IPL 2023: 3 PBKS players who might be benched throughout the season

Punjab Kings assembled a formidable side at the 2022 mega auction consisting of many match-winners of the T20 circuit. However, under the leadership of Mayank Agarwal, PBKS failed to stitch consecutive wins under their belt and ended the league stage at the sixth position. 

After yet another disappointing campaign, the Punjab management made some bold calls and moved past nine of their players including Mayank. To improve the balance of the side, PBKS picked top-drawer players such as Sam Curran and Sikandar Raza at the IPL 2023 auction.

With Trevor Bayliss as Punjab's new head coach, one is likely to witness consistency in team selection going forward. Therefore, a few of their players might not get an opportunity in the entire 2023 season.

Here are three PBKS players who could be benched throughout the 2023 season

3. Mohit Rathee

Mohit Rathee is one of the promising spinners in the Indian domestic circuit. He is known to be quite consistent with his lines and lengths and can also give handy contributions with the bat. Punjab Kings decided to invest in the youngster and signed him at the IPL 2023 auction. 

However, it might be difficult for Mohit to break into the Playing XI. PBKS have Indian spinners such as Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar in their arsenal. They have fared well in the lucrative T20 tournament in the past and thus, are likely to be Punjab’s first-choice picks for the IPL 2023.

Moreover, Punjab also possess brilliant spin-bowling all-rounders in Liam Livingstone and Raza in their ranks. Given Shikhar Dhawan & co. have such top-quality spin options in the mix, Mohit might not get even a single game.