Another auction, another overhaul by the Punjab Kings. Punjab will enter the IPL 2023 mini-auction with a heavy purse – INR 32.2 crore – having released 9 players, including their captain from last season, Mayank Agarwal.
They have named Shikhar Dhawan as the new skipper and have appointed Trevor Bayliss as the new coach.
Punjab managed 7 wins and 7 losses last season and once again failed to qualify for the playoffs, where they last appeared in 2014.
Here are 3 players released by Punjab Kings (PBKS) who can get high bids at the IPL 2023 auction:
Mayank Agarwal
Mayank Agarwal had a torrid time last season while leading, for the first time in the IPL, the Punjab Kings. Not only the team failed to qualify for the playoffs, but his own batting also suffered – 196 runs in 13 matches at an average of 16 – he even had to push himself down the order to have Dhawan and Bairstow open.
However, one bad season wouldn’t drop Agarwal’s stocks when he comes up in the auction. He has huge experience – 113 matches in the IPL alone – and is a proven performer. The other thing which goes in Agarwal’s favor is his selflessness when it comes to putting a price on his wicket.
Over his time with Punjab, Agarwal showed that he’s ready to play risky shots, and give his side quick-fire starts even if that compromises his average. Expect multiple teams to line up at the auction for the services of an aggressive opener Mayank Agarwal.
Odean Smith
Odean Smith stunned the world with the bat on his IPL debut: he smashed 25* runs off 8 balls vs RCB to help PBKS chase 206. After that, however, Smith couldn’t play any impactful knock and was dropped. He did manage 6 wickets in 15 overs but proved very expensive.
Nonetheless, Odean Smith has done well in different leagues and even played for West Indies in the T20 WC. A seam-bowling all-rounder who can bash the ball mercilessly will attract bidders at the auction table.
Ishan Porel
There was surprise expressed by many fans after PBKS released young fast bowler Ishan Porel after having him on the bench for the last three seasons. In three years at the franchise, Porel got to play only one match, in the 2021 IPL.
The Bengal fast bowler, who was even taken as a net bowler to Australia with the Indian team two years ago, is only 24 years old and is known for his express pace. Porel has taken 30 wickets in 22 T20 matches at a terrific economy of 6.71, and is regular for India A. Released by Punjab, Porel not only is expected to find a new franchise, but also could see multiple franchises showing interest in him.
