IPL 2024: 3 players PBKS should have picked instead of Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel was a surprise release by Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. But he not only managed to find a new team in Punjab Kings (PBKS) but also, saw a bidding war happening for his services. This saw him getting a whopping price of INR 11.75 crore.

Many Punjab Kings fans welcomed the addition of Harshal Patel to the bowling unit, which is a strong one led by Kagiso Rabada and Sam Curran. However, many fans considered spending that amount of money by PBKS Harshal Patel, unnecessary. But Harshal brings death over expertise and the ability to hit big shots down the order. 

Let’s have a look at which order Indian or overseas bowlers PBKS should’ve targeted instead of Harshal Patel in the IPL 2024 auction. 

Here are 3 players PBKS should have gone for instead of Harshal Patel:

1. Chetan Sakariya

Punjab Kings were on the look out for a decent death overs bowler as they had a pretty good new ball attack in Sam Curran and Kagiso Rabada. Chetan Sakariya had proved his worth with the old ball at the death for Rajasthan Royals and in domestic cricket. His expertise even led to him making his India debut in 2021.

However, Sakariya was unlucky to be released by RR and not to get many opportunities with Delhi Capitals. Punjab Kings would’ve gotten an excellent death overs bowler with variations aplenty in Sakariya. And probably they wouldn’t have had to splurge huge money for the southpaw pacer.