IPL 2023 Auction: Tom Moody Opines Whether Punjab Kings Should Retain Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan is one of the likely players to be released by Punjab Kings ahead of the IPL 2023 auction. The auction will be held on December 23 in Kochi and the franchises have been asked to submit their list of retained players by November 15. In addition to their remaining purse, all the franchises will be given an additional 5 crores before going to the auction.

The big-hitter was roped in by Punjab Kings for 9 crores in the IPL 2022 mega auction. However, he had diminishing returns as he scored 117 runs at a dismal average of 16.71 and an equally poor strike rate of 108.33 in eight games. Given his poor performances, he was benched in six games as Punjab finished sixth on the table with seven wins and as many losses.

Speaking to Star Sports show ‘Game Plan’ To Moody spoke about his thoughts on whether Punjab should retain or release the Karnataka batsman. Mayank Agarwal and Odean Smith are also expected to be released by the franchise.

Nine Crores Too Many For Shahrukh Khan: Tom Moody

“When it comes to Shahrukh, personally, nine crores, far too many crores. If you are not going to use someone at nine crores and he is sitting on the bench, he is in and out of your side, you don’t back him, you put him back into the auction” said Moody.

He further suggested that the franchise can consider him buying back at a cheaper price.

“I will be putting him back. If I can bring him back into the squad between five and six crores, that range, definitely bring him back. It’s a very fine balance. It’s really down to supply and demand the way I see it” Moody further said.

Punjab Kings Likely To Release Mayank Agarwal, Odean Smith Alongside Shahrukh Khan: Reports

As per reports, Punjab Kings are willing to release Agarwal (INR 12 crore), Shahrukh (INR 9 crore), and Smith (INR 6 crore) to buy, Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, and Cameron Green all of who are expected to be available for the auction. Mayank and Smith both had a poor IPL in 2022 alongside Shahrukh. Mayank scored just 196 runs in 13 matches at an average of 16.33 and a strike rate of 122.50, including one just one fifty. Smith, on the other hand, scored 51 runs in 6 games and bagged 6 wickets at an average of 29.67 and an economy of 11.87.

Punjab Kings will head into the IPL 2023 auction with a remaining purse of INR 8.45 crores and are looking to buy at least two among the three players.

Also Read: IPL 2023 Auction: “He Is Someone You Might Want To Leave, But….”– Harbhajan Singh When Asked Whether SRH Should Release Nicholas Pooran

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