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PBKS in IPL 2024: Team preview
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have had some of the most promising cricketers since the Indian Premier League (IPL) started back in 2008. Brett Lee, Yuvraj Singh, Glenn Maxwell, David Miller, George Bailey, and several other big names have played for them over the years.
But despite that, PBKS are yet to get their hands on the trophy. Back in 2014, they advanced to the final where they lost to Gautam Gambhir’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. Since that time, PBKS have never made their way through to the playoffs.
They have had KL Rahul, David Miller, and Ravi Ashwin as their skippers, but none of them were able to turn their fortunes around. In the previous edition of the T20 tournament, they finished eight in the league stage and crashed out.
Shikhar Dhawan recently lost out on a central contract from the BCCI and has not played international cricket for quite some time. However, he remains a crucial member of the Kings. Being one of the most experienced cricketers in India, a lot will depend on him if PBKS are to win their maiden title.
It is pertinent to note that Dhawan has not played any form of cricket since Punjab’s match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) back on May 19, 2023 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. Hence, it is not known if he is in the right shape for the championship.
In the auction that took place last year, PBKS bought Chris Woakes, Harshal Patel, Ashutosh Sharma, Shashank Singh, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Prince Choudhary, Tanay Thyagarajann and Rilee Rossouw.
But after a disappointing season last time around, the Kings released Mohit Rathee, Raj Angad Bawa, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shahrukh Khan and Baltej Singh.
Full PBKS squad for IPL 2024
The Kings shelled out INR 11.75 crore for Harshal Patel, who made a move from the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Harshal jointly holds the record for most wickets picked in a single edition of the IPL.
PBKS bought Rilee Rossouw for INR 8 crore after Delhi Capitals released the southpaw. Rossouw is currently the captain of the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024.
Punjab also secured the services of Chris Woakes, who has enough experience of playing in the IPL.
PBKS squad
Shikhar Dhawan (c), Matthew Short, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Sikandar Raza, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Shivam Singh, Harshal Patel, Chris Woakes, Ashutosh Sharma, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Shashank Singh, Tanay Thyagarajann, Prince Choudhary, Rilee Rossouw.
Strengths
- Exciting youngsters
The Kings have some exciting young talents in the form of Arshdeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Rahul Chahar and Jitesh Sharma, who all are proven match-winners on their day.
- Quality all-rounders
Sikandar Raza and Sam Curran are the all-rounders for the Kings in the IPL. Raza has been in spectacular form in T20 cricket all around the world and
- Power-hitters
Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, and Sikandar Raza are batters, who can play the big shots in the death overs. The likes of Jitesh Sharma and Rishi Dhawan are also more than capable batters.
𝐒𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐚 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐝 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 🔒#IPL2024Auction #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #JazbaHaiPunjabi pic.twitter.com/JTOYtwTi7m
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 19, 2023
Weaknesses
- Limited spin-bowling options
The Kings do not have enough spin bowlers, a reason of concern for them. Rahul Chahar will be expected to shoulder a chunk of the workload. If Raza plays, he is one option that PBKS can use.
- Lack of established Indian cricketers
Apart from Shikhar Dhawan, the Indian players, especially in the batting department, do not have a lot of experience.
- Jonny Bairstow’s indifferent form
Jonny Bairstow did not have the best of times in the 5-match Test series against India. He struggled against quality and it remains to be seen how he plays in the IPL for the Kings.
PBKS Predicted XI
1. Shikhar Dhawan
2. Jonny Bairstow
3. Prabhsimran Singh
4. Liam Livingstone
5. Jitesh Sharma
6. Sam Curran
7. Rishi Dhawan
8. Harshal Patel
9. Kagiso Rabada
10. Rahul Chahar
11. Arshdeep Singh
Harry paa da 𝗡𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵! 😉🔥#HarpreetBhatia #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #JazbaHaiPunjabi pic.twitter.com/dRXSJ4eRKD
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 14, 2024
Impact player options for PBKS
Matthew Short was a part of the PBKS last season and he played some decent knocks for them. Short is also a handy off-break bowler. He has also been highly effective for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL). The Punjab team can make use of him as an Impact Player.
Rilee Rossouw may not get into the playing XI of the Punjab team right away. But given the experience he has in T20 cricket, he can be a handy addition to a team. If the Kings need an extra batter, then they can think of using him as an Impact Player.
Harpreet Brar can be devastating with bat and ball, and he is another option as an Impact Player of the Punjab Kings.
Season prediction
Punjab Kings may again struggle to qualify for the playoffs. They may have to wait another season to finish in the top four. They have the firepower, but lack enough depth to challenge big teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI) and others.
It should not raise eyebrows if PBKS end at sixth or below in the league stage. Dhawan has a huge task on his hands to help the Punjab-based team make some impact in the tournament.
Dhawan may also be rusty, having almost not played cricket for 12 months. The rustiness might show in his batting and captaincy in the first few matches of the competition.
If Dhawan takes time to find his rhythm, the likes of Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma need to step up. Last year, Prabhsimran racked up a hundred and he needs to be on top of his game.
Arshdeep Singh and Kagiso Rabada will be Punjab’s best bet in the pace-bowling department. Sam Curran had a rough season with the ball last season and he needs to find his form at the earliest. Overall, PBKS need to be on top of their game if they want to fight past big teams.
