Players who opted out of IPL 2021

Several players made the decision to opt out of IPL 2021 for various reasons. One of the notable players who chose not to participate in this edition of the tournament is England's Ben Stokes. Stokes, a key player for the Rajasthan Royals, opted out to prioritize his mental well-being and to spend time with his family. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team, as Stokes has been a consistent performer and a match-winner for them.

Another high-profile player who decided to withdraw from IPL 2021 is Australia's Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood, who represents the Chennai Super Kings, made the difficult decision due to concerns over bubble fatigue and prolonged time away from home. The pacer acknowledged that it was a tough call to make, but he believed it was in his best interest to manage his workload and focus on international commitments. His absence will be a blow to the Super Kings' bowling attack, as Hazlewood has been a key component in their campaign in previous seasons.

Notable international players who left IPL 2021

Sunrisers Hyderabad suffered a major blow when English cricketer Jonny Bairstow decided to withdraw from IPL 2021. Bairstow's absence from the squad was a setback for the team as he had been a consistent performer for them in previous seasons. Known for his explosive batting at the top of the order, Bairstow's absence left a void in the Sunrisers' batting lineup, which they struggled to fill throughout the tournament.

Another notable international player who opted out of IPL 2021 was Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins. As a key member of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad, Cummins' decision to withdraw came as a surprise to many. His skill and experience in both the powerplay and death overs were sorely missed by the team. Cummins' absence was felt not only on the field but also in the leadership department, as he had been appointed vice-captain of the team. Kolkata Knight Riders had to make significant adjustments to their bowling attack in his absence, and it impacted their performance in the tournament.

Indian players who withdrew from IPL 2021

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of the Delhi Capitals, was one of the Indian players who withdrew from IPL 2021. Unfortunately, Iyer suffered a shoulder injury during India's ODI series against England earlier this year. The severity of the injury meant that he had to undergo surgery and subsequently miss the entire tournament. This came as a blow to not only the Delhi Capitals, but also to the Indian cricket team, as Iyer was expected to play a crucial role in both campaigns. However, his health and recovery takes priority, and he decided to opt out of the IPL to focus on his rehabilitation.

Another Indian player who withdrew from IPL 2021 was Axar Patel, the left-arm spin bowler from the Delhi Capitals. Patel tested positive for COVID-19 just before the start of the tournament and was required to isolate in accordance with the protocols set by the BCCI. As a result, he had to miss the initial matches and was unable to join his teammates on time. Although he eventually recovered from the virus, the delay in his preparation and the uncertainty regarding his fitness led him to make the difficult decision of withdrawing from the IPL. This was undoubtedly disappointing for Patel, as well as for the Delhi Capitals, as he had been in terrific form during the previous season and was a significant asset to the team's bowling attack.

Players who pulled out due to personal reasons

Several players decided to opt out of IPL 2021 citing personal reasons. One such player was Suresh Raina, who has been an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings for several years. Raina's decision to withdraw from the tournament came as a shock to many fans and cricket pundits alike. However, the left-handed batsman clarified that he had made the tough call in order to be with his family during these challenging times.

Another player who pulled out of IPL 2021 due to personal reasons was Liam Livingstone from the Rajasthan Royals. The English all-rounder expressed his concerns about the bio-bubble and the toll it was taking on his mental health. Livingstone stated that he had found it increasingly difficult to stay away from his family for an extended period and decided it was best for him to return home. This decision highlighted the immense pressures faced by players and the need for them to prioritize their well-being.

High-profile players who exited IPL 2021

Several high-profile players bid farewell to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, leaving their respective teams with significant voids to fill. One such player was England's Ben Stokes, who pulled out of the tournament due to an injury. Stokes' absence dealt a severe blow to the Rajasthan Royals, as he not only contributed with his dynamic batting but also provided a formidable option as a seam-bowling all-rounder. Without him, the Royals faced an uphill battle to compensate for his absence, both in terms of runs on the scoreboard and balance in the team.

Another noteworthy departure was that of Australian pacer Jhye Richardson, who withdrew from the IPL citing personal reasons. Richardson's absence left a dent in the Punjab Kings' bowling attack, as the talented speedster was expected to spearhead their pace battery. Known for his ability to swing the ball at pace, Richardson's unavailability added pressure on other bowlers to step up and deliver in crucial moments. It remains to be seen how the Punjab Kings will cope with his loss and find a suitable replacement to fill the void left by Richardson's departure.