Indian Premier League 2023: Decoding the Probable XI of PBKS. Punjab Kings must overcome their reputation as underachievers in the Indian Premier League. PBKS has failed because they consistently follow the same practice of making excessive personnel changes during auctions. With new leadership in place, IPL 2023 might present PBKS with yet another difficult season. PBKS will now look up to Shikhar Dhawan since Mayank Agarwal is no longer around. Sam Curran from England, who was signed for a staggering 18.5 crore, could be the difference-maker for PBKS in the IPL in 2023.
It’s unfortunate that PBKS can only deploy 4 of their strong group of international players in the starting XI, highlighting the weaknesses of the Indian group of players. Overall depth and balance of PBKS in some areas are lacking. And as the season goes on, they can suffer as a result. To highlight multiple errors, PBKS had 12.2 crore in their bag after the auction.
Everyone must contribute to PBKS under Dhawan. The middle order’s batting lacks bite, and the spin department raises some red flags. Other than Rahul Chahar, there aren’t any standout spinners. Livingstone, an all-around player, is the team’s backup spinner. As an all-around player, Rishi Dhawan will be quite helpful. We decode the likely starting lineup for Punjab Kings for the IPL 2023 season.
Full squad of PBKS
Shikhar Dhawan (c), Shahrukh Khan, Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Raj Bawa, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Baltej Singh, Nathan Ellis, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Mohit Rathee, Shivam Singh.
Probable PBKS XI
Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Rishi Dhawan, Shahrukh Khan, Sam Curran, Rahul Chahar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh
Breaking down PBKS’ probable XI
Shikhar Dhawan: The veteran Indian batsman is possibly the most important player for his team. Dhawan has scored a ton of points in the IPL. Dhawan has scored more than 450 runs throughout the past seven seasons. He has amassed 6244 IPL runs overall at a respectable average of 35.88. Dhawan has scored 3133 runs on the power play, averaging 38.20, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Jonny Bairstow: The Englishman must initially support Dhawan skillfully. One of the best aggressive batters in the league is Bairstow. Dhawan may be forced to take a backseat as a result of his actions, which may assist Punjab Kings get off to a strong start. In the 20-over format, Bairstow has 4304 runs at a 30.52 average. He has 25 fives and three tons under his belt.
Prabhsimran Singh: The cricketer from Punjab is most likely to be ranked third. To truly claim the space as his own, he must complete a key assignment. Last season, he only appeared in one game for PBKS; but, with fewer resources this time around, PBKS may need to include him more frequently. In 41 20-over games, he has scored 1156 runs at a respectable 37.29.
Liam Livingstone: Liam Livingstone needs to deliver more frequently if PBKS is to establish any rhythm in the middle order. He has the ability to clean house on any bowling machine on any given day. Livingstone has a talent for breaking those barriers and good timing with the ball. He performed admirably in the IPL 2022 season, hitting 437 runs at a respectable 36.42. His strike rate was 182.08 percent.
Jitesh Sharma: The wicket-keeper batter would have to bear the burden of making his contribution to PBKS known. Jitesh, a potential player, will play in many games this season, thus he needs to deliver. Jitesh scored 234 runs at a 29.25 each in 12 games during his first campaign in 2022. He needs to increase those figures and be more noticeable when it counts.
Shahrukh Khan: Shahrukh was selected by Punjab for a significant money in the IPL 2022 mega auction, however he was unable to live up to his asking price. Punjab also purchased him at the IPL 2021 auction for a significant sum. The quiet Shahrukh struggled to express himself in 8 games last season, scoring just 117 runs. If PBKS is to make a serious postseason push, he must significantly step up.
Rishi Dhawan: After a six-year absence, all-rounder Rishi Dhawan returned to the IPL. Prior to making his Punjab debut in 2017, he played in the IPL for the last time in 2016. He scored 37 runs and took six wickets in six games. PBKS required an all-arounder in the ranks, therefore the skilled Dhawan has to build upon his presence.
Sam Curran: Sam Curran, an Englishman, has formerly played for Chennai and Punjab. He will return to the IPL 2022 after missing it to show off his promise. The left-arm bowler has taken 32 victims at 31.09 over 32 IPL games. He has 337 runs scored through hitting. Curran, one of the best all-round bowlers, has the ability to influence events.
Kagiso Rabada: With the ball, the South African fast bowler leads the PBKS line. Rabada had a strong campaign for PBKS last year, recording 23 kills. Rabada, a former bowler for the Delhi Capitals, has taken 15 or more victims in each of the last four seasons. He was the IPL 2020 Purple Cap winner. (30 wickets). The versatility of Rabada will be a deadly tool for Dhawan’s team.
Rahul Chahar: He is the primary PBKS option for spin, and he will need to bowl well in IPL 2023 if he wants to play again for India. Chahar has 57 IPL wickets, and in his first campaign with Punjab last year, he took 14 for the team. Although he is a crucial wicket-taker, his economy rate has to be lower.
Arshdeep Singh: Arshdeep’s talent for PBKS helped him land a spot in India’s 20-over squads, where he eventually established himself as a regular. He took an astounding 18 in the IPL 2021 and an additional 10 the previous year. In 26 games for India, he has taken 41 victims for a rating of 17.78. In the last five overs, Arshdeep has been a reliable client, and Punjab will benefit greatly from his contributions.
