Kings XI Punjab released seven players from their squad as a tactical decision ahead of the auction next month, according to the team’s Director of Cricket Operations and Head Coach Anil Kumble.

KXIP announced on Friday that they released seven players from the team - Varun Chakravarthy, Andrew Tye, Sam Curran, Simran Singh, David Miller, Moises Henriques and Agnivesh Ayachi - and retained the remaining 14.

Two players - Jagdeesha Suchith and Krishnappa Gowtham - were traded in earlier, which means the current squad strength stands as 16.

“We have a talented bunch with a mix of experience in the group,” observed Kumble. “We had to let go of seven players and of course, you are aware of the trade as well. The only reason we had to let go of so many players was to have enough purse in the auction.

“We now have 50 per cent of the purse going into the auction to bring about a balance to the team,” he pointed out.

KXIP has the highest remaining budget amongst all 8 teams going into the auction next month ahead of Kolkata Knight Riders.

“We are confident that we will be able to put together a strong team in the VIVO IPL 2020,” Kumble affirmed. “I know some of the fans will be disappointed that some of our young talented players have been let go into the auction.

“The reason being that we needed this purse so that we have the ability to put together a balanced team, and also if the auction table allows, we can bring them back.”