The highly anticipated auction of the 2024 edition of the IPL draws closer with each day and it is safe to assume that the teams will have their priorities in order ahead of the mini-auction scheduled to take place in Dubai, UAE on the 19th of December.
The Punjab Kings will look forward to a strong auction as they go in search of their first-ever IPL trophy. Changes in the player lineup and even name hasn’t brought fortune to the side from Punjab, but the Preity Zita, Ness Wadia-owned side will look for a change in tide in the upcoming edition of the money-rich T20 tournament.
Catch all the latest updates of the IPL 2024 auction here with our special page for the top 10 most expensive buys at the IPL 2024 Auction. Follow our comprehensive coverage for real-time updates of the hottest bidding wars on our IPL 2024 Auction Live Blog.
Available Slots: 8
Overseas Slots: 2
Salary cap available: 29.1 Crores
Released Players: Shahrukh Khan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Baltej Singh, Mohit Rathee, Raj Bawa
5 Players PBKS Can Target at IPL 2024 Auction:
Punjab could be in for a successful auction this time around considering they head into the occasion with a larger purse than four other teams involved in the process.
Mitchell Starc
The Australian pacer will turn a lot of heads at the auction as considering his ability with the new ball in his hand. The 33-year-old remains one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket is guaranteed to elevate the bowling unit of any team he joins.
He has put a Rs 2 crore base price evaluation on himself ahead of the auction and there is no doubt that teams wouldn’t think twice to rope in the menacing seamer if they could afford him.
A bowling partnership featuring South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada and Starc would prove to be the nightmare of any batting order and PBKS would become immensely stronger if they can beat the competition to sign the World Cup-winning seamer.
Wanindu Hasaranga
The Sri Lankan has proven himself in the tournament during his time at Royal Challengers Bangalore. The wily spinner is more than capable of turning the game on its head on his day with his crafty deliveries. He can also hold his own with the willow in hand and can chip in with useful contributions is the need for the same arises.
The 26-year-old’s variations and turn could puzzle batters and PBKS will only be stronger if they manage to bring the Sri Lankan into their fold, however, the competition for the spinner’s signature might be stiff considering his credible performances in the past.
Daryl Mitchell
The Kiwi batter made the world of cricket take notice of his skills at the recently concluded ICC ODI World Cup in India. The 32-year-old could steady up the innings in the middle orders and can take the bowlers to the cleaners when on song.
His attacking style of batting would suit the T20 format of the game and his exploits in India during the World Cup wouldn’t have gone unnoticed by the teams.
Shardul Thakur
The Indian all-rounder was released by Kolkata Knight Riders following an underwhelming season last year. However, a host of teams would be interested in bringing in the 32-year-old into their fold.
Thakur is a season player and considering he wouldn’t take up an overseas slot plays in his favour. He has registered some memorable performances during his time in the IPL and has the knack of popping up with wickets, a skill PBKS would value.
Umesh Yadav
The Indian pacer, another player released from the KKR ranks, could bolster the opening bowling of the Punjab unit considering his experience at the tournament. A dangerous seamer to square up against on his day, he would certainly prove to be a positive addition to the PBKS.
He is one of the few Indians listed in the Rs 2 crore base price bracket and could be brought out for much higher if his name pops up at a favourable time in the ever-changing dynamic auction atmosphere.
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