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Punjab Kings (PKBS) are among the least successful franchises in the history of the IPL. They have reached the playoffs just twice while finishing at the bottom of the table on three separate occasions. The Mohali outfit last managed to reach the knockout stage of the tournament back in 2014.
PBKS struggled this year too and finished in ninth place, with just 10 points in 14 games. However, several uncapped players have caught the attention with their performances this term and could be retained by the franchisee next season.
On that note, here's a list of three Indian uncapped players Punjab Kings could retain ahead of next year's IPL mega auction.
#3 Ashutosh Sharma
Punjab Kings signed the Railways batsman for a base price of ₹20 lakh ahead of this season's auction. The youngster has enjoyed a decent campaign with the Mohali-based outfit this term, playing some match-winning knocks.
Overall, he scored 189 runs in 12 games during IPL 2024, with an average of 27.00 and a strike rate of 167.26. He also scored a brilliant 61 in just 28 balls against Mumbai Indians last month, which is among the best knocks of the ongoing IPL campaign.
At 25, Ashutosh Sharma is entering the prime years of his career. Punjab Kings could decide to retain him ahead of next season's mega auction.
#2 Prabhsimran Singh
Punjab Kings spent a whopping ₹4.8 crore to sign Prabhsimran Singh in 2018. However, he failed to justify his price tag, managing to play just six IPL games between 2018 and 2022.
Nevertheless, the Kings kept on backing him and resigned him for ₹60 lakh in the IPL 2022 auction. He repaid the franchisee's trust with his performances and was among the Kings' leading run-getters last season.
Prabhsimran enjoyed a decent campaign this term as well, scoring 334 runs in 14 games with an average of 23.86 and a strike rate of 156.81. PBKS' management could decide to back him again next season.
#1 Shashank Singh
Shashank Singh has been the biggest find for the Punjab Kings this season. The Bhilai-born batsman has finished as the Mohali-based outfit's top scorer for IPL 2024.
He played 14 games prior to the Kings' elimination from the tournament, scoring 354 runs at an average of 44.25 and a strike rate of 164.65. Shashank also registered two half-centuries in IPL 2024.
The 32-year-old is also handy with the ball, picking up one wicket in six balls he bowled this season. It won't be surprising if the Kings retain him ahead of next year's auction.
