IPL 2023: Players Punjab Kings could release ahead of mini-auction

image-lagqn3idPunjab Kings (Source: IPLT20)

After another disappointing season, Punjab Kings sacked their entire coaching setup especially head coach Anil Kumble replacing him with 2019 World Cup head coach Trevor Bayliss. Not just this, the Mohali-based franchise even took the captaincy duty from their skipper Mayank Agarwal and handed over the duties to Shikhar Dhawan.

While the team looked solid on paper, the performances with the likes of Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh in the line-up weren't as inspiring as it was expected to be. 

However, with a few tweaks, the team can turn the tables and qualify for the next round. Here's a look at some names who could be shown the exit door before the auction in December.

1. Mayank Agarwal (12 Cr)

Captain in the last season, Mayank Agarwal is all set to be released by the franchise after an underwhelming performance both with the bat and leadership. His numbers were rather discouraging with an average of 16.33 and total runs being 196. 

Agarwal was phenomenal in the 2021 and 2020 seasons for the franchise where he stood up to smack 441 and 424 runs, respectively. He was retained ahead of the 2022 season for a 12 crore price tag which might be the main reason that could prompt Kings to let him go in the auction.

2. Shahrukh Khan (9 Cr)

Dynamic hard-hitting batter once touted to be one of the best finishers in the IPL circuit, Shahrukh Khan has faded away from the limelight. Having two-under-par seasons, Khan could only manage 117 in 2022 from eight matches he played with an average of 16.71.

Releasing him would free up a lot of purse, giving room to add another Indian domestic youngster from the season. 

3. Odean Smith (6 Cr)

Bought on his reputation, Odean Smith was quite expensive with economy of 11.87 that cost PBKS a potential playoff berth. His batting didn't yield any results either with 51 runs at a strike rate of 115.

Smith was fairly expensive considering some equally deserving players went undervalued. Punjab would not be fretting too much over his replacement as Ben Stokes and Sam Curran are said to be in plans of the franchise.

Punjab's total purse value after ending last year's auction was 3.45 Cr, adding 5 Crs and the value rises to 8.45 crores. Now, if they let go of the given names that makes a total of 27 crores, they would be going to the auction with a minimum purse of 35.45 Crores. 

That would be more than enough to acquire the services of some of the best stars in the world. They were already short of one foreign player and now they would require at least two more international talents. 

Also Read: Players that RCB could release before mini-auction