Punjab Kings went into the auction with the biggest purse i.e., 42.25 crores. They made use of that and outbid everyone to buy the services of Sam Curran for an unbelievable amount of INR 18.50 crores. For a backup option to Liam Livingstone, they acquired the services of Sikandar Raza.
They needed someone to replace Mayank Agarwal at the top but the franchise couldn’t buy anyone despite ending the auction with 12.2 crores still left in the bank. It also means that Shikhar Dhawan could be given the duty to lead the side this year.
Apart from the two big names, the franchise bought some Indian talents such as Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Mohit Rathee, and Shivam Singh (US$ 24,000). Harpreet Bhatia is a talented batter who has impressed in the domestic circuit. He could be used as a backup opener in the squad.
The middle woes could be filled by Sikandar Raza, who can hammer big sixes in the middle overs and can provide a spin bowling option as well. Also, Punjab didn’t get hold of an overseas spinner, who could have strengthened their bowling unit. All in all, they wouldn’t be too happy with how they went about their business at the auction.
Players bought by PBKS with prices in IPL Auction 2023
Sam Curran – ₹18.5 crore
Sikander Raza – ₹50 lakh
Harpreet Bhatia – ₹40 lakh
Vidwath Kaverappa – ₹20 lakh
Mohit Rathee – ₹20 lakh
Shivam Singh – ₹20 lakh
Punjab Kings retained players 2023:
Shikhar Dhawan (captain), Shahrukh Khan, Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Raj Bawa, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Baltej Singh, Nathan Ellis, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar.
Punjab Kings Squad 2023:
Wicketkeepers: Jonny Bairstow, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma
Batters: Shikhar Dhawan (capt), Shahrukh Khan, Prabhsimran Singh, Harpreet Singh Bhatia
All-rounders: Raj Bawa, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Mohit Rathee, Shivam Singh
Bowlers: Rishi Dhawan, Arshdeep Singh, Baltej Singh, Nathan Ellis, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar
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