"Why Did You Leave Shahrukh Khan" - Aakash Chopra Slams Punjab Kings
Published - 08 Dec 2023, 01:08 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:23 AM
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has criticized Punjab Kings’ decision to release Shahrukh Khan ahead of the IPL 2024 mini-auction. Aakash Chopra pointed out that Shahrukh Khan was not utilized properly despite performing well whenever given the chance.
The Punjab Kings released seven players ahead of the auction, scheduled to take place in Dubai on December 19. Shahrukh emerged as the most notable player among those released. He struggled in the IPL 2023, scoring only 156 runs in 13 innings with an average of 22.29.
You Didn’t Use Shahrukh Khan Properly – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra expressed confusion over the release of Shahrukh Khan, especially considering his contributions and the absence of comparable lower-middle-order Indian batters in the upcoming auction.
“They have left Shahrukh Khan, Raj Angad Bawa, Baltej Dhanda, Mohit Rathee, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (apart from Matthew Short and Gurnoor Sing Brar, who were replacement players). I am genuinely thinking why did you leave Shahrukh Khan,” Chopra said.
“Firstly, you didn’t use Shahrukh Khan properly. He did well also whenever you used him. Tell me what will you gain by leaving Shahrukh Khan who is the lower-middle-order Indian batter you will get in the auction? You won’t get even one,” he added.
Punjab Kings Minimised Arshdeep Sing To Settle Sam Curran – Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator expressed surprise over the Punjab Kings’ decision to retain Sam Curran, emphasizing that he did not justify his high price tag. He stated that Arshdeep Singh‘s effectiveness was compromised to accommodate Curran.
“I was surprised when they didn’t release Sam Curran because he was bought for 18.5 crores and he didn’t perform. To be honest, I was skeptical about whether Sam could do well here because of the pitches he was playing on and the sort of game he has, and I was right,” Chopra further stated.
“In fact, they minimized Arshdeep to settle him. They weren’t giving the new ball to Arshdeep just to give the new ball to Sam Curran.”
“You went with Sam and (Kagiso) Rabada, and you left Arshdeep. Arsh was at the top of the Purple Cap race at the halfway stage, and, then, you made him fall. I was disappointed.”
Retained Players: Arshdeep Singh, Atharva Taide, Harpreet Brar, Harpreet Bhatia, Jitesh Sharma, Jonny Bairstow, Kagiso Rabada, Liam Livingstone, Nathan Ellis, Prabhsimran Singh, Rahul Chahar, Rishi Dhawan, Sam Curran, Shikhar Dhawan, Shivam Singh, Sikandar Raza, Vidwath Kaverappa
Released Players: Baltej Dhanda, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Matthew Short, Mohit Rathee, Raj Angad Bawa, Shahrukh Khan
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