PBKS Playing XI vs KKR: Punjab Kings Playing XI – Shikhar Dhawan’s Punjab Kings will bat first in their IPL 2023 opener. Punjab have handed debuts to Sam Curran and Sikandar Raza, while Prabhsimran Singh will open the batting. Nathan Ellis fills in for Kagiso Rabada, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa will bat at No.3 Follow PBKS vs KKR LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN
Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Shikhar Dhawan(c), Prabhsimran Singh(w), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Shahrukh Khan, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Nathan Ellis, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh
Punjab Kings will miss the services of Kagiso Rabada for the first two games as the South African pacer has international commitments. It is a telling blow given Rabada’s contribution last season. In his absence, Arshdeep Singh will lead the attack. Nathan Ellis should feature in Rabada’s absence.
Jonny Bairstow was ruled out for the season with Matthew Short coming in as a replacement. Whether Short straightaway gets into the team remains to be seen. However, his chances have increased with Liam Livingstone yet to receive a NOC. The English all-rounder is also out of contention for the first game. In his absence, Punjab can count on in-form Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza. Bhanuka Rajapaksa is also in the mix.
There is no substitute for 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤! 👊🏻
Jazba dekho sadde sheron ka. 🦁🔥#JazbaHaiPunjabi #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/cJ7kmT3qur
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 28, 2023
PBKS have hit the reset button again, with Shikhar Dhawan becoming their 14th full time skipper in 16 seasons. Trevor Bayliss has been roped in as the new head coach and will to end Punjab’s title drought. While they have enough overseas power, their Indian batting looks weak.
Shikhar Dhawan is the only notable and reliable Indian top order batsman. Jitesh Sharma will keep wickets and made his name as a finisher. Shah Rukh Khan and Prabhsimran Singh will have to repay the faith shown by the management should PBKS harbour playoff hopes.
Punjab Kings IPL 2023 Squad
Matthew Short, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Harpreet Singh, Atharva Taide, Shahrukh Khan, Shivam Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Liam Livingstone, Sikandar Raza, Harpreet Brar, Sam Curran, Rishi Dhawan, Raj Bawa, Mohit Rathee, Baltej Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis, Vidhwath Kaverappa, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh
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