We might be in for a few surprises, for PBKS might part ways with a few good players due to auction dynamics.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) endured another tough last cycle, failing to qualify for playoffs in any of the three cycles. Last season, they could only win five matches and ended in the ninth position with only ten points.
Despite being perennial underachievers, PBKS had plenty of quality players, and like every other team, they will have to make a few tough decisions. They can’t retain all good players and must be prudent with their selection.
We might be in for a few surprises, for PBKS might part ways with a few good players due to auction dynamics.
When Punjab Kings bought Sam Curran at a whopping INR 18.50 crore in the IPL 2023 auction, he became the most expensive player at the time. However, he couldn’t churn out performances according to the expectations and surely didn’t justify that price tag.
Given plenty of pace-bowling all-rounders will be up for grabs in the mega auction, PBKS are likely to release Curran. He won’t fetch anywhere near the retention slab this time, especially after his recent struggles.
Prabhsimran Singh was among the best batters of PBKS in the previous cycle, playing some crucial knocks in every edition. However, PBKS will be tempted to leave him, for they can’t retain him even in the uncapped category.
They already have Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma to retain at INR 4 crores each as uncapped players, for they showed a higher ceiling during the last season. If they want, PBKS can get him back at a lower price, but they must release him to remain flexible in the auction.
PBKS had high hopes for Kagiso Rabada, but he couldn’t really deliver consistently. The team played him over Nathan Ellis for most of the cycle, but the returns remained moderate.
Ahead of the mega auction, PBKS are likely to release him, for he is not worth enough to get an amount equal to the retention slab, and his auction value will be a lot less. Several quality players will be available in the mega auction, so it’s not wise to spend so much on an underperformer, especially when he is an overseas player.
