IPL Underperformers: Players likely to be released ahead of next season

Throughout the season, we saw several players giving stunning performances, whereas we also saw some players having a dismal season with their poor performance. While there have been numerous players who shined brilliantly this season, there have also been players who failed to perform and disappointed everyone despite their reputation. Let us have a look at some of the players this season who have underperformed for their franchise and are likely to be released for the next season. 

1. Ajinkya Rahane

The Indian right-handed started well for the season with a good inning however failed to keep the rhythm going. Rahane was promoted as an opener for Kolkata Knight Riders; however, he failed well and was later excluded from the playing eleven. He also got some further opportunities and was back in the eleven again; however, he failed to bounce back, and his dismal performance continued. In the seven matches he has played, Rahane has scored just 133 runs with a poor average of 19.0 and a strike rate of 103.9. Looking at his performance and current form, his comeback in the T20 for India seems nearly impossible. It's not the first season that Rahane has failed to perform, as he has been underperforming for the past 2 years. Looking at these factors, it is very likely that Kolkata Knight Riders will release Rahane, and there are even possibilities that he might even go unsold for the next season.

2. Tymal Mills

Tymal Mills was one of the few players after the auction who were being looked at as crucial players for their franchise this season. However, looking at Tymal Mills' performance this season, all we are left with is a disappointment. Although Mills performed well in other events, he has failed to make an impact in this cash-rich league. In the five matches he played for Mumbai Indians so far, Mills has clinched just six wickets with a terrible economy rate of 11.18 and an average of 31.67. With an injury followed by his poor performance, Mills was ruled out of the league. Tristen Stubbs replaced him. Looking at his stats in the season, he might be one of the players who might get released by the franchise. Other franchises also might not be much eager to bag this Englishman considering his contribution in just the bowling department, and he might go unsold for the next season. 

3. Vijay Shankar

The Indian all-rounder received huge appreciation after showing a tremendous all-around display in his initial seasons. The new franchise Gujarat Titans bought Shankar because of his immense reputation. However, his performance this season has not justified his level, and thus he is not a consistent player in the team this season. The team management backed the all-rounder multiple times at number three; however, he has failed to score any runs. With the ball, too, Shankar has proved to be ineffective and was seen leaking runs. This season, due to his inconsistency, he failed to get any chances in the playing eleven and played just four matches. In the four games, he scored mere 19 runs at a disappointing average of 4.7 and a strike rate of 53.2. These stats clearly define how poor Shankar has performed this season. His inclusion in the next season seems quite tricky, looking at all the possibilities, and he is more likely to get released by his franchise.