IPL 2023 Auction- SRH & PBKS to bid for Ben Stokes: Ben Stokes will be one of the most sought-after all-rounders during the IPL 2023 auction in Kochi. Stokes has been part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) twice and both times teams spent a huge amount to sign him. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are currently in a two-horse race to break banks for Ben Stokes’ signature. Follow IPL Auction LIVE Updates & Check CSK Squad IPL 2023 updates with InsideSport.IN
IPL 2023 Auction: SRH & PBKS in two-horse race to BREAK BANKS for Ben Stokes, England Test captain could become first to enter 20-cr CLUB, Check WHY?
IPL 2023 auction: Why Sunrisers Hyderabad should break the bank for Ben Stokes
After missing the last edition due to injury the 31-year-old is back in the auction pool at a base price of 2 crores. Both Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings have released their captains and are in need of a new face to lead the team. Last season SRH signed Romario Shepherd but the all-rounder had a mediocre outing overall. With Ben Stokes, SRH will not only get a quality all-rounder but also a proven leader to get the best out of the players at his disposal.
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Ben Stokes to end Punjab Kings search for a quality all-rounder
The IPL 2022 auction was a good one for Punjab Kings as they filled the slots in the team with match-winners. However, the team was unable to get an all-rounder who could bring the right balance to the team. PBKS invested heavily in Odean Smith but the West Indian failed to perform. Rishi Dhawan performed well with the ball picking up 6 wickets but could only score a mere 37 runs with the bat at a strike rate of 92.50. With high quality, all-rounder like Stokes, PBKS will have a bankable 3D player. Expect the franchise to go all guns blazing and break the bank to sign the England Test skipper.
What to expect for Ben Stokes during the IPL 2023 auction
Not every team will be in fray to sign Ben Stokes due to lack of money in the auction purse. With Punjab and SRH deciding to go bold by releasing their captains they have the money, space, and the need for Ben Stokes. When the name comes up on the screen during the auction day on December 23 it remains to be seen how both these team pursue the England all-rounder . Expect an intense bidding war between both the teams with only one likely to come out as the winner.
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