IPL 2022: Team-wise one unexpected player release ahead of the mega auction

7. Delhi Capitals – Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada is one of the world’s best pacers at his best and has been a real asset for his IPL club over the last two seasons. Having picked 55 wickets across those two seasons, he has played an instrumental role in his side reaching the playoffs on consecutive occasions.

However, he had a slow start to the season in 2021 and struggled to find his usual rhythm, and could only pick up eight wickets in seven games while conceding at 8.76. There were calls to drop him for Anrich Nortje, but the team management decided to stick with him, showing that they have a lot of faith in the South African pacer.

As far as DC’s retention is concerned, they are likely to keep hold of Rishabh Pant and Prithvi Shaw given their age, talent, and recent form. The third pick could be a toss-up between Shreyas Iyer and Kagiso Rabada. They might end up retaining Iyer not just because of the fact that he is their captain but also due to him being one of the better Indian batsmen out there, which would come at the cost of releasing Rabada.