Punjab Kings reached the IPL 2024 auction with a good sum of INR 29.1 crore in their kitty. They had 8 slots to fill, including 2 overseas. Punjab had released Shahrukh Khan, which gave them 9 crores.
However, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that they couldn’t buy an adequate replacement for him at the auction. They went after Shahrukh at the auction but couldn’t manage to pick him in the end. They have picked uncapped Indian players, such as Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh, to fill that role.
However, PBKS didn’t want to buy the latter but had mistakenly bought him, which made it more embarrassing. Atharva Taide seems to be the one who they would be betting on in the middle order for the upcoming season.
Punjab’s most expensive bid at the auction was for Harshal Patel. The Indian pace-bowling all-rounder was picked for INR 11.75 crore. He will be taking care of bowling at the death and can hit those big shots lower the order.
Punjab Kings’ captain, Shikhar Dhawan would also be happy to acquire someone like Chris Woakes, who can make the ball talk in the powerplay. The English seamer has been picked for INR 4.2 crore.
Rilee Rossouw-Woakes Became Punjab Kings’ Top Pick
To add strength in that middle order, they have also added Rilee Rossouw to the team. He was sold to PBKS for INR 8 crore but might not be regular in the Punjab Kings’ playing XI. He is looked as a back-up for Liam Livingstone for now.
Besides, their list of all-rounders stretches further with the addition of uncapped Indian players such as Vishwanath Singh (INR 20 lakh) and Tanay Thyagrajan (INR 20 lakh).
The addition of Chris Woakes and Rilee Rossouw gives them more options in the middle-order and all-rounders’ departments, respectively. The squad does look more powerful now and the franchise would hope that Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan plays all the matches this season.
Punjab Kings’ coach Trevor Bayliss was also present at the auction after missing Sydney Thunder’s BBL clash on Tuesday. After missing out on the playoff berth in IPL 2022, they appointed Bayliss as their new head coach. He will be at the helm of affairs for the second consecutive season.
Punjab Kings Squad 2024, IPL 2024 Players’ List
Openers: Shikhar Dhawan (capt), Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
Middle Order: Jonny Bairstow (wk), Rilee Rossouw, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Harpreet Bhatia, Ashutosh Sharma, Shashank Singh
All-rounders: Rishi Dhawan, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Shivam Singh, Chris Woakes, Harshal Patel, Vishwanath Singh, Tanay Thyagarajan
Fast bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis, Arshdeep Singh, Vidwath Kaverappa,
Spinners: Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Prince Choudhary
Read More: Lucknow Super Giants Squad IPL 2024, Players’ List
