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With the stage all set for the IPL 2022 Mega Auctions, teams will look to find the best pool of 25 players. But it won't be an easy task considering the increased number of teams in the Indian Premier League. Nonetheless, they will have to come up with a plan that pretty much helps them achieve their goals. Punjab Kings will also have a strategy in their mind with plenty to spend. Actually, they have the highest purse amount going into the auctions.
Retained Players:
Mayank Agarwal (12 Crores)
Arshdeep Singh (4 Crores)
Purse Amount deducted: 18 crores
Purse Amount left: 72 crores
Roles of Retained Players
Mayank Agarwal (Opening batter, Probable Captain)
Arshdeep Singh (Left-arm Pacer, equally good with new and old ball)
Number of Slots available: 23
Number of Overseas slots available: 8
What will PBKS look for in the mega auctions?
Punjab Kings have retained only two players which means they are looking for an overhaul and are expected to bring in fresh faces. With 72 crores left to spend, the Punjab-based franchise can afford to go big after certain players. But they will aim to trade smartly as they have left 23 slots to fill as well. Picking right overseas players can also be tricky as no franchise wants to give away a crucial spot to anyone with little value to the team. PBKS have all eight of them left. They might also look to bring back some of the players who have performed well for them in the past.
ALSO READ | IPL 2022 Mega Auction: Punjab Kings Team Analysis- History, Squads and More
Players who will be on PBKS' Radar
1. David Warner (base price 2 Cr)
Punjab Kings are still hunting for a captain after KL Rahul left the franchise and David Warner can be a great pick if they manage to get hold of the Australian. Warner has experience in leading an IPL team. He led SunRisers Hyderabad for seven and a half seasons. He also helped SRH claim its made title in 2016. Apart from captaincy, Warner is a great asset to have at the top of the order. He has won the orange cap three times while playing for SRH. David Warner scored more than 500 runs in every season of the IPL till 2020. Also, he is the fifth on the list of batters with the most runs in the league.
2. Shreyas Iyer (base price 2 Cr)
Shreyas Iyer is another captain prospect for Punjab Kings. As reports have emerged, Iyer only wants to be with a franchise if he is appointed the captain of that team. In that case, only a few teams are in line to bid for Iyer, and Punjab Kings are surely in that queue. The Mumbai batter has captained Delhi Capitals in the past. He has won 23 out of 41 games he has captained in. Apart from being an able captain, Iyer is a great batter as well. He has continuously produced fine knocks for his team. So, PBKS are likely to go bonkers to get Iyer in their setup.
3. Deepak Hooda (base price 40 lakh)
A really good all-rounder at a reasonable bid, Deepak Hooda will attract Punjab Kings management at the mega auctions. Hooda is a fine hitter of the cricket ball, and he has proved it on the occasions he has got. He was also a part of the PBKS setup in 2021. He also produced his best knock in the IPL playing for Punjab Kings (64). Thus, PBKS will try to get him back and avail his services for the next three years.
