IPL 2023: 3 players Punjab Kings (PBKS) can target in mini-auction
Punjab Kings will look to fill gaps in their squad.
It is the same story for Punjab Kings every season. They assemble a star-studded squad in the auctions, their superstars fail to perform as per the expectations, and they release several players ahead of the next season to form a new team.
The script didn’t change in the IPL 2022 either as Punjab Kings failed to reach the playoffs after finishing 6th with seven wins and seven losses. On the expected note, the franchise has released several big names, including the skipper Mayank Agarwal.
However, unlike the other seasons, Punjab Kings have retained the core, including Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, and Kagiso Rabada. They also have named Shikhar Dhawan the new skipper ahead of the upcoming edition of the IPL.
On a bright note, Punjab Kings have a massive purse of INR 32.2 crore remaining. They have to fill a total of nine slots, including three overseas slots in that amount. They will be looking to fill the gaps in their playing XI and also be eager to sign some quality backups. In this post, we will take a look at the top 3 players Punjab Kings (PBKS) can target in the mini-auction.
3 – Mayank Markande
The young spinner from Punjab was signed by Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2022. However, the five-time champions didn’t trust the youngster enough and played Murugan Ashwin ahead of him. Mayank Markande played only 2 games in the IPL 2022 and picked up only one wicket.
Mumbai Indians have released him ahead of the IPL 2023 and Punjab Kings will be keen to sign him in the mini-auctions. Punjab Kings have Rahul Chahar as their main leg-spinner in the squad. However, they don’t have any backup for him. Mayank Markande is likely to be available at a decent price and he will be a quality backup for Rahul Chahar in the squad.
Mayank Markande was in a good form during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2022 as he bagged 12 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 7.30. Furthermore, he is a local boy and has enough experience playing in the home conditions.
