Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody believes the Punjab Kings (PBKS) should put Shahrukh Khan back into auction and buy him back at a lower price if possible.
At the IPL 2022 auction, Shahrukh was purchased by the Mohali-based franchise for Rs. 9 crores.
Tom Moody on Shahrukh Khan
Before the IPL 2023 auction, Shahrukh Khan is one of the players who Punjab Kings are most likely to release. The franchises have been required to submit their list of retained players by November 15 for the auction, which will be held on December 23 in Kochi. Before the auction, each franchise will also receive an additional 5 crores on top of their leftover funds.
The IPL 2022 mega auction saw Punjab Kings secure the big-hitter for 9 crores. He scored 117 runs in eight games, but at a dismal average of 16.71 and an equally dismal strike rate of 108.33. He was benched after six games due to his poor performance as Punjab finished sixth on the standings with seven wins and as many losses.
Tom Moody was questioned over the retention of Shahrukh and Mayank Agarwal by PBKS.
“When it comes to Shahrukh, personally, nine crores, far too many crores. If you are not going to use someone at nine crores and he is sitting on the bench, he is in and out of your side, you don’t back him, you put him back into the auction,” he said.
According to Moody, the team might think about repurchasing the powerful batter at a discount.
“I will be putting him back. If I can bring him back into the squad between five and six crores, that range, definitely bring him back. It’s a very fine balance. It’s really down to supply and demand the way I see it,” he added.
Likewise, Harbhajan Singh agreed with Moody. The former off-spinner argued that a player who is not a regular starter in the playing XI cannot be purchased for nine crores.
