Teams in the IPL are constantly shuffling their squads, sometimes because of mega auctions, sometimes due to form, fitness, or financial constraints. But in a league as unpredictable as the IPL, some decisions age poorly. A few players who were let go too soon ended up becoming match-winners elsewhere, leaving their former franchises wishing they’d held on a little longer.
Here’s a look at five teams that famously regretted releasing key players.
Chris Gayle (KKR)
When Chris Gayle started his IPL journey with the Kolkata Knight Riders, he was already known for his power-hitting, but it was just a glimpse of what he would eventually become. In two seasons with KKR, he scored 463 runs in 16 innings, including a strong 88* in 2010. Still, the franchise released him ahead of the 2011 season. That decision changed IPL history.
Picked up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru as an injury replacement, Gayle exploded onto the scene. He won back-to-back Orange Caps, smashed records at will, and became the face of RCB’s batting. From his iconic 175* to countless six-hitting masterclasses, Gayle didn’t just perform, he dominated.
Even today, KKR fans look back at Gayle’s release as a massive missed opportunity.
Rashid Khan (SRH)
Rashid Khan’s departure from SRH is still talked about, and for good reason. From 2017 to 2021, Rashid was the heart of Hyderabad’s bowling attack – 93 wickets, an economy of 6.33, and countless match-turning spells. He wasn’t just a bowler; he was a game-changer.
But Rashid wanted to enter the mega auction for a bigger deal, and SRH respected his call. The separation was mutual, but the consequences hit harder than expected.
Rashid joined Gujarat Titans, won a title in his very first season, and continued to prove why he’s one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. Meanwhile, SRH struggled to find even a close replacement, and their bowling lacked the same bite.
Faf du Plessis (CSK)
If there’s one release CSK would take back instantly, it’s letting go of Faf du Plessis. Ahead of the 2022 mega auction, CSK chose not to retain the South African star-despite him scoring a match-winning 86 in the 2021 final and being one of their most consistent performers.
Faf had been a run-machine for CSK, repeatedly delivering 300–600 runs every season. His controlled aggression, experience, and fitness made him invaluable at the top of the order.
When RCB picked him up, he didn’t slow down at all. He became their captain and continued scoring heavily, proving he still had plenty to offer. CSK fans still talk about his exit with a sense of “what if,” because the franchise never really found someone who could fill that role.
Shane Watson (RR)
Shane Watson was one of Rajasthan Royals’ biggest success stories. He joined them in the inaugural 2008 season and instantly became a fan favorite. But after RR were suspended for two years, Watson struggled for form and consistency. By 2018, the Royals decided not to retain him.
Chennai Super Kings swooped in and Watson made them pay for letting him go.
In CSK’s comeback season, he smashed an iconic century in the IPL 2018 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad, single-handedly winning them the title. It’s a moment etched in IPL history and one that still stings RR supporters.
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