5 times IPL teams regretted letting go of a player

Published - 24 Nov 2025, 14:53 IST | Updated - 24 Nov 2025, 14:53 IST

IPL teams have often found themselves regretting the release of players. In a league where squad composition changes every season due to auctions, form, injuries, and budget constraints, franchises sometimes let go of cricketers who were either big names of the format or had become fan favourites. Age, poor performances, or the need to restructure the team can lead management to make tough calls.

Yet, many of these decisions come back to haunt them when those very players show their best form elsewhere. Time and again, stars who were released have gone on to become match-winners for rival teams, leading to a sense of regret for their former franchises.

West Indian legend Chris Gayle’s IPL career began with the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he first displayed his explosive batting. During his two seasons with the franchise, Gayle scored 463 runs in 16 innings, including a best of 88* in IPL 2010. Despite flashes of his potential, KKR released him ahead of the 2011 season, a decision that would later become one of the most significant turning points in IPL history.

Once let go, Gayle was picked by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a replacement player. He instantly became the heartbeat of the Bengaluru crowd, winning back-to-back Orange Caps and scripting batting records with his six-hitting ability. His aggressive approach made him an IPL icon. KKR’s decision to part ways with Gayle continues to be remembered as a major miss, as the ‘Universe Boss’ went on to become a legend of the game.