Xtra Time Web Desk: Two times former IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders has released their all-rounders Shardul Thakur and Lockie Ferguson ahead of IPL 2024 Auction. The primary reason for the Knights releasing Shardul was the Impact Player rule coming into existence. Shardul’s utility at least in T20 format seems to be diminishing as neither his bowling nor his batting has enough firepower to be slotted among the top 6. Knight Riders, who recently named Gautam Gambhir as their mentor will have a purse of 10.75 crore and another Rs 5 crore in addition before they go into the auction.
Delhi Capitals have decided to release both Sarfaraz Khan and Manish Pandey. Interestingly, DC management have reposed their faith on Prithvi Shaw who is recovering from a knee surgery. It is understood that head coach Ricky Ponting and team director Sourav Ganguly have a lot of faith in Shaw’s abilities and expect him to get fit before the IPL starts in late March next year.
Meanwhile, RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad have traded left-arm spin bowling all-rounders Shahbaz Ahmed and Mayank Dagar. Lucknow Super Giants have traded fast bowler Avesh Khan with Rajasthan Royals Devdutt Padikkal.
Joe Root is another big overseas name released by Rajasthan Royals. There are reports that the former England captain had pulled himself out of the IPL 2024 auction. One of the main reasons could be the upcoming five match test series against India.
But easily the biggest news in the trading window was Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya moving to Mumbai Indians in all cash trade of INR 15 crore. Mumbai Indians has decided to release West Indies cricketer Romario Shepherd.