Can experienced campaigners do the heavy lifting for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2024?
Punjab Kings (PBKS) - Team Profile
Owners: KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited
Captain: Shikhar Dhawan
Coach: Trevor Bayliss
Previous edition: 8th
Title: None
Punjab Kings (PBKS) are one of the four teams not to win the title yet in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While they played quality cricket in patches last season, PBKS again had a similar run in IPL 2023. They won only six of their 14 games and attained 12 points in the league stage.
Aajao fer dhol valeyo! πΊ
β Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 16, 2024
Aa lo ji pesh aa tuhade samne, Punjab de sunehre rangaan naal bani hoyi πππππ’ πππ―π’ πππ«π¬ππ², πππ«π¬ππ², πππ«π¬ππ²! π€©π₯#SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #JazbaHaiPunjabi I @playR_vip pic.twitter.com/yp7cUHKpFI
Consequently, PBKS failed to qualify for playoffs again and ended in the eighth position in the points table. The Punjab-based franchise made some notable signings in the IPL 2024 auction to cover a few loopholes. They have a few exciting players in the squad and will look to perform better than the previous edition.
Shikhar Dhawan, an IPL veteran, will lead the team again. Trevor Bayliss will be at the helm of the coaching department. Last year, Punjab Kings progressed impressively, and this duo would hope to take the team forward in the right direction.
Complete PBKS Squad for IPL 2024
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
Team News (Injuries and replacements)
Punjab Kings donβt have any injury or unavailability concerns yet.
Also Read: Will Rishabh Pant's presence be enough for Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2024?
Probable PBKS Playing XI for IPL 2024
| Bat 1st |
Field 1st |
| Shikhar Dhawan (c) |
Shikhar Dhawan (c) |
| Jonny Bairstow |
Jonny Bairstow |
| Prabhsimran Singh |
Atharva Taide |
| Atharva Taide |
Liam Livingstone |
| Liam Livingstone |
Jitesh Sharma (wk) |
| Jitesh Sharma (wk) |
Sam Curran |
| Sam Curran |
Harpreet Brar |
| Harpreet Brar |
Harshal Patel |
| Harshal Patel |
Nathan Ellis |
| Nathan Ellis |
Rahul Chahar |
| Rahul Chahar |
Arshdeep Singh |
| Impact Sub: Prabhsimran Singh OUT Arshdeep Singh IN |
Impact Sub: Arshdeep Singh OUT Prabhsimran Singh IN |
Strengths
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Punjab Kings have two solid and consistent IPL openers in Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow. While Bairstow didnβt have a great IPL 2022, he is a quality batter and can win matches singlehandedly.
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PBKS can maintain an RHB-LHB combination throughout the batting order.
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PBKS have several consistent boundary-hitters in their batting unit.
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PBKS have depth in the batting order.
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On paper, Punjab Kings have several seasoned campaigners in their squad.
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PBKS have decent backups for their regular starters in the squad.
Weaknesses
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Punjab Kingsβ overseas players have been inconsistent at times.
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PBKS lack a spin-hitter in the middle order. Atharva Taide, Liam Livingstone, and Sam Curran can be agitated by spinners, while Jitesh Sharma might not face ample spin due to batting in the lower order.
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PBKS donβt have a proven pace-hitter in the lower order. While Sam Curran is a decent batter, he is not a consistent boundary-scorer against quality pace bowling. Jitesh Sharma might have to bat out of position and do finishing duties.
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PBKS donβt have quality spinners who can provide breakthroughs consistently. Rahul Chahar had an abysmal IPL 2023, while Harpreet Brar is not a wicket-taker. The other options available in the squad donβt have much experience at this level.
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While PBKS have prominent names in their squad, most of them are inconsistent and often concede too many runs. Arshdeep Singh, Sam Curran, and Harshal Patel were all expensive in IPL 2023.
PBKSβ IPL 2024 Fixtures/Schedule
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PBKS vs DC - 23rd March, 3:30 PM IST
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RCB vs PBKS - 25th March, 7:30 PM IST
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LSG vs PBKS - 30th March, 7:30 PM IST
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GT vs PBKS - 4th April, 7:30 PM IST
IPL 2024 Season Prediction
Undoubtedly, Punjab Kings have quality in both batting and bowling departments. However, inconsistency has been their most significant problem since inception. A lot will depend on how long they manage to keep performing.
The return of Jonny Bairstow has definitely bolstered the batting attack. Harshal Patelβs inclusion has provided an experienced local pacer for arduous phases. However, the absence of a quality finisher and a spinner is a massive concern.
The squad looks promising overall. Punjab Kings should at least qualify for playoffs in IPL 2024. However, they might not win the trophy.
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