IPL teams have often found themselves regretting the release of players. In a league where squad composition changes every season due to auctions, form, injuries, and budget constraints, franchises sometimes let go of cricketers who were either big names of the format or had become fan favourites. Age, poor performances, or the need to restructure the team can lead management to make tough calls.
Yet, many of these decisions come back to haunt them when those very players show their best form elsewhere.
Time and again, stars who were released have gone on to become match-winners for rival teams, leading to a sense of regret for their former franchises.
Here are 5 teams that regretted releasing players
5. Kolkata Knight Riders - Chris Gayle
West Indian legend Chris Gayle’s IPL career began with the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he first displayed his explosive batting. During his two seasons with the franchise, Gayle scored 463 runs in 16 innings, including a best of 88* in IPL 2010. Despite flashes of his potential, KKR released him ahead of the 2011 season, a decision that would later become one of the most significant turning points in IPL history.
Once let go, Gayle was picked by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a replacement player. He instantly became the heartbeat of the Bengaluru crowd, winning back-to-back Orange Caps and scripting batting records with his six-hitting ability. His aggressive approach made him an IPL icon. KKR’s decision to part ways with Gayle continues to be remembered as a major miss, as the ‘Universe Boss’ went on to become a legend of the game.
4. Chennai Super Kings - Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis remains one of Chennai Super Kings’ greatest players, and arguably their biggest regret. Letting him go ahead of the 2022 mega auction came as a shock to many, especially after he played a crucial role in CSK’s 2021 title win with a match-winning 86 in the final. du Plessis had been the backbone of CSK’s top order for years, consistently delivering 300 to 600 runs every season. His exit left a void the franchise never truly managed to fill.
Following his time with CSK, the South African joined RCB, becoming captain, and continued performing with the same intensity and fitness he showed in yellow. Even today, CSK fans and management look back and feel they let a match-winner slip away far too soon. Overall, in 86 games for the Yellow Army, he scored 2559 runs.
3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Shane Watson
Shane Watson's release still triggers a sense of regret within the Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans. RCB signed the Australian all-rounder for a hefty sum in IPL 2016, hoping he would replicate his Rajasthan Royals performance. However, Watson never found his touch with touch. Across two seasons (2016-17), he struggled with the bat. Although he contributed with the ball, his overall stint remained underwhelming, leading RCB to release him.
Soon after being let go, Watson revived his career at Chennai Super Kings, where MS Dhoni backed him as a full-time opener. He had a sensational 2018 season with 555 runs, including his unforgettable century in the final that guided CSK to the title.
2. Sunrisers Hyderabad - Rashid Khan
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s association with Rashid Khan ended after five successful years. Despite beginning his IPL career with SRH in 2017 and earning worldwide recognition during his stint, the franchise parted ways with him after the 2021 season. Rashid had become the face of SRH’s bowling attack, bagging 93 wickets at an economy of 6.33 and often single-handedly turning matches.
But Rashid’s desire to enter the mega auction for a better deal ultimately led to the separation. SRH respected his decision, yet the aftermath has been painful. While Rashid went on to win a title with the Gujarat Titans, SRH struggled, especially to find a bowler who could replicate what Rashid did.
1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle’s release by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru is one of the toughest choices the franchises had to make. After joining the team in 2011, the opener changed into an RCB legend, smashing records, winning two Orange Caps, and delivering some of the most iconic innings ever seen in the league. His contributions eventually led to him being a member of the RCB Hall of Fame.
However, the franchise’s decision to release Gayle ahead of the 2018 season resulted in a painful exit. He had revealed he was told initially that he would be retained, but eventually was on the released list. In his seven-year stint, he scored 3163 runs.
