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5 Players Who Made IPL Teams Regret Releasing Them

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From Jos Buttler to Shreyas Iyer: 5 players who made former IPL teams regret their release

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The High Cost of Letting Go

In the high-stakes poker game of the Indian Premier League, one wrong fold can cost a franchise a season—and sometimes, a legacy. As teams gear up for the IPL 2026 retention deadline, the ghosts of past decisions are coming back to haunt them. A new wave of data-driven retrospection is revealing a painful truth: some of the biggest IPL team regrets stem from releasing players who not only bounced back—but thrived elsewhere.

Last season was a masterclass in what happens when talent is underestimated. From explosive openers to crafty spinners, a handful of released stars silenced their doubters with match-winning performances for new teams. Their success is a cautionary tale for every franchise evaluating their core ahead of the next auction.

Jos Buttler: Rajasthan Royals’ Redemption Story

Remember when Rajasthan Royals quietly let Jos Buttler go after a below-par 2023 season? It looked like a mutual parting of ways. But in 2025, Buttler’s return to the Royals wasn’t just nostalgic—it was devastatingly effective.

After being released (and briefly linked with other franchises), RR reacquired him in the auction and watched him smash over 600 runs at a strike rate of 158, anchoring their playoff charge. His ability to dominate powerplays and finish games reminded everyone why he was once the league’s Orange Cap holder.

For the Royals, bringing him back was a stroke of genius. For any other team that passed on him? A classic case of IPL team regrets—especially those who saw him as “past his prime.”

Shreyas Iyer: KKR’s Captaincy Comeback

Shreyas Iyer’s journey is one of resilience. After being released by Punjab Kings (then KXIP) and later taking the reins at Kolkata Knight Riders, he faced criticism over fitness and form. But in 2025, Iyer silenced all noise.

As KKR’s captain and middle-order anchor, he not only led from the front with over 500 runs but also made shrewd tactical calls that revived KKR’s playoff hopes. His calm under pressure and ability to rotate strike in crunch overs proved his leadership wasn’t just ceremonial—it was instrumental.

Punjab’s decision to let him go years ago now looks like one of the biggest strategic missteps in recent IPL history.

KL Rahul: LSG’s Pillar After Being Discarded

Though not released in the immediate past, KL Rahul’s trajectory offers a long-term lesson. After being let go by Sunrisers Hyderabad (and earlier by RCB and Kings XI), many questioned if he could be a franchise cornerstone.

Then came Lucknow Super Giants. Rahul didn’t just captain LSG—he became their batting backbone, delivering consistent 400+ run seasons and leading them to back-to-back playoffs. His wicketkeeping-batting combo added immense strategic value.

SRH and RCB fans still wonder: “What if we’d held on?” Another textbook example of IPL team regrets born from short-term thinking.

Prasidh Krishna: RCB’s Pace Ace—Released Too Soon?

Royal Challengers Bangalore took a gamble by releasing Prasidh Krishna after a quiet 2024. Big mistake.

In 2025, playing for his new side, Prasidh rediscovered his yorker and swing, finishing as one of the top Indian wicket-takers with 18 scalps at an economy under 8.5. His death-over variations and ability to strike in the powerplay made him a dual-phase weapon.

RCB, still searching for a reliable Indian pacer, must be watching with envy. This release could haunt them for years—especially with India’s T20 World Cup squad selections looming. You can check his full stats on ESPNcricinfo [[EXTERNAL_LINK]].

Noor Ahmad: GT’s Secret Weapon from Auction Gold

Perhaps the most surprising name on this list is Noor Ahmad. Released by Chennai Super Kings after minimal playtime, the young Afghan spinner was picked up by Gujarat Titans in the 2025 auction—and became their MVP.

Noor took 16 wickets in his debut full season, often breaking partnerships in the middle overs with his deceptive googlies. His economy of 7.2 in a high-scoring season was remarkable for a rookie. CSK, who relied heavily on aging spinners, missed a golden opportunity to nurture this talent.

Now, Noor is being touted as a future T20 World Cup prospect for Afghanistan—proof that undervaluing youth can backfire spectacularly.

Key Lessons for IPL 2026 Retentions

As franchises finalize their IPL 2026 retention lists, these stories offer critical takeaways:

  • Don’t judge on one bad season—form is cyclical, especially for international stars managing workload.
  • Value role players—specialists like Noor or Prasidh often outperform flashy names.
  • Consider leadership intangibles—captains like Iyer bring stability beyond stats.
  • Trust data, but not blindly—context (injuries, team composition) matters more than raw numbers.

For fans tracking T20 Leagues strategy, these lessons are essential reading [INTERNAL_LINK:t20-leagues].

Conclusion: Don’t Call It a Comeback—It’s a Statement

The IPL is a league of redemption arcs. Jos Buttler, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna, and Noor Ahmad didn’t just find new homes—they made their former teams regret their release with fire in their eyes and runs (or wickets) on the board. As the IPL team regrets pile up, one message is clear: in cricket’s ultimate auction drama, talent always finds a way to speak—and sometimes, it shouts.

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