IPL 2023: 5 teams that can pick Shakib Al Hasan in auction
Shakib Al Hasan has been a legendary player in the shortest format and many franchises could make a bid for him at the forthcoming auction
2. Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings struggled to find the right team composition through their 2022 IPL campaign. They tried the likes of Odean Smith and Rishi Dhawan in the starting XI for the all-rounder role but the duo failed to set the stage ablaze with their performances.
Odean managed 51 runs in six games at a strike rate of 115.91 and conceded runs at an alarming rate of 11.87. Given his poor outings, PBKS can part ways from him and free up a whooping INR 6 crore, which could be used to fill up holes in the team. Coming to Rishi, the 32-year-old was decent with the ball picking six wickets in as many games but he was quite mediocre on the batting front striking at just 92.50.
Therefore, the Punjab franchise could look at Shakib, who is a proven match-winner with the bat and ball. He has shown his might in the IPL arena too scoring 793 runs in 71 games at a strike rate of 124.49 and picking 63 wickets at an economy of 7.44. His addition would improve the balance of the side and make the team well-rounded.
Further, the think tank tried to include the veteran in their scheme of things for the 14th IPL season and also bid for him till INR 3 CR in the 2021 mini-auction but KKR out-bid them at that time. However, this time around PBKS could be the one who goes hammer and tongs for Shakib at the auction.
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