IPL Auctions 2014: Five retentions that should not have happened

The IPL franchises have brought about major changes in their preference of players. Delhi Daredevils in particular, who have not retained even a single player, may go in with a totally revamped side in this tournament. Much of this has been prompted by the ‘Joker card’ rule this time that allows players to be taken back even after they have been let go. Lesser the number of players a team retains, more the Joker cards it gets.

There have been some surprise exclusions considering that those players have done well for their sides. Also, there have been some baffling retentions even when franchises have the option of the Joker card at their disposal. Here are 5 retentions that could have been avoided, also considering some of the better players that the teams have agreed to let go.

5. Manan Vohra

Manan Vohra

The KXIP franchise owners gave the biggest surprise this year when they retained this youngster; both to the cricket followers as well as to the man himself who is pleasantly surprised because he had never entertained any hopes of retention.

He had a modest last season with the bat and the only thing that made the team management stick to him was probably the 187 he made in the domestic arena against Jharkhand. It is still a baffling move. Other names have been let go with only David Miller being retained in addition to him.

With the introduction of the Joker card, they could have tried retaining fewer players. If at all they wanted to retain two, definitely somebody else instead of Vohra should have been given preference. He may well be very talented, but he is still to prove his worth on a big stage like the IPL where cricket of an international level is played.

It will be interesting to see how this move by Punjab bodes for them in the coming season.