The Punjab Kings will have a job at hand when they sit at the IPL 2024 auction table on Tuesday, December 19. Punjab Kings lack an overseas spinner ahead of the auction. With some top class picks set to go up in the auction, PBKS will certainly try and buy an overseas spinner. Along with it, the release of Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Shahrukh Khan also sees some slots in the batting department being vacant. The Punjab based franchise will look to plug that gap as part of its auction strategy.
One of the IPL teams that will be looking to capitalise on this auction would be Punjab Kings (PBKS). PBKS are yet to win an IPL trophy with their best performance coming in the IPL of 2014 when they reached the final. Apart from 2014, PBKS only crossed the league stage once, in the inaugural season of IPL in 2008.
Punjab have retained the core of their team from last year, keeping 17 players and releasing only five ahead of the IPL 2024 auction.
Punjab Kings IPL 2024 Auction Strategy
With a budget of Rs 29.1 crore, the franchise aims to compensate for the absence of Shahrukh Khan and Bhanuka Rajapaksa who they released ahead of the auction.
PBKS’ will certainly target an overseas spinner and an Indian middle-order batter in the upcoming auction. Although Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar provide the option to play an Indian spinner for PBKS, the duo’s high economy rate might force the franchise to look for an alternative. PBKS will also look for an alternative to England all-rounder Sam Curran.
Players Punjab Kings could target in auction
Australian captain Pat Cummins might be high on the list of priorities for PBKS. Roping Cummins in can solve a host of strategic problems for PBKS. The fast bowler fro Australia is adept at playing in the lower middle-order, providing PBKS with another all-rounder option. Moreover, Cummins is an experienced leader, and can come in to aid or even take over the mantle from Shikhar Dhawan.
Among Indian pacers, Punjab could go for Shivam Mavi or Chetan Sakariya to further increase their bench strength.
Shardul Thakur is likely to be one of the top targets of PBKS. Thakur has recorded some of the great performances in the IPL over the years. He will bring experience to this Punjab team and that is something that the Punjab management would be looking forward to.
Chris Woakes can emerge as a target for PBKS to complement their all-rounder slots. David Willey is another option they will be looking to explore.
Among spinners, Adil Rashid, Rachin Ravindra or Wanidu Hasaranga can be on PBKS’ list as well. However, it is unlikely PBKS will move for these spinners if the price goes too high.
Retained Players: Shikhar Dhawan, Jitesh Sharma, Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Matthew Short, Harpreet Bhatia, Atharva Taide, Rishi Dhawan, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Shivam Singh, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar, Gurnoor Brar, Vidwath Kaverappa
Released Players: Shahrukh Khan, Raj Bawa, Baltej Dhanda, Mohit Rathee, Bhanuka Rajapaksa
Punjab Kings Purse
INR 29.1 Crore
Slots Left
Total – 8
Overseas – 2
As one can see, Punjab Kings have some serious firepower in all departments even before going into the auction. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Johnny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone and Matthew Short provides a good balance in the batting line-up. In the bowling department, Arshdeep Singh, Sam Curran and Kagiso Rabada pose some serious threat to other IPL franchises.
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