IPL 2023: From Sam Curran To Bhanuka Rajapaksa - List of players PBKS likely to release

Punjab Kings' dismal run in the Indian Premier League continues with yet another heartbreak this season. The IPL 2023 promised a lot for the Kings, but they ended up short of playoff places yet again.

The Kings made a decent start but faltered in the middle and latter stages of the group stage matches. They could win only two of their last seven games, and ended up 8th in the league table with 12 points.

This is their 9th season in a row without a playoff appearance, as PBKS are the worst-ranked team in IPL history when it comes to playoff appearances with just two of them in 16 years. And as they prepare for next season, this massive shortcoming will be in their mind.

It will be important for them to recruit wisely in the auction ahead of next season, which warrants the departure of some names.

Punjab Kings: Players PBKS may release ahead of IPL 2024

Here are some names who may face exit from Punjab Kings before the start of next season-

Gurnoor Brar

Gurnoor Brar was roped in as a replacement for injured this season. He played one match and was taken apart by LSG batters. The 22-year-old never looked at the level of IPL and may face the exit next season.

But he has a chance to keep his place through his domestic performances with Punjab.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa

Bhanuka Rajapaksa's season with PBKS was a poor one. The Sri Lankan batter made a decent start with a half-century in their first match against KKR, but failed to continue the momentum. He managed only 21 runs in the next three innings and was not part of the team in the final set of matches.

If the Sri Lanka batter struggles for form with his national side, PBKS may well let him go and invest the money on some other player.

Sam Curran

The significant signing of Sam Curran hasn't worked for PBKS. Splashing INR 18.5 crore on Curran has proven to be a costly decision as the England all-rounder failed to replicate the lofty ambitions.

Curran scored 276 runs and picked up 10 wickets with the ball, but PBKS would have dearly wanted a lot more from him.

The Kings may look to release him for the auction and then try to buy him at a much lower price. Curran, with his age and class, Curran will be a person in demand, but PBKS can definitely get him in a cheaper deal.

Baltej Singh

32-year-old Baltej Singh plays for Punjab in domestic cricket and was signed by PBKS this season. But the medium pacer failed to get any game and may well be offloaded next season.