IPL Auction 2022: Anil Kumble Reveals Why Punjab Kings Went After Odean Smith

Punjab Kings head coach Anil Kumble was happy with the overall squad that the franchise managed to assemble in the IPL 2022 mega auction. Shikhar Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, Jonny Bairstow, Odean Smith and Liam Livingstone were some of the costliest buys of the franchise.

After the end of the mega auction, Anil Kumble, spoke to Star Sports on the auction dynamic and what made them go behind certain players. Odean Smith was one of the top buys for the franchise at 6 crores. The West Indian all-rounder is currently in India for a series against India. He showed some big-hitting skills in the ODI series which prompted Punjab Kings to go big behind him.

“He has showcased his power, bowling skills and also his batting skills and we saw that on display against India here in the one-dayers, so we have been tracking the players for a while and we are very glad that someone like Odean as an all-rounder for us we have been able to secure” said Kumble.

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He also spoke on the varying auction dynamics and the problem of demand and supply in the IPL. Many franchises including Punjab could not get all the players that they were looking for in the mega auction. However, despite that, they have managed to put together a strong and competitive squad.

The Auction Dynamics This Time Were Very Different: Anil Kumble

“The auction dynamics are very very different and you have to be nimble and that is something we realised in the last one and half days. You have to be even more nimble during this auction then the previous ones.”

He also stressed on the leadership role and building a culture within the franchise looking forward to a brand new season.

“I think, in a T20, the format or any new squad you want to put together, you would want to get some quality players, and also the leadership group, so yes the focus was not just on the players that we want to acquire but also acquire some leadership groups and build a culture” Kumble concluded saying.

Also Read: IPL 2022 Auction: List Of All Players Who Got Sold In The Mega Auction