As the retention deadline ended at 4 pm IST, speculation surrounding Hardik’s future came to a halt with Titans keeping him for the 2024 edition of the cricketing carnival.
Speculations were rife that Hardik will be traded in an all-cash deal with Mumbai, ending this two-year stint with the Ahmedabad-based franchise but Titans and Hardik have found a way to continue their journey together.
However with the current trading window open till 12th December, there is still a possibility of a Hardik switch.
The other big retention news came from the Mumbai camp as express pacer Jofra Archer, who is still recuperating from an elbow surgery, was released by the franchise.
Royal Challengers Bangalore too indicated a massive overhaul, releasing 11 players including — Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel and Josh Hazlewood — ahead of the auction. RCB will enter the auction with the biggest purse of Rs 40.75 crore.
England all-rounder Ben Stokes, who had earlier pulled out of next year’s tournament to manage his ‘workload and fitness’ too was released by Chennai Super Kings.
Kolkata Knight Riders too released 12 players in a bid of a major revamp, letting Shardul Thakur, Lockie Ferguson, Shakib Al Hasan among others go.
Sunrisers Hyderabad too gained a massive Rs 13.25 crore by just releasing England top-order batter Harry Brook.
Jaydev Unadkat and Karun Nair were among 8 players released by Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the auction.
England’s Joe Root, who earlier opted out of IPL 2024 was among 9 players released by Rajasthan Royals.
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