Punjab Kings had a mediocre season in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League. Despite having some of the biggest power-hitters in their squad, the Mohali-based franchise finished sixth on the points table. They started their campaign with a win against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, but their inconsistency led to their early exit from the competition.
One of the biggest disappointments for PBKS this year was captain Mayank Agarwal’s form. He scored only 196 runs in 13 matches at an average of 16.33. Apart from him, there were a few more players who could not impress much in the PBKS colors this season.
Ahead of the IPL 2023 mini-auction, the Punjab Kings might release the following three names from their squad.
1. Punjab Kings may release Odean Smith before IPL 2023
Punjab Kings shelled out a whopping 6 crore to sign Odean Smith at the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. Smith did well in his first match and helped PBKS beat RCB, but the Caribbean all-rounder could not continue his good form. He played six matches in IPL 2022, scoring 51 runs at an average of 17. With the ball, he leaked 178 runs in 15 overs while picking up six wickets. PBKS may look to release him and then buy him back at a lower price.
2. Punjab Kings may not retain Shahrukh Khan for IPL 2023
PBKS signed Shahrukh Khan for 9 crores at the mega auction, but the Tamil Nadu batter scored only 117 runs in eight matches at an average of 16.71. His strike rate was less than 110, which is why the Kings might not retain him at the same price for IPL 2023.
3. Vaibhav Arora
Punjab shelled out 2 crores for Vaibhav Arora at the IPL 2022 mega auction. He bowled decently but his economy rate was more than nine runs per over. PBKS might think about his price tag before retaining him for the next edition of the Indian Premier League.
