Why were Harshal Patel and Wanindu Hasaranga not retained by RCB ahead of IPL 2024 Auction? Revealed

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Royal Challengers Bangalore has released a host of players ahead of the IPL 2024 mini-auction. The IPL franchise announced their release list on Sunday which includes some hefty names.

Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Josh Hazlewood, Michael Bracewell, Wayne Parnell, Finn Allen, David Willey, Sonu Yadav, Siddharth Kaul and Kedar Jadhav are the players released ahead of the auction.

RCB's new head coach Andy Flower explained the reasons for releasing the players. Harshal Patel and Wanindu Hasaranga both are on high salaries and Flower says the duo have been released to give them a bit more freedom in the auction.

"Harshal's been an excellent performer for RCB in the past. He is a high-value player. He was on our books for INR 10.75 crore. In our efforts to release some cash to give us flexibility and give some buying power in the auction, he is someone we have to look closely at. Hasaranga is also a high value in monetary terms, so releasing that money gives us some flexibility," Flower said.

Patel picked up 32 wickets in the IPL 2021, which is a record by an Indian bowler in a single IPL season. Apart from Patel and Hasaranga, Aussie pacer Josh Hazlewood is another big name who was released.

But Flower said Hazlewood's decision was driven by the player's availability. The Australian pacer is expecting a baby by the end of March, which would have kept him out at least half of the upcoming season.

Former India u-19 World Cup winner Siddharth Kaul has also faced the axe, while veteran batter Kedar Jadhav, who was roped in as a replacement last season, has also been left out.