IPL 2021: 4 Overseas Players Of Punjab Kings Who Might Be Benched Throughout The Season

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are scheduled to play their first match of IPL 2021 against Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 12, 2021. Punjab Kings finished on the 6th spot in IPL 2020. Punjab Kings changed their name from Kings XI Punjab for IPL 2021. After IPL 2021 auction, Punjab Kings have seen a lot of changes in the squad.

After IPL 2020, the team released 9 players out of the squad. Glenn Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Hardus Viljoen, James Neesham, Krishnappa Gowtham, Karun Nair, Jagadeesha Suchith, and Tejinder Singh Dhillon were released by Punjab Kings. Later in the mini-auction, Punjab Kings bought 5 overseas players and 3 domestic players.

Punjab Kings had the highest salary cap available in IPL 2021 auction and the franchisee bought few crucial overseas players. However, only the best overseas players will play in IPL 2021 as there are only 4 overseas players allowed in each game. Here we take a glance at 4 overseas players who might be benched by Punjab Kings throughout IPL 2021.

IPL 2021: 4 Overseas Players Of Punjab Kings Who Might Be Benched Throughout The Season

Chris Jordan

Punjab Kings have bought two overseas pacers during IPL 2021 auction who are Jhye Richarson and Riley Meredith. Punjab Kings have spent a huge amount for buying both the cricketers so the team will definitely try them in the initial games. If Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith’s pair worked for the team, they won’t go for any other overseas pacer in the tournament. In such a situation, Chris Jordan might have to sit out throughout IPL 2021. In IPL 2020, Chris Jordan played 9 matches for Punjab Kings but he was not that impressive and only took 9 wickets. This is the reason why Punjab Kings bought two crucial pacers in IPL 2021 auction.

Moises Henriques

Punjab Kings bought Moises Henriques in IPL 2021 auction for Rs. 4.2 crore. Moises Henriques last played in IPL 2017 for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He played 12 matches and scored 277 runs. Moises Henriques is an all-rounder and Punjab Kings have also bought all-rounder Shahrukh Khan in the auction. If Shahrukh performs his duties well then Punjab Kings will not go for an overseas all-rounder. Hence, Moises Henqiues might lose his spot to Shahrukh Khan in IPL 2021.

Fabian Allen

Fabian Allen was released by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2021 auction and later Punjab Kings bought him for Rs. 75 lakh. Fabian Allen is an all-rounder. Allen has no IPL experience so far as he has not played any game in the tournament. Moreover, Shahrukh Khan and Moises Henriques will be given preference over Allen for the all-rounder’s spot so he might be benched throughout the tournament.

Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran is a very crucial batsman for Punjab Kings and he also played well in the last season. However, Punjab Kings have bought Dawid Malan in IPL 2021 auction. The team will definitely try Malan in the initial games and if he performs well, Nicholas Pooran will lose his spot in the playing 11.

Since both Nicholas Pooran and Dawid Malan are overseas batsmen in the team, only one would get a chance to play on the field.