IPL 2024: Punjab Kings (PBKS) Can Release 5 Players Before Auction: Punjab Kings finished eighth in the IPL 2023 after winning six of 14 games. The teams’s fans were extremely upset, but they remain certain that the squad would win the IPL championship the following season.
Punjab King’s poor performance is not the only cause of the team’s defeat; luck also played a role in the tournament. Back-to-back injuries to team members are damaging the team. Captain Shikhar Dhawan has acknowledged the errors of losing and vows not to make the same mistakes in the upcoming IPL season. He admitted that the lack of an off-spinner in the middle overs has hurt the bowling order. As a result, PBKS will seek a strong alternative in the IPL 2024 auction.
It has been over a decade since the Kings finished in the top four of the points standings. They had a good squad on paper this year, but they couldn’t execute their plans properly.
In this regard, some members of the PBKS squad may be released before the start of the next IPL season. This article will showcase some of the PBKS players that might be released in 2024 based on their recent performances and the team’s needs.
5 Players Punjab Kings May Release This Year
Matthew Short
Matthew Short joins PBKS to replace Jonny Bairstow before the IPL 2023 season. Fans had great expectations for the Australian star, but he fell short. Short’s contract may be terminated because Bairstow is expected to play for PBKS next season.
Matt Short has played 6 IPL matches so far and has taken 0 wickets at an average of 6.25 runs per over and a best individual statistic of 0/7.
Raj Angad Bawa
Raj Angad Bawa is an all-rounder with the Punjab Kings who debuted in the IPL in 2022. In domestic cricket, Angad has some impressive statistics. He has only played two IPL matches, both in 2022 and has failed to impress with both the bat and the ball. He has not played a single match in 2023, making his spot in the Punjab Kings roster for the 2024 IPL uncertain.
Also Read: IPL 2024: Mumbai Indians (MI) Can Release 4 Players Before Auction
Bhanuka Rajapaksa
Bhanuka Rajapaksa, the wicket-keeper for Sri Lanka, was another overseas hitter who failed to live up to expectations this season. Jonny Bairstow might fill the role of foreign wicket-keeper batter for PBKS next season. As a result, Rajapaksa’s spot in the team may be jeopardized.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa has played 13 IPL matches so far and scored 277 runs at an average of 23.08. He has also scored one half-century and his highest IPL score is 50 runs. In his IPL career, Bhanuka Rajapaksa has hit 22 fours and 15 sixes.
Harpreet Bhatia
Harpreet Bhatia is a left-handed batsman who debuted in the IPL in 2010. On the other hand, his performances have been erratic, and he has failed to make a meaningful effect. He only played three matches in the 2023 edition, scoring 77 runs. The squad may contemplate releasing him depending on his performance and contributions leading up to 2024.
Also Read: https://www.sportsganga.com/cricket/ipl-2024-delhi-capitals-dc-can-release-5-players-before-auction/
Rishi Dhawan
The way the Punjab Kings employed Rishi Dhawan in IPL 2023 was perplexing. He is now one of the best all-rounders in Indian domestic cricket, although PBKS rarely utilized him to his full ability. Shikhar Dhawan frequently employed him as neither a hitter nor a bowler throughout the game. Rishi entering the auction benefits both parties.
Rishi Dhawan has played 38 IPL matches to far, taking 25 wickets at an average of 34.24 and giving approximately 7.98 runs per over with a best individual statistic of 2/14.
