Last Updated on 4 years by Charbel Coorey
Why did RCB release Chris Morris and who can replace him? | IPL 2021 Auctions: RCB released Chris Morris despite a good campaign in 2020
Over the years, the Royal Challengers Bangalore have been below-par in players auctions and retention. The decisions they have taken have backfired on numerous occasions and the players released by the franchise have done well for the teams they eventually play for. The Red outfit has failed to back talent and historically, that has been the major concern for the 3-time runners-up.
Ahead of the upcoming ‘mini’ auction, the Virat Kohli-led side has released their big buy from last year’s auction, Chris Morris. Morris was bought for a whopping price of 10 crores as he possesses the rare skill of being a death bowler and also someone who can be great with his batting skill as he can tonk a few pacers out of the park, like he has in the Indian Premier League.
Let’s analyse the RCB management’s decision to release the Protea all-rounder and let’s have a look at a few alternatives who replace him at the franchise.
Also read: 5 players RCB might look to buy in the IPL 2021 Auction
What was RCB’s thinking?
Team director Mike Hesson did mention that lack of game time in the past few months, injury issues and price tag were the major reasons why the franchise released the pacer. Morris had played only 9 out of the 16 games for RCB and since then has been having fitness issues as he hasn’t played any competitive cricket post the IPL 2020.
On a player on whom the team management has spent 12.5% of the allotted purse, his gametime should certainly be more. But a fit Morris was certainly doing wonders for the team. He bowled at an economy rate of 7.7 in the death overs and had a strike rate of 162 while batting at the death. He excelled in two departments which are to succeed in and hence the decision to release him is baffling.
Is there a better player available in the auction?
As mentioned earlier, Morris is a rare commodity and the dynamics of the auction make it difficult for teams to get a player of his skill set and quality for a cheap price. As the scheduled auction is a ‘mini’ auction, there are a few death bowlers available. One of them is Jhye Richardson. The pacer was the leading wicket-taker of the recently-concluded BBL with 29 wickets to his name and led the Perth Scorchers to the final. He picked 13 wickets in the death overs, which was the most by any bowler in that phase in the tournament.
Other than that, Nathan Coulter-Nile will be another player available in the auction pool. The pacer was released by the Mumbai Indians as he was bought for an inflated price of 8 crores. He will be another player who can be an alternative to replace the Protea.
Hesson-Katich and co. will be eyeing to buy back Morris at a cheaper price and if that happens, the gamble to release Morris might pay off for the franchise.
Given that, there are fewer options available and with teams like Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians also aiming to buy an overseas pacer, it will be difficult for RCB to buy a death bowler under 10 crores.
Also read: 5 players RCB might look to buy in the IPL 2021 Auction
Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.
