 season.
3. Tim David
Tim David was one of MI’s best players last season, and while his name may come up during negotiations about who to release due to his high price tag, the chances of it happening are slim.
Tim David, one of the world’s most dangerous T20 batsmen, scored 231 runs in 16 matches with a strike rate of 158.22 previous season, a drop from his IPL 2022 heroics.
While he didn’t have a fantastic start to the season, his performances improved as the competition progressed, coinciding with MI’s comparable upswing in play.
Based on his stats, MI has a case for releasing him because of his high price tag. However, in terms of potential finishers, Tim David is unrivaled in this league, and while his release is possible, it is unlikely.
2. Cameron Green
Cameron Green was the second-most expensive purchase in the IPL 2023 auction, fetching a whopping 17.50 crores as MI fought for his services. They didn’t exactly employ the Australian to his full capacity, but when he batted at his favored position at the top of the order, Green proved why the team paid such a high price for him.
Green concluded the IPL 2023 with 452 runs at an average of over 50 and a strike rate of 160.28, as well as six wickets. However, his recent limited-overs performances have been underwhelming, particularly in matches played in India.
With Hardik Pandya, another elite all-rounder, ready to join, the issue of whether Hardik Pandya is a like-for-like replacement for Green arises. In terms of skill and future potential, it’s difficult to understand MI releasing Cameron Green, but it makes a lot of financial sense.
It remains to be seen if MI will take the risk of releasing Green and trying to reclaim him at a lesser price at auction, or whether they will keep him.
1. Jofra Archer
Regardless of the Hardik Pandya deal, the Mumbai Indians were set to release Jofra Archer before of the auction. With Hardik Pandya coming in, they have even more motivation to let go of the England seamer since it frees up a large piece of money in their budget.
Archer’s injury woes are hindering his ability to play cricket regularly. Despite his best efforts to stay fit, Archer managed to take only two wickets in five matches last season and was forced to withdraw from the tournament midway.
The cricketing world is well aware of his lethal bowling abilities when he’s in top form. However, it has been a while since he was last at his best. Mumbai Indians (MI) would definitely consider bringing him back at a lower price if he recovers from his injury. But with Hardik Pandya joining the team, releasing Jofra Archer is an obvious decision.