3 PBKS players who should be released after a poor IPL 2023

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) had another miserable year in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as they once again failed to qualify for the playoffs. This is now the ninth consecutive year in which Punjab have failed to make it to the playoffs. Captains, coaches, players and support staff, all have been changed but somehow, the results haven't.

This year, they finished eighth on the points table, with only six wins from their 14 games. One of the biggest reasons behind their poor run this season was their bowling attack; Arshdeep Singh, Sam Curran, and Kagiso Rabada all had disappointing seasons. They also made some questionable tactical decisions, which have played a huge part in their premature exit.

Punjab will once again have to reassess their plans and make alterations to their squad ahead of next season. Here's a look at three players who should be released by PBKS:

#1 Sam Curran

Punjab Kings bought Sam Curran for a massive sum of 18.5 crores in the player auction, making him the most expensive player in the 16-year history of the tournament. However, his performances were not impressive at all and proved to be one of the main reasons behind Punjab's struggles this season.

In 14 games in IPL 2023, the 24-year-old could only pick up 10 wickets, that too at an expensive economy-rate of over 10. With the bat, he did well, scoring 276 runs at a strike-rate of 135.96, but Punjab would have wanted more from their marquee signing.

While there is no doubt about his talent and skill, Curran is still a work in progress at the highest level. Thus, Punjab might look to release him and get him back at a lower price. The difference could then be used to plug other holes that plagued their progress in IPL 2023.

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#2 Shahrukh Khan

Punjab Kings bought Shahrukh Khan ahead of IPL 2021; in his three seasons with the franchise, Shahrukh has featured in 33 games, scoring 426 runs at a strike-rate of 134.81. He doesn't have a single half-century to his name in IPL cricket.

This year, he scored only 156 runs in 13 innings with a high-score of 41*. For the hefty sum that PBKS pay him, Shahrukh has failed to make any substantial contributions for the Kings. Thus, it would make sense for the Punjab Kings to release him instead of trying their luck with him next year.

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#3 Kagiso Rabada

No other franchise would even consider letting Kagiso Rabada go, despite his disappointing season this year. However, the Punjab Kings are notorious for making such short-sighted decisions. Rabada was only given six opportunities this season, in which he picked up seven wickets at an economy-rate of over 10.

Rabada was not a regular member of the side as PBKS preferred Australian pacer Nathan Ellis over him, which seems to have dented the South African's confidence. It seemed like Rabada was surplus to PBKS' requirements and it wouldn't be a surprise if they decide to let him go ahead of next year.