Punjab Kings are gearing up for yet another new season of the Indian Premier League, as they try to build a team for the future in the upcoming IPL auction. Punjab have never won the IPL, and haven’t advanced past the group stage since becoming runners-up in 2014. Worse, in their 14-year history, they have only finished in the top four twice.

These numbers reveal that Punjab Kings is by far the worst-performing team in IPL history. With KL Rahul joining Lucknow Super Giants, Punjab Kings will be looking for a new skipper at the IPL auction. They have only kept two players, Mayank Agarwal (Rs 12 crore) and Arshdeep Singh (Rs 4 crore), and have the most money available of any team (Rs 72 crore).

Also Read | IPL Auction 2022: 5 players Mumbai Indians should buy

Here are five players PBKS should attempt to obtain in the auction:

Jason Roy (Rs 7 crore): Punjab Kings must invest in proven and experienced opening batsmen who can get them off to a solid start at the top of the order, and Roy is one such batter. PBKS has some money to spend, and they should not be afraid to do so in this circumstance.

Dinesh Karthik (Rs 3 crore): Karthik may not be old, but he does have a wealth of experience and fitness on his side. The former KKR captain has demonstrated his ability to lead and will be an excellent Indian acquisition for PBKS, which require experienced players in critical positions.

Also Read | IPL Auction 2022: 5 players Delhi Capitals should buy

Mohammad Nabi (Rs 2 crore): This player is as gifted a T20 specialist as any. A useful spinner who can bowl on the powerplay and a terrific bottom order hitter who can use the long handle as well as play sheet anchor if necessary.

Lockie Ferguson (Rs 5 crore): The New Zealand fast bowler possesses a tremendous pace that can scare hitters and has been good in his KKR encounters. Punjab should try to get this player in.

Also Read | IPL Auction 2022: 5 players Royal Challengers Bangalore should buy

Steve Smith (Rs 4 crore): Steve Smith is off the radar these days, especially in T20 cricket, and this is a fantastic opportunity for a side like Punjab to sign the Australian, who may also be a great captaincy candidate.