5 players PBKS can target in IPL 2024 auction

Punjab Kings (PBKS) is one of the most unluckiest sides in the Indian Premier League (IPL). They have made good sides and performed well in the auction table as well but could not implement the very best in the field leading them to fail to qualify for the knockout stages in recent years. The franchise is keen on using its balance wisely in picking talent, experience, and versatility to ensure a formidable team for the upcoming season.

PBKS bought Sam Curran for a hefty amount of 18.5 crore INR but he could not perform as per expectations in the toughest T20 league in the world. The focus will be on creating a balanced squad that can handle challenges during the high-pressure games of the tournament. They have released some surprising names in the retention window with the likes of Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shahrukh Khan, and Raj Angad Bawa. 

The IPL 2024 auction is set to take place on December 19 in Dubai and this is the first instance that the auction will be held outside India. In this article, we will look at the players Punjab Kings could target during the IPL mini-auction 2024. Punjab Kings has a purse of 29.1 Crore INR left and can go for some big buys as well. 

Here are the 5 players PBKS can target in the IPL auction

5. Kartik Tyagi 

Kartik Tyagi has been an exceptional talent in the U-19 circuit. He is a young Indian who can provide the Kings with long-term investment. If they get Tyagi, it will perfectly round out their pace attack and he can be a good backup as well. PBKS also has the finances to pursue him and secure his services in the 2024 IPL. As a team only Arshdeep Singh and Vidwath Kaverappa so they have to slot in to pick him. 

4. Jason Holder 

Jason Holder has been one of the finest all-rounders is a proven player and has a good record in T20 leagues worldwide. The former West Indies captain brings a perfect match of power-hitting and effective bowling. His role in the team could be crucial, as his all-round abilities make him a crucial member of the squad he will give lower-order batting and can bowl in the middle overs as well which will provide balance to the side. Holder has the experience of playing in the IPL and provided match-winning games for the franchise in the toughest league of the world. 

3. Manish Pandey

Manish Pandey is another choice of the Kings. The batter has been one of the finest players in the franchise league cricket. Manish has been in and out of the team in recent times in the IPL. But the Kings do not have a good middle-order batter who can anchor the innings and play shots whenever required. His IPL record shows his ability to form decent partnerships and lead the team through difficult circumstances. He will be a good buy for the PBKS side and add a lot more balance and experience as well in the team. 

2. Travis Head

Travis Head is one of the players who will be in the war of the auction. But PBKS will be an obvious team to go for him in the war alongside other franchises. The 29-year-old can bat in the top order and also play in the middle-order as well as bowl some useful off-spin. Head is an explosive batter in the top order and can change the game for his side on his day. The left-handed opener showed his ability in the ODI World Cup 2023 and the recently ended T20I series against India as well. 

1. Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra has been finding of the ODI World Cup 2023. The 23-year-old New Zealand batter became the best youngster of the tournament. He scored three centuries and became the first Kiwi batter to achieve the milestone in a single edition of the ODI World Cup history. He scored 578 runs in 10 matches and played consistently in the tournament. PBKS with money left in their purse will go for the top order batter as he will give a few overs of spin as well adding a balance to the side.