The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the grandest T20 league in the world. With the youngsters getting exposure to the international arena, the competition goes on to another level. Talking about the senior players who have made a name for themselves, the IPL gave them an opportunity to redeem themselves in the shortest format of the game. Around the world, no league comes near to <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/3-teams-that-can-pick-shivam-dube-in-ipl-2021-auction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL</a> in terms of competition and excitement.

It all started during the inaugural game of the IPL. As the Kolkata Knight Riders were up against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Brendon McCullum produced an innings of a lifetime. He smashed 158 against a strong bowling lineup. As the curtains fell on the first IPL season, the underdogs Rajasthan Royals were crowned as the champions.

However, to remain in the competition, one has to adapt to the citations. Unfortunately, some players are unable to live up to the expectations and are released by the franchises. Sometimes, this list of released players also includes the captain of a particular franchise.

5 Captains who were released just before Auction in IPL history

5. Steve Smith ( Rajasthan Royals)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-449843" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Steve-Smith-1.jpg" alt="Steve Smith" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-449843" class="wp-caption-text">Steve Smith. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-3-teams-that-can-pick-steve-smith-in-the-auction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steve Smith</a> is arguably the best batsman in the world at this moment. With an average of 61.8 in Tests, he has defied all the odds to reach the top. During the initial phases of his career, he was included in the squad as a proper leg-spinner who could bat. But, destiny had other plans! Later on, he became the best test batsman in the world and was awarded the Test cricketer of the decade.

Talking about his IPL stats, he has scored 2333 runs with an average of 35.34 in the lucrative tournament. Although he has an average of 129.25 in the tournament, he is destructive when he times the ball to perfection. With a century to his name, he has proven that the T20 format has some space even for Test specialist players. Over the years, he was a vital member of the Rajasthan Royals.

But, after the 2020 debacle, the management has decided to release Steve Smith and hand over the captaincy to a young Sanju Samson. In 2020, Smith had scored 311 runs with a healthy strike rate of 131.22. The only reason Rajasthan is looking for another player is that they want a batsman who can play attacking shots from the word go.

4. Gautam Gambhir( Kolkata Knight Riders)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-297764" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Gautam-Gambhir.jpg" alt="Gautam Gambhir" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-297764" class="wp-caption-text">Gautam Gambhir. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The mid-2010s witnessed the rise of Kolkata Knight Riders as a superpower in the IPL circuit. With multiple superstars stepping up at the crucial stages, the team managed to clinch the title in 2012 and 2014. The man behind this success was the stylish Indian top-order batsman, Gautam Gambhir. A team that failed to make a statement during the first five years of the IPL, managed to lift the trophy twice within three years!

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shubman-gill-has-got-the-talent-but-he-needs-to-keep-his-head-down-gautam-gambhi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gautam Gambhir</a> as a batsman had stepped up during crucial stages in the World Cup finals. Be it 2007 or 2011, the man gave everything he had. Opening up with Sehwag, he was the only batsman who looked commanding even when Sehwag was in full flow. The Kolkata lineup looked commanding thanks to Gambir’s excellent tactics of promoting Sunil Narine at the top.

However, as all good things must come to an end, Gambir’s form dropped during the 2016 season( strike-rate wise) as he scored 501 runs off 411 balls with a strike rate of 121.89. The very next year, an aging Gambhir managed to collect 498 runs with a strike rate of 128.02. As IPL teams usually look for fresh faces (except the Chennai Super Kings), the management decided that it was time to change the skipper. Therefore, Gambhir was released from the KKR squad.

3. Glenn Maxwell ( Kings XI Punjab)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-408067" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg" alt="Glenn Maxwell" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-408067" class="wp-caption-text">Glenn Maxwell. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Glenn Maxwell grabbed everyone’s attention when he smashed every bowling lineup during the 2014 IPL season. While he was at his peak, he scored 552 runs at an average of 34.50. Talking about his strike rate, he had a humongous strike rate of 187.75. This also includes a duck in the final, well, that gives an insight into how dangerous this Aussie all-rounder can be. Thanks to his efforts, the Kings XI made it to the finals for the first time.

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/if-anybody-pays-around-10-crore-mark-to-glenn-maxwell-they-have-got-rocks-in-their-head-scott-styris/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenn Maxwell</a> has handed the KXIP captaincy in 2017. However, a poor performance by the team meant that they won only seven of the fourteen games during that season. A 50% win-loss record was never enough to satisfy the management as they decided to release him ahead of the 2018 season. This started as a downfall in his performance as he has been delivering under-par performances since 2017.

In 2020, Maxwell scored 108 runs off 106 balls. His form in the 2020 seasons affected KXIP’s chances as they were dependent on Maxwell’s ability to go big during vital phases of the game. Well, the KXIP management decided to release him during the 2018 auctions, and this time too, he is released from the squad. It will be very interesting to see which team bids for this swashbuckling all-rounder.

2. Adam Gilchrist ( Deccan Chargers)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-118897" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Adam-Gilchrist.jpg" alt="Adam Gilchrist" width="600" height="437" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-118897" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

Everybody witnessed the wrath of an in-form Adam Gilchrist during 2007.

ICC World Cup Final. He smashed every Sri Lankan out of the park as he scored 149 runs in the final. Well, that was enough for every franchisee to go for Adam Gilchrist during the inaugural auctions of the IPL. The Australian legend was picked up by the Deccan Chargers.

However, the Chargers had a poor season as they failed to get a perfect combination for most of the season. Even with multiple stars in their arsenal, they managed to find themselves at the bottom of the table. This resulted in a change in captaincy as Gilchrist was named as the captain in 2009. This time, the Chargers had a fairytale return!

The Chargers won the second edition of the IPL, thanks to excellent captaincy from the Australian wicketkeeper. During that season, he scored 495 runs with an impressive strike rate of 152.30. Under his guidance, a young side managed to lift the trophy. During the 2010 season, he guided his team to the semifinals of 2010 season. But, they found themselves on the losing side as M.S. Dhoni’s team defeated them in a tight match. After that season, Gilchrist was released by the franchise.

1. Sourav Ganguly ( Kolkata Knight Riders)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-296472" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sourav-Ganguly-4.jpg" alt="Sourav Ganguly" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-296472" class="wp-caption-text">Sourav Ganguly. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Sourav Ganguly is arguably the most influential person in Indian cricket right now. The current BCCI president was responsible for the rise of Indian cricket as he planted the word “aggression” in team India’s attitude. In the 311 ODIs he represented India, he averaged 40.73 with a strike rate of 73.71. Although he had never played T20I cricket, he has represented the Kolkata Knight Riders and Pune Warriors India in the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/5-star-performers-from-syed-mushtaq-ali-trophy-to-watch-out-for-in-the-ipl-2021-auction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL.</a>

Apart from that, Ganguly has been a part of the support and management group for the Delhi Capitals. However, as the IPL took shape in Indian cricket, an ever-aging Ganguly found it difficult to adapt to the ever-changing surroundings. In the inaugural edition of the IPL, Ganguly managed to score 349 runs with a mediocre strike rate of 113.68.

Later on, this poor performance meant that the captaincy was handed to Brendon McCullum. The very next year, another poor season for the KKR under McCullum’s captaincy meant that the captaincy was given to Ganguly. Well, the T20 format never suited the legendary batsman as he scored 493 runs with a strike rate of 117.66. This performance was not enough for Ganguly to retain his place as he was released by the KKR management in 2011.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the grandest T20 league in the world. With the youngsters getting exposure to the international arena, the competition goes on to another level. Talking about the senior players who have made a name for themselves, the IPL gave them an opportunity to redeem themselves in the shortest format of the game. Around the world, no league comes near to <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/3-teams-that-can-pick-shivam-dube-in-ipl-2021-auction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL</a> in terms of competition and excitement.&nbsp;
It all started during the inaugural game of the IPL. As the Kolkata Knight Riders were up against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Brendon McCullum produced an innings of a lifetime. He smashed 158 against a strong bowling lineup. As the curtains fell on the first IPL season, the underdogs Rajasthan Royals were crowned as the champions.
However, to remain in the competition, one has to adapt to the citations. Unfortunately, some players are unable to live up to the expectations and are released by the franchises. Sometimes, this list of released players also includes the captain of a particular franchise.
<h3> 5 Captains who were released just before Auction in IPL history</h3>
<h3>5. Steve Smith ( Rajasthan Royals)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_449843" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-449843" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-449843" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Steve-Smith-1.jpg" alt="Steve Smith" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-449843" class="wp-caption-text">Steve Smith. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-3-teams-that-can-pick-steve-smith-in-the-auction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steve Smith</a> is arguably the best batsman in the world at this moment. With an average of 61.8 in Tests, he has defied all the odds to reach the top. During the initial phases of his career, he was included in the squad as a proper leg-spinner who could bat. But, destiny had other plans! Later on, he became the best test batsman in the world and was awarded the Test cricketer of the decade.
Talking about his IPL stats, he has scored 2333 runs with an average of 35.34 in the lucrative tournament. Although he has an average of 129.25 in the tournament, he is destructive when he times the ball to perfection. With a century to his name, he has proven that the T20 format has some space even for Test specialist players. Over the years, he was a vital member of the Rajasthan Royals.&nbsp;
But, after the 2020 debacle, the management has decided to release Steve Smith and hand over the captaincy to a young Sanju Samson. In 2020, Smith had scored 311 runs with a healthy strike rate of 131.22. The only reason Rajasthan is looking for another player is that they want a batsman who can play attacking shots from the word go.&nbsp;

<h3>4. Gautam Gambhir( Kolkata Knight Riders)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_297764" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-297764" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-297764" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Gautam-Gambhir.jpg" alt="Gautam Gambhir" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-297764" class="wp-caption-text">Gautam Gambhir. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The mid-2010s witnessed the rise of Kolkata Knight Riders as a superpower in the IPL circuit. With multiple superstars stepping up at the crucial stages, the team managed to clinch the title in 2012 and 2014. The man behind this success was the stylish Indian top-order batsman, Gautam Gambhir. A team that failed to make a statement during the first five years of the IPL, managed to lift the trophy twice within three years!
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shubman-gill-has-got-the-talent-but-he-needs-to-keep-his-head-down-gautam-gambhi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gautam Gambhir</a> as a batsman had stepped up during crucial stages in the World Cup finals. Be it 2007 or 2011, the man gave everything he had. Opening up with Sehwag, he was the only batsman who looked commanding even when Sehwag was in full flow. The Kolkata lineup looked commanding thanks to Gambir’s excellent tactics of promoting Sunil Narine at the top.&nbsp;
However, as all good things must come to an end, Gambir’s form dropped during the 2016 season( strike-rate wise) as he scored 501 runs off 411 balls with a strike rate of 121.89. The very next year, an aging Gambhir managed to collect 498 runs with a strike rate of 128.02. As IPL teams usually look for fresh faces (except the Chennai Super Kings), the management decided that it was time to change the skipper. Therefore, Gambhir was released from the KKR squad.&nbsp;

<h3>3. Glenn Maxwell ( Kings XI Punjab)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_408067" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-408067" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-408067" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg" alt="Glenn Maxwell" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-408067" class="wp-caption-text">Glenn Maxwell. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Glenn Maxwell grabbed everyone’s attention when he smashed every bowling lineup during the 2014 IPL season. While he was at his peak, he scored 552 runs at an average of 34.50. Talking about his strike rate, he had a humongous strike rate of 187.75. This also includes a duck in the final, well, that gives an insight into how dangerous this Aussie all-rounder can be. Thanks to his efforts, the Kings XI made it to the finals for the first time.
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/if-anybody-pays-around-10-crore-mark-to-glenn-maxwell-they-have-got-rocks-in-their-head-scott-styris/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenn Maxwell</a> has handed the KXIP captaincy in 2017. However, a poor performance by the team meant that they won only seven of the fourteen games during that season. A 50% win-loss record was never enough to satisfy the management as they decided to release him ahead of the 2018 season. This started as a downfall in his performance as he has been delivering under-par performances since 2017.&nbsp;
In 2020, Maxwell scored 108 runs off 106 balls. His form in the 2020 seasons affected KXIP’s chances as they were dependent on Maxwell’s ability to go big during vital phases of the game. Well, the KXIP management decided to release him during the 2018 auctions, and this time too, he is released from the squad. It will be very interesting to see which team bids for this swashbuckling all-rounder.

<h3>2. Adam Gilchrist ( Deccan Chargers)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_118897" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-118897" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-118897" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Adam-Gilchrist.jpg" alt="Adam Gilchrist" width="600" height="437" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-118897" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Everybody witnessed the wrath of an in-form Adam Gilchrist during 2007.
ICC World Cup Final. He smashed every Sri Lankan out of the park as he scored 149 runs in the final. Well, that was enough for every franchisee to go for Adam Gilchrist during the inaugural auctions of the IPL. The Australian legend was picked up by the Deccan Chargers.&nbsp;
However, the Chargers had a poor season as they failed to get a perfect combination for most of the season. Even with multiple stars in their arsenal, they managed to find themselves at the bottom of the table. This resulted in a change in captaincy as Gilchrist was named as the captain in 2009. This time, the Chargers had a fairytale return!
The Chargers won the second edition of the IPL, thanks to excellent captaincy from the Australian wicketkeeper. During that season, he scored 495 runs with an impressive strike rate of 152.30. Under his guidance, a young side managed to lift the trophy. During the 2010 season, he guided his team to the semifinals of 2010 season. But, they found themselves on the losing side as M.S. Dhoni’s team defeated them in a tight match. After that season, Gilchrist was released by the franchise.

<h3>1. Sourav Ganguly ( Kolkata Knight Riders)</h3>
&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_296472" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-296472" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-296472" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sourav-Ganguly-4.jpg" alt="Sourav Ganguly" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-296472" class="wp-caption-text">Sourav Ganguly. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Sourav Ganguly is arguably the most influential person in Indian cricket right now. The current BCCI president was responsible for the rise of Indian cricket as he planted the word “aggression” in team India’s attitude. In the 311 ODIs he represented India, he averaged 40.73 with a strike rate of 73.71. Although he had never played T20I cricket, he has represented the Kolkata Knight Riders and Pune Warriors India in the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/5-star-performers-from-syed-mushtaq-ali-trophy-to-watch-out-for-in-the-ipl-2021-auction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL.</a>
Apart from that, Ganguly has been a part of the support and management group for the Delhi Capitals. However, as the IPL took shape in Indian cricket, an ever-aging Ganguly found it difficult to adapt to the ever-changing surroundings. In the inaugural edition of the IPL, Ganguly managed to score 349 runs with a mediocre strike rate of 113.68.&nbsp;
Later on, this poor performance meant that the captaincy was handed to Brendon McCullum. The very next year, another poor season for the KKR under McCullum’s captaincy meant that the captaincy was given to Ganguly. Well, the T20 format never suited the legendary batsman as he scored 493 runs with a strike rate of 117.66. This performance was not enough for Ganguly to retain his place as he was released by the KKR management in 2011.&nbsp;

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the grandest T20 league in the world. With the youngsters getting exposure to the international arena, the competition goes on to another level. Talking about the senior players who have made a name for themselves, the IPL gave them an opportunity to redeem themselves in the shortest format of the game. Around the world, no league comes near to <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/3-teams-that-can-pick-shivam-dube-in-ipl-2021-auction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL</a> in terms of competition and excitement. 
It all started during the inaugural game of the IPL. As the Kolkata Knight Riders were up against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Brendon McCullum produced an innings of a lifetime. He smashed 158 against a strong bowling lineup. As the curtains fell on the first IPL season, the underdogs Rajasthan Royals were crowned as the champions.
However, to remain in the competition, one has to adapt to the citations. Unfortunately, some players are unable to live up to the expectations and are released by the franchises. Sometimes, this list of released players also includes the captain of a particular franchise.
<h3> 5 Captains who were released just before Auction in IPL history</h3>
<h3>5. Steve Smith ( Rajasthan Royals)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_449843" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-449843" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-449843" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Steve-Smith-1.jpg" alt="Steve Smith" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-449843" class="wp-caption-text">Steve Smith. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-3-teams-that-can-pick-steve-smith-in-the-auction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steve Smith</a> is arguably the best batsman in the world at this moment. With an average of 61.8 in Tests, he has defied all the odds to reach the top. During the initial phases of his career, he was included in the squad as a proper leg-spinner who could bat. But, destiny had other plans! Later on, he became the best test batsman in the world and was awarded the Test cricketer of the decade.
Talking about his IPL stats, he has scored 2333 runs with an average of 35.34 in the lucrative tournament. Although he has an average of 129.25 in the tournament, he is destructive when he times the ball to perfection. With a century to his name, he has proven that the T20 format has some space even for Test specialist players. Over the years, he was a vital member of the Rajasthan Royals. 
But, after the 2020 debacle, the management has decided to release Steve Smith and hand over the captaincy to a young Sanju Samson. In 2020, Smith had scored 311 runs with a healthy strike rate of 131.22. The only reason Rajasthan is looking for another player is that they want a batsman who can play attacking shots from the word go. 

<h3>4. Gautam Gambhir( Kolkata Knight Riders)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_297764" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-297764" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-297764" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Gautam-Gambhir.jpg" alt="Gautam Gambhir" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-297764" class="wp-caption-text">Gautam Gambhir. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The mid-2010s witnessed the rise of Kolkata Knight Riders as a superpower in the IPL circuit. With multiple superstars stepping up at the crucial stages, the team managed to clinch the title in 2012 and 2014. The man behind this success was the stylish Indian top-order batsman, Gautam Gambhir. A team that failed to make a statement during the first five years of the IPL, managed to lift the trophy twice within three years!
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shubman-gill-has-got-the-talent-but-he-needs-to-keep-his-head-down-gautam-gambhi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gautam Gambhir</a> as a batsman had stepped up during crucial stages in the World Cup finals. Be it 2007 or 2011, the man gave everything he had. Opening up with Sehwag, he was the only batsman who looked commanding even when Sehwag was in full flow. The Kolkata lineup looked commanding thanks to Gambir’s excellent tactics of promoting Sunil Narine at the top. 
However, as all good things must come to an end, Gambir’s form dropped during the 2016 season( strike-rate wise) as he scored 501 runs off 411 balls with a strike rate of 121.89. The very next year, an aging Gambhir managed to collect 498 runs with a strike rate of 128.02. As IPL teams usually look for fresh faces (except the Chennai Super Kings), the management decided that it was time to change the skipper. Therefore, Gambhir was released from the KKR squad. 

<h3>3. Glenn Maxwell ( Kings XI Punjab)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_408067" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-408067" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-408067" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg" alt="Glenn Maxwell" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-408067" class="wp-caption-text">Glenn Maxwell. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Glenn Maxwell grabbed everyone’s attention when he smashed every bowling lineup during the 2014 IPL season. While he was at his peak, he scored 552 runs at an average of 34.50. Talking about his strike rate, he had a humongous strike rate of 187.75. This also includes a duck in the final, well, that gives an insight into how dangerous this Aussie all-rounder can be. Thanks to his efforts, the Kings XI made it to the finals for the first time.
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/if-anybody-pays-around-10-crore-mark-to-glenn-maxwell-they-have-got-rocks-in-their-head-scott-styris/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenn Maxwell</a> has handed the KXIP captaincy in 2017. However, a poor performance by the team meant that they won only seven of the fourteen games during that season. A 50% win-loss record was never enough to satisfy the management as they decided to release him ahead of the 2018 season. This started as a downfall in his performance as he has been delivering under-par performances since 2017. 
In 2020, Maxwell scored 108 runs off 106 balls. His form in the 2020 seasons affected KXIP’s chances as they were dependent on Maxwell’s ability to go big during vital phases of the game. Well, the KXIP management decided to release him during the 2018 auctions, and this time too, he is released from the squad. It will be very interesting to see which team bids for this swashbuckling all-rounder.

<h3>2. Adam Gilchrist ( Deccan Chargers)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_118897" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-118897" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-118897" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Adam-Gilchrist.jpg" alt="Adam Gilchrist" width="600" height="437" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-118897" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Everybody witnessed the wrath of an in-form Adam Gilchrist during 2007.
ICC World Cup Final. He smashed every Sri Lankan out of the park as he scored 149 runs in the final. Well, that was enough for every franchisee to go for Adam Gilchrist during the inaugural auctions of the IPL. The Australian legend was picked up by the Deccan Chargers. 
However, the Chargers had a poor season as they failed to get a perfect combination for most of the season. Even with multiple stars in their arsenal, they managed to find themselves at the bottom of the table. This resulted in a change in captaincy as Gilchrist was named as the captain in 2009. This time, the Chargers had a fairytale return!
The Chargers won the second edition of the IPL, thanks to excellent captaincy from the Australian wicketkeeper. During that season, he scored 495 runs with an impressive strike rate of 152.30. Under his guidance, a young side managed to lift the trophy. During the 2010 season, he guided his team to the semifinals of 2010 season. But, they found themselves on the losing side as M.S. Dhoni’s team defeated them in a tight match. After that season, Gilchrist was released by the franchise.

<h3>1. Sourav Ganguly ( Kolkata Knight Riders)</h3>
&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_296472" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-296472" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-296472" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sourav-Ganguly-4.jpg" alt="Sourav Ganguly" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-296472" class="wp-caption-text">Sourav Ganguly. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Sourav Ganguly is arguably the most influential person in Indian cricket right now. The current BCCI president was responsible for the rise of Indian cricket as he planted the word “aggression” in team India’s attitude. In the 311 ODIs he represented India, he averaged 40.73 with a strike rate of 73.71. Although he had never played T20I cricket, he has represented the Kolkata Knight Riders and Pune Warriors India in the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/5-star-performers-from-syed-mushtaq-ali-trophy-to-watch-out-for-in-the-ipl-2021-auction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL.</a>
Apart from that, Ganguly has been a part of the support and management group for the Delhi Capitals. However, as the IPL took shape in Indian cricket, an ever-aging Ganguly found it difficult to adapt to the ever-changing surroundings. In the inaugural edition of the IPL, Ganguly managed to score 349 runs with a mediocre strike rate of 113.68. 
Later on, this poor performance meant that the captaincy was handed to Brendon McCullum. The very next year, another poor season for the KKR under McCullum’s captaincy meant that the captaincy was given to Ganguly. Well, the T20 format never suited the legendary batsman as he scored 493 runs with a strike rate of 117.66. This performance was not enough for Ganguly to retain his place as he was released by the KKR management in 2011.

Steve Smith became the latest case of captain being released out of the IPL franchise before the Auctions.

5 Captains who were released just before Auction in IPL history

The IPL history has also seen captains being released out of the franchises along with players just before the Auction.