IPL 2022: 3 Players PBKS might release ahead of next season

Punjab Kings (PBKS) had a disappointing outing in the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as they failed to qualify for the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season. Punjab entered the season as one of the strongest contenders to finish in the top four after recruiting the services of many star players. However, the lack of consistency in their performances and not winning back-to-back matches proved to be detrimental for the franchise.

The Mayank Agarwal-led side relied mainly on their experienced cricketers but the likes of Shahrukh Khan, Johnny Bairstow and the skipper himself didn’t perform to the expectations which hurt their chances of progressing to the playoffs. With 7 wins in 14 matches, Punjab finished sixth in the points table.

Now, ahead of next season, the team management will look to release some of their players who have been disappointed with their performances and players who might not fit into their scheme of things for next season.

Here we bring you three players that PBKS might release ahead of IPL 2023.

1. Odean Smith

The West Indies all-rounder was bought by Punjab Kings for INR 6 crore during the mega auction in the hope that he will put on his all-round show and power the franchise to lift their maiden IPL title. However, he failed to live up to expectations with his performances and eventually got dropped from the team after the first half of the IPL.

Smith played six matches this season, picking up six wickets and scoring 51 runs at a strike rate of 115.91. The right-arm pacer was very expensive with the ball, going at an economy rate of over 11.87. Smith delivered once with his all-round skills but was otherwise inconsistent.

With his inconsistency in both the departments, we may see Smith being released by the franchise ahead of IPL 2023. Punjab will definitely go for a quality all-rounder next season. Moreover, with a limited number of overseas quotas per squad, PBKS will look to find an experienced overseas all-rounder.