IPL 2023: If the first-round exit for the West Indies’ at the T20 World Cup 2022 did not raise enough eyebrows, then the release of some reliable names from the IPL franchises surely indicate the slump in their stature. This is a major shift for the World T20 giants as their players were once the most-sought after and indispensable part of any franchise. It also becomes largely concerning as the slump comes in their favourite format in the recent times. Follow InsideSport.IN for LIVE updates about Indian Premier League 2023
Long-serving all-rounders Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians) and Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings) were among the most reliable players for their respective franchises. But after their lacklustre performance in the previous edition, the franchises decided to let go off their veterans.
💙 #OneFamily @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/4mDVKT3eu6
— Kieron Pollard (@KieronPollard55) November 15, 2022
The Mumbai Indians’ veteran was one of the few players in the lucrative tournament to remain loyal to one franchise. His power-hitting ability and medium-pace made him a reliable member of the squad as he could change the complexion of the match on his own. Not much is different when it comes to Bravo, besides the fact that he would bowl out his stipulated four overs more often than his former compatriot.
IPL 2023: LONG-SERVING West Indies players release from IPL FRANCHISES highlight SLUMP in stature for T20 Giants – Check DETAILS
The problem doesn’t end here for the West Indies players. Their current bunch of players and future prospects have also failed to retain their place for the IPL franchises. The release of 10 West Indies players nine months after the IPL mega-auction in 2022 might also have burst the bubble for their board.
“The 17 West Indians make up the largest number of foreign players in the IPL, from any territory outside of India,” the CWI had said a day after the auction.
“This shows great faith in emerging West Indies talent. I continue to believe that our players can seek quality employment abroad, and still be positioned to operate constructively and successfully within the West Indies cricket system,” President Ricky Skerritt had said.
West Indies players released from IPL franchises
- Sherfane Rutherford (RCB)
- Evin Lewis (LSG)
- Jason Holder (LSG)
- Dominic Drakes (GT)
- Odean Smith (PBKS)
- Dwayne Bravo (CSK)
- Nicholas Pooran (SRH)
- Romario Shephered (SRH)
- Kieron Pollard (MI)
- Fabian Allen (MI)
The silver-lining for West Indies, however, remain in the list of their retained players like Shimron Hetmyer (RR), Alzarri Joseph (GT), Obed McCoy (RR) and Kyle Mayers (LSG) with premier spinner Sunil Narine (KKR) and prolific all-rounder Andre Russell set to continue serving their franchise.
