IPL 2019: One wrong retention and release by each team

5. Kings XI Punjab

Wrongly retained – Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal has the reputation of being one of the hard-hitting batsmen in the domestic circuit. However, he hasn’t been in his best version in the cash-rich tournament. In 64 matches, playing for four franchises, he has scored only 934 runs at a dismal average of 16.25 which is hard to understand as Agarwal plunders runs in the domestic circuit.

Keeping him would only increase the pressure on the opening pair like the last season when KL Rahul was a lone warrior fighting for the faltering side. Agarwal didn’t even look comfortable while batting at number three and eventually was dropped from the team.

Wrongly released – Marcus Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis was retained using the Right to Match card by the Kings XI Punjab for INR 6.20 crores. But he failed to produce the goods on a consistent basis and never really got going. However, his recent form for his national team suggests releasing him was a mistake made by the franchise.

Kings XI could’ve persisted with Stoinis since down the order, he could provide the required pyrotechnics. In addition to this, the 29-year old could also be a valuable and a wicket-taking bowler and prove to be an asset on the field.