Three worst releases made by Delhi Capitals in IPL history

Delhi Capitals are currently one of the strongest teams in the Indian Premier League. But a few years back their IPL record had reduced them to the status of a below-average squad. Despite making the playoffs three times before 2019 (in 2008, 2009, and 2012), they failed to win the championship. 

However, one of the largest mistakes made by the team management was releasing and buying players. Management failed to stick with particular individuals and team combinations at the correct time. Several stars started their careers with the Delhi franchise. However, they became household names after leaving the team or being released by them. Today’s article will look at the top three worst releases in IPL history by the Delhi Capitals. 

1. Glen Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell’s reputation as the big show was much stronger in 2012 than it had been at other points in his career. Maxwell produced loud noises with his bat during Australian domestic cricket. The IPL franchise in Delhi was quick to notice the newcomer. At the IPL 2012 auction, Delhi purchased him. Maxwell was a dream player for any IPL squad. 

Despite having a strong batting ability, the Victorian was overlooked by the Delhi franchise and released at the end of the season. In 2018, he returned to the franchise but was once again left out. This time he would have to accept responsibility because of his dip in form.

2. Ab de Villiers

AB de Villiers first joined the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) IPL team in 2008. ABD was undoubtedly the most exciting young batsman in the world at the time. He had already demonstrated his full capability as a Test and ODI batter. Although, Shikhar Dhawan, Virender Sehwag, and Gautam Gambhir were the Delhi’s batting unit’s backbones in 2008. 

The South African scored 95 runs in six games at a strike rate of less than 100. ABD, on the other hand, scored his first IPL century in South Africa in 2009. He had a season average of more than 51, a strike rate of more than 130, and 465 runs scored. 

However, AB had another poor season in 2010. With 111 runs in seven games at a strike rate of 93, he was dropped off Delhi’s retention list in the 2011 super auction. Royal Challengers Bangalore paid a whopping INR 5 crore to recruit the Proteas star at the time. 

3. Andre Russell

Andre Russell made his international debut at the World Cup in 2011. He was mostly a quick bowler with the ability to tonk a few sixes near the end. The Delhi franchise noticed his power-hitting ability and signed him for a large sum of money during the IPL 2012 auction. 

However, Russell was underutilized by the team during the 2012 season. It was primarily because Delhi had a solid team in 2012 and did not manage to locate an open overseas berth to consistently insert Russell. The narrative was similar the next season, as he spent the majority of his time on the benches. 

He had only played seven matches in his first two seasons as an IPL player. This is when the Kolkata Knight Riders chose to back the Jamaican. Russell was also demonstrating his real capability with the bat at this time, with performances all over the world. Delhi let him go just as he was about to break out. Russell has now become synonymous with KKR.