3 Players Punjab Kings (PBKS) might release ahead of the IPL 2023: The Mohali-based Punjab Kings (PBKS) once again endured an underwhelming season in the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL). No matter how good they perform during the auction process, PBKS somehow manages to slip from its consistent run. The recently completed season is no different for the Mayank Agarwal-led PBKS.
Before the start of the tournament, Punjab Kings looked absolutely belter squad with massive players for each position, however, their performance looked like a pale shadow of themselves.
Despite having a formidable squad in place, Punjab couldn’t win two matches on the bounce in the Tata IPL 2022. Mayank Agarwal and Co tend to win a game and then loses away the other, such has been the story of Punjab Kings in the IPL.
Nevertheless, recovering from the early exit in the Tata IPL 2022, the franchise would love to strategise for future events. PBKS would certainly release a few players from their existing squad and will look to fill the places with their worthy alternatives.
This article would take you through the top 3 Players Punjab Kings (PBKS) might release ahead of the IPL 2023.
3 Players Punjab Kings (PBKS) might release ahead of the IPL 2023:
Sandeep Sharma:
Punjab Kings (PBKS) picked up the services of experienced Indian pacer Sandeep Sharma during the auction for INR 50 Lakhs. Sandeep Sharma is a domestic name in the Indian Premier League, having played 105 matches and picked 114 scalps in the tournament.
However, the pacer couldn’t prove himself beneficial for Punjab Kings in the IPL 2022. Sharma featured in 5 matches for PBKS and returned with just two wickets against his name. His average has surged all the way up to 76.50 which will be a concern.
Moreover, in the last three editions of the IPL, Sandeep Sharma has only picked up 14 wickets which is ordinary for a bowler of his calibre.
Punjab may release him ahead of the next auction and try to pick a substitute pacer in his place.
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Odean Smith:
Punjab Kings (PBKS) went crazy to pick West Indies all-rounder Odean Smith from the auction table, earlier this year, and spend INR 6 Crores to grab his services. The all-rounder’s name was once associated with the likes of Andre Russell for his six-hitting abilities and bowling.
However, what followed in the IPL was exactly the opposite of what everyone had imagined. Smith could only score 56 runs in six outings for PBKS and scalped 6 wickets.
Moreover, a huge turn in his IPL appearance came when he conceded two consecutive sixes in the last two deliveries of the match against Gujarat Titans’ Rahul Tewatia. Punjab lost the game which was with them till the second last delivery.
PBKS management would definitely think about the future of Odean Smith in the franchise.
Shahrukh Khan:
A whopping sum of INR 9 Crores was spent on Shahrukh Khan during the auction process by Punjab Kings. Shahrukh Khan entered the IPL auction arena riding on the back of his fiery outing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Tamil Nadu.
After being successful in the domestic tournament, Khan was anticipated to translate his sublime performance in the Indian Premier League as well which is why he went for INR 9 Crores during the auction.
Though the 27-years old cricketer showed a glimpse of his heroics, however, he wasn’t consistent enough to please the spectators and experts.
In eight innings of the IPL 2022, Khan could only muscle 117 runs at a poor strike rate of 108.33. Moreover, his average (16.71) isn’t encouraging either.
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