'Mitchell Starc to become most expensive IPL buy': Chopra predicts ahead of 2021 auction

As franchises gear up for mini-auction slated to be held in February for upcoming edition of IPL, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has me a bold prediction after squs anunced ir list of players retained and released on Wednesday. cricketer-turned-commentator has predicted Australian speedster Mitchell Starc to become most expensive IPL player ever breaking record set by Pat Cummins in 2020 auction. 

Australian speedster has been often considered as one of most lethal pacers to have bowled in IPL. However, his tenure in cash-rich tournament has been marred with injuries. He h first featured for Bangalore in 2015 after which he parted ways with franchise due to injuries. He was bought by Kolkata in 2018 but was ruled out of season even before start due to an injury and has never played in Indian T20 league ever since. 

Apart from Starc, Chopra has predicted Afghanistan's spin wizard Mujeed-ur-Rahman to be bought for nearly 7-8 crore and Chris Green to be sold between 5-6 crore. Rahman has been released by Punjab as he failed to make an appearance for KL Rahul-led side in 2020 whereas Green was released by Kolkata. Indian analyst has also thrown weight behind young Kiwi speedster Kyle Jamieson, who h an impactful Test series against Pakistan recently. Moreover, Chopra stated that power-hitter Glenn Maxwell and Nathan-Coulter Nile would also get 'decent contracts'. 

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Rajasthan release Steve Smith 

Ahe of mini-auction for IPL 2021 slated to be held in February, Rajasthan has let go of ir captain Steve Smith after a series of poor performances in previous edition. Champions of inaugural IPL edition, Rajasthan finished with a wooden spoon in IPL 2020. ouster of Steve Smith from Rajasthan means that franchise will have a new captain for upcoming edition of IPL. 

RE | Sanju Samson To Le Rajasthan In IPL 2021, Sangakkara Roped In As Director Of Cricket

Rajasthan have anunced that young gun Sanju Samson will le squ in upcoming edition of IPL. youngster, who has played for Delhi before his stint with Rajasthan, was one of key players for squ in IPL 2020. franchise has also anunced that y would be retaining 17 players and will release remaining 8 players ahe of mini-auction. Moreover, former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has been roped in as team's Director of cricket. 

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