IPL 2020 Auction: 3 players KXIP will look to buyback

Having released some of its big guns, Kings XI Punjab has got the highest balance left in the purse among all the 8 franchises going into 2020 IPL auction. With INR 42.70 crore left, they have 9 more slots to be filled (5 domestic and 4 overseas) before heading to season 13. Punjab traded their skipper and Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to Delhi Capitals during the trading window last month. The off-spinner who was bought for INR 7.6 crore in 2018 IPL led his side to seventh and sixth-place finishes respectively in the last two editions. Having made just one IPL final appearance so far, Kings XI Punjab will be looking to reinforce their squad for IPL 2020.

Despite releasing Ashwin, Punjab has got a strong spin attack with Murugan Ashwin, Harpreet Brar and Mujeeb ur Rahman already in their ranks and having signed Jagadeesha Suchith and Krishnappa Gowtham in the trading window. Hence, they are unlikely to go for the released Tamil Nadu spinner Varun Chakravarthy at the auction. With David Miller being unimpressive in the last 4 seasons, they are unlikely to re-bid for him as well. But we might expect them to buy back a few proven players from their released list. Let us look at those 3 released players the Mohali-based franchise will look to buyback at the December 19 auction.

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#3 Moises Henriques

Moises Henriques

Moises Henriques was bought by Kings XI Punjab for INR 1 crore at 2019 IPL auction. Considering his all-round prowess and experience in the shorter format (3508 runs and 108 wickets in 191 appearances) it was a bargain buy for Punjab who have clearly failed to capitalise on his potential. An ideal T20 player, the 32-year-old is a quality batsman who could contribute with the willow lower down the order apart from his useful right-arm fast-medium spells.

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Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle injury while warming up before his debut for the franchise and never got to play a game throughout the season. Now that he is all set to go under the hammer, several franchises might be after him, given his T20 credentials. Nevetheless, Kings XI Punjab who would regret releasing him might actually re-bid to acquire the services of the Aussie all-rounder once again.

The 2014 IPL finalists most probably have to pay more than last season to buy him back. But a comeback is certainly on the cards for Henriques as Kings XI Punjab needs a complete T20 player who could bowl useful spells apart from finishing off the games.

#2 Andrew Tye

Andrew Tye celebrates a wicket for Kings XI Punjab

The 32-year-old Andrew Tye, who created a bidding war between Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings at 2018 IPL auction was eventually secured by Punjab for a whopping INR 7.2 crore.The purple cap winner of 2018 IPL has been released by Kings XI Punjab after failing to replicate his success last season. Tye took 24 wickets throughout season 11 that included 3 four-wicket hauls with best figures of 4/16. Unfortunately, there was a dip in his form in 2019 IPL where he managed just three wickets in six matches for his franchise.

The Aussie pacer who will go under the hammer owing to his astronomical price tag might be bought back by for a comparatively lesser price ahead of 2020 IPL. With Tye proving himself twice in the lucrative league (for Gujarat Lions in 2017 and Kings XI Punjab in 2018) and given his enormous T20 experience (194 wickets), Punjab would be keen on buying him back despite his poor 2019 IPL performance.

#1 Sam Curran

Sam Curran is a rising T20 star from England

Not many would have expected Kings XI Punjab to release the immensely talented Sam Curran ahead of the auction. His astonishingly high price tag (INR 7.2 crore) being the major factor contributing to his release, Punjab will be keen on buying him back. Although they might actually have to shell out more if they want to have the Englishman in their squad for the forthcoming season. Nevertheless, with a hefty purse, they are expected to go all out to secure the 21-year-old all-rounder's services once again.

Curran who impressed the IPL fraternity with his quick-fire half-century against Kolkata Knight Riders and a match-winning hat-trick against Delhi Capitals will be on the radar of various teams during the auction, especially Royal Challengers Bangalore who bid up to INR 7 crore last season. Though it won't be a cakewalk for Kings XI Punjab in signing Curran back, they certainly have the edge over other franchises in the race to sign the youngster at 2020 IPL auction in Kolkata.