Chennai Super Kings, meanwhile, are preparing to release three more players so that they can enter the auction with close to Rs 30 crore in funds. Apart from Ben Stokes (Rs 16.25), whom they have decided to release, there is also surplus from Ambati Rayudu (Rs 6.75), who retired from the IPL last year. The management will also release South Africa's Dwaine Pretorius and one of Sisanda Magala of South Africa and Kyle Jamieson of New Zealand (both Rs 1 cr).
Players like Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, and even someone like Shardul Thakur could be released, but it is unlikely that Kolkata Knight Riders will let go of Andre Russell, as is being speculated. Delhi Capitals may go for a big overhaul, but the names are being kept under wraps.
The auction, as has already been reported, will be in Dubai on December 19. Top World Cup performers like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Travis Head, Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell, among others, will be available for purchase, and the general expectation is that up to 50 players will be bought in the auction. The IPL is expected to start in mid-March after the India-England five-Test series which concludes on March 11.