4 probable player retentions for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2022

Here are the possible players that may be retained before IPL 2022 by PBKS.

The BCCI recently finalized the plans for the IPL 2022 mega auction as reported by the Times of India. The IPL 2022 auction is expected to be a grand affair given the addition of two new teams to the mix next year and an increase in the number of players as well.

The BCCI has reportedly put in new rules for the player retentions, increment in salary purses, and fresh media rights tender.

Player retention has also been finalized. Each franchise will be allowed to retain four players, but with the following conditions - they can either retain three Indians and one overseas player or two Indians and two overseas players.

Franchises can retain four players, two new teams to be added ahead of IPL 2022: Report

The salary deduction, in the existing structure, is stipulated as follows: Rs 15 crs, Rs 11 crs, and Rs 7 crs if three players are retained; Rs 12.5 crs and Rs 8.5 crs if two players are retained; and Rs 12.5 crs if only one player is retained.

Keeping this in mind, today Team COC takes a look at the four probable player retentions for Punjab Kings (PBKS) franchise.

PUNJAB KINGS (PBKS)

Punjab Kings (PBKS) changed their name, and look ahead of the IPL 2021 season changing it from Kings XI Punjab and ditching their red and silver outfit for a red and gold one. However, this didn’t change their fortunes at all.

The franchise has finished at 7^th position in IPL 2018, 6^th in both IPL 2019 and IPL 2020. They have started well sometimes in the IPL, unlike the IPL 2020 season, where they lost 6 out of their first seven matches. On other occasions, they have failed to finish well.

KL Rahul has been a very good captain and his captaincy has also made him bat well, as he has been topping the batting charts quite easily.

Rahul is probably an automatic choice for retention for the PBKS camp, given that he captains them, keeps wickets, and also opens the batting. Apart from him, another possible retention without much thought would be Mohammad Shami, their best bowler by far.

Shami, who usually singlehandedly carries the PBKS bowling lineup, has been the go-to man for KL Rahul and in the IPL 2020, even defended 5 runs in a super over against Mumbai Indians, showing his experience by bowling 6 yorkers in the over.

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Possible foreign retention for PBKS can be Nicholas Pooran, the vice-captain of the West Indies T20I team. Though he has had a terrible IPL 2021 this far, Pooran is an exciting talent, who can open the innings or can be used as a finisher also.

Therefore, it would be wise for PBKS to invest in the left-handed batter-keeper given that he is only 25 and a potential captaincy material as well.

An out of box consideration for PBKS may be retaining the opening partner of KL Rahul and his statemate Mayank Agarwal. Agarwal has been one of the most aggressive batsmen for PBKS in the last two IPL seasons, which has allowed Rahul to play through the innings without worrying about his strike rate.

He is also a terrific fielder and young and has the potential to serve the team for a long time.

Possible retentions for PBKS before IPL 2022 auction- KL Rahul, Mohammad Shami, Nicholas Pooran, and Mayank Agarwal