IPL 2023 Auction: PBKS will go for Cameron Green because he gives you a bit of pace – Anil Kumble

When Australia’s hard-hitting all-rounder Cameron Green impressed on the tour of India, it was made evident that he is going to attract a lot of bidders in the upcoming IPL 2023 auction. Green had scored 118 runs in three T20I matches against India before the T20 World Cup and he was the star of the show for the visitors.

In fact, the lanky all-rounder has continued to do a good job for the team. Former Indian leg-spinner and ex-Punjab Kings head coach Anil Kumble believes the Mohali-based franchise will target the Australian all-rounder in the upcoming auctions.

PBKS have INR 32.20 crores left in their purse ahead of the auction whereas Green has set his base price at INR 2 crores. Green has been in top form and he is projected to be one of the most expensive players in the upcoming auctions.

As Punjab Kings have released Odean Smith ahead of the auctions, Kumble believes the team will target an overseas all-rounder.

Kumble said on Jio Cinema: “Punjab Kings have let go of their overseas all-rounder in Odean Smith. So, they will certainly look for an overseas all-rounder. So, there is Cameron Green, Ben Stokes, and Sam Curran.”

He continued: “In my view, they will go for Cameron Green because he gives you a bit of pace, he is tall, hits the deck hard, and can also bat in the top three. So that’s something I think Punjab will look to do. And they certainly need an overseas all-rounder.”

Meanwhile, Anil Kumble served as PBKS head coach from 2019 to 2022 but he was replaced by Trevor Bayliss after he could not lead the team to glory. The team also released their previous season’s captain Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan will lead them in the upcoming season.

On the other hand, Green has scored 139 runs in eight T20I matches and he has also taken five wickets for the Aussies. Green can open the innings and he can also contribute with the ball, which will definitely attract the IPL teams.

IPL 2023 auction will take place on Friday at Kochi.